Ruth Haines
Alberta, Canada, is served by several international airports, including Edmonton International Airport and Calgary International Airport. In this topic, we will explore the facilities and destinations offered by these airports, as well as their history and future expansion plans. With non-stop flights to numerous global destinations, these airports play a crucial role in connecting Alberta to the world, facilitating tourism, business, and cultural exchange.
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What You'll Learn
Calgary International Airport
There are several international airports in Alberta, Canada. One of the primary international airports in Alberta is the Calgary International Airport (IATA: YYC, ICAO: CYYC), which serves the city of Calgary. Located approximately 17 kilometres (11 miles) northeast of downtown Calgary, the airport covers an area of 20.82 square kilometres (8.04 square miles). With 18.9 million passengers in 2024 and 202,497 aircraft movements in 2023, Calgary International Airport is not only the busiest airport in Alberta but also the fourth busiest in all of Canada.
The history of Calgary International Airport dates back to the 1950s. In 1956, a new passenger terminal was constructed, which was dubbed one of the most modern air terminals in Canada at the time. This terminal, known as McCall Field, saw significant traffic, with nearly 1,000,000 pounds (450,000 kg) of cargo passing through in 1957. However, the city of Calgary struggled to afford the upgrades needed to accommodate increasing aircraft traffic. As a result, in 1966, the Calgary Municipal Airport was sold to the federal government, paving the way for much-needed improvements.
The federal government's involvement brought about significant changes. Runways were refurbished, and plans were made to construct a new passenger terminal. Despite delays, the new terminal finally opened in October 1977, at a cost of $130 million. This terminal, boasting 600,000 square feet of space, remains the core of the airport's domestic operations today. It was a significant upgrade, attracting prestigious airlines such as British Airways and accommodating the arrival of the Jumbo Jet age in Calgary.
Today, Calgary International Airport offers nonstop flights to a wide range of destinations across North and Central America, Europe, and Asia. The region's petroleum industry and proximity to tourist attractions like Banff National Park have contributed to the airport's growth. The airport is easily accessible, with taxi, ride-sharing services, and bus shuttle services connecting it to the city and surrounding areas. With its high passenger traffic and dynamic growth, Calgary International Airport continues to be a vital transportation hub in Alberta, Canada.
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Edmonton International Airport
There are international airports in Alberta, Canada, including Edmonton International Airport. The airport is located approximately 28.3 km (17.6 mi) from downtown Edmonton and is the smallest of Alberta's international airports. It is also Canada's largest airport by total land area, covering just under 28 km2 (7,000 acres). It is the fifth busiest airport in Canada by passenger traffic and the ninth busiest by aircraft movements, serving 7,919,690 passengers in 2024.
The airport serves as the headquarters for two major Canadian airlines: passenger carrier Flair Airlines and cargo carrier Morningstar Air Express. It first opened on November 15, 1960, with an arch hangar as its first terminal. A passenger terminal built in the international style was opened in 1963 and remains in use as the North Terminal. The airport soon offered international service, with Canadian Pacific Airlines operating nonstop flights to Amsterdam with Bristol Britannia turboprop aircraft several times a week. By 1961, Canadian Pacific had introduced Douglas DC-8 jetliners on the same route. Other international routes from the airport in the 1960s included Minneapolis/St. Paul–Milwaukee–New York City (now JFK Airport) and direct flights to London's Heathrow Airport and Paris Orly Airport.
During the 1970s, the airport experienced rapid growth in traffic as the city of Edmonton grew, serving approximately 2 million passengers by 1980. However, from the early 1980s to 1995, traffic declined due to the continued use of the Edmonton City Centre Airport and a slowing economy. Growth returned in 1995, and in 1998, the airport began a $282 million redevelopment project that included the construction of the south terminal, a commuter facility, and a multistorey parkade.
Today, the airport offers non-stop flights to more than 50 destinations across Canada, the USA, Europe, Mexico, and the Caribbean. It has a simple vision: "More flights to more places." The airport is also committed to enhancing accessibility and welcomes feedback from passengers and employees on its Accessibility Plan.
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Fort McMurray Airport
There are several international airports in Alberta, Canada, including the Edmonton International Airport and the smallest of them all, the Fort McMurray Airport.
Fort McMurray International Airport (IATA: YMM, ICAO: CYMM) is located in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, Alberta, Canada. It is the largest airport in northern Alberta, serving Fort McMurray and the surrounding areas. The airport is about 13 km (8.1 mi) southeast of Fort McMurray.
The airport has two terminals: the main terminal and the original terminal. The main terminal is the primary hub for domestic and international flights, offering various services and amenities to passengers. The original terminal has been repurposed to house aviation-related businesses and facilities. Fort McMurray International Airport provides a range of services and amenities, including retail shops, food and beverage outlets, car rental services, and free Wi-Fi access throughout the terminal. The airport's food and beverage program has been recognised for its quality and variety.
The Fort McMurray Airport Authority was established in 2010 to manage the airport and ensure its efficient operation. The airport has since undergone developments and expansions to accommodate increasing passenger traffic and improve facilities.
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Wainwright/Camp Wainwright Field Airport
There are several international airports in Alberta, Canada, including the Edmonton International Airport, which is about 28.3 km (17.6 miles) from downtown Edmonton. This airport, also known as YEG, is the fifth busiest airport in Canada, serving 8.2 million passengers annually and offering non-stop flights to over 50 destinations worldwide. Additionally, there is a smaller international airport in Alberta, located near Fort McMurray, which provides flights to seven non-stop destinations, including Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, and Fort Chipewyan. This airport also offers seasonal flights to Tucson, Arizona.
Now, let's focus on the Wainwright/Camp Wainwright Field Airport, which is a smaller airport in Alberta, Canada. This airfield is situated approximately 9 nautical miles (17 km or 10 miles) west of Wainwright, in the Canadian province of Alberta. It is owned by the Department of National Defence and is an integral part of CFB Wainwright. The airport boasts a 5,036-foot (1,535-meter) grass strip runway, providing a natural surface for aircraft take-offs and landings.
The airport is strategically positioned to serve the town of Wainwright and the surrounding communities. Its proximity to the town ensures convenient access for military personnel and any civilians authorised to utilise the airfield. The airport's role as part of CFB Wainwright underscores its significance in military operations and training within the region. While it primarily caters to military aviation, it may also facilitate civilian flights under specific circumstances, such as emergency landings or authorised civilian aircraft movements.
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Calgary to Banff National Park bus shuttle
Yes, there are international airports in Alberta, Canada. The Edmonton International Airport, also known as YEG, is one of them. It is located 28.3 km (17.6 mi) from downtown Edmonton and serves 8.2 million passengers annually with non-stop flights to over 50 destinations worldwide. Another international airport in Alberta is located 13 km (8.1 mi) southeast of Fort McMurray, offering flights to seven non-stop destinations, including Calgary, Edmonton, and Toronto, with seasonal flights to Tucson, Arizona.
When it comes to travelling from Calgary to Banff National Park, there are shuttle bus services available. The Calgary Airport Shuttle Bus, operated by Banff Airporter®, provides a comfortable and convenient option for travellers. With friendly local drivers and clean buses, passengers can sit back, relax, and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Canadian Rockies.
Additionally, visitors can take advantage of bus routes served by Red Arrow, with major pick-up points in cities like Calgary, Edmonton, Lethbridge, and Red Deer. These bus services offer an affordable and accessible way to travel between Calgary and Banff National Park.
It is important to note that in addition to shuttle fees, visitors to Banff National Park are required to purchase a Park Pass for entry. This can be done online in advance to save time and hassle when arriving at the park entrance. With convenient transit and shuttle options, getting from Calgary to Banff National Park can be a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Overall, whether arriving by air or travelling within Alberta, visitors have a range of options to choose from when planning their journey to Banff National Park from Calgary. By considering their preferences for comfort, convenience, and budget, they can select the most suitable shuttle service or bus route to make their trip memorable and hassle-free.
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