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The Region of Waterloo International Airport, also known as the Kitchener/Waterloo Airport, is the closest airport to Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, located just 16km from the city centre. However, this airport is relatively small and does not support long-haul international flights. For long-haul flights, the closest airport is Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), located 87km from Kitchener. Another option for domestic flights is John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport, 71km from Kitchener.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nearest Airport | Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF/CYKF) |
| Distance to Kitchener | 16 km |
| Other Nearby Airports | Toronto Pearson International Airport (87 km), John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport (71 km), Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (106 km) |
| Long-Haul International Flights | Not available at YKF, need to use Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) |
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What You'll Learn
Region of Waterloo International Airport
The Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF/CYKF) is the closest major airport to Kitchener, Ontario, Canada. It is located 16 km from the centre of Kitchener and is accessible via Highway 7 to the north and Highway 401 to the south. The airport was previously known as Waterloo Regional Airport until 2004 when Northwest Airlines announced it would operate daily flights to Detroit, Michigan. Today, the airport operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and offers a range of passenger amenities, including free Wi-Fi, high-speed internet, an ATM, a licensed sit-down cafe, charging stations, complimentary luggage carts, and well-lit outdoor parking close to the terminal. The Region of Waterloo International Airport is also accessible for those who require assistance, with services including wheelchairs and passenger escort available upon request from your airline.
The airport has a long history in the region, with the Kitchener-Waterloo Municipal Airport, also known as Lexington Airport, constructed on the Heinrich farm on Lexington Road in 1929. The completed airfield in 1930 was primarily used for flying instruction. Following World War II, the demand for a larger aviation facility in the area grew, leading to the acquisition of a new site in Breslau, Ontario, by the Waterloo-Wellington Airport Commission in 1948. This new airfield became operational in 1950, and the original airport was sold and redeveloped. In 1969, the airport transitioned into a general aviation facility, and from 1951 to 1973, it was managed by the Waterloo-Wellington Flying Club. After selling it to Waterloo Region and the City of Guelph, it became publicly owned and was renamed Waterloo Regional Airport.
Today, the Region of Waterloo International Airport is a bustling facility, consistently ranking as one of the top 20 busiest airports in Canada. It is home to 25 businesses that collectively employ 300 people and contribute $90 million annually to the local economy. The airport caters to both commercial and corporate flights, as well as general aviation services. In recent years, there have been improvements and expansions, including the construction of a new air traffic control tower in 2017 and the approval of $44 million in funding for further expansion in 2021.
In terms of transportation to and from the airport, Grand River Transit, the local public transit operator, has introduced bus routes connecting the airport to the surrounding area. Additionally, Air Canada has announced plans to launch exclusive luxury shuttle buses between the Region of Waterloo International Airport (or Hamilton Airport) and Toronto Pearson International Airport. These developments enhance the accessibility and convenience of the airport for travellers.
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Toronto Pearson International Airport
Toronto Pearson offers a range of parking options, including long-term parking and curbside pick-up, ensuring convenience for travellers. The airport also provides various ground transportation options, such as car rentals, taxis, limos, and public transit buses. Additionally, the Terminal Link train offers a 24-hour, automated inter-terminal transportation service, connecting Terminal 1, Terminal 3, and the Toronto Pearson Viscount station.
The airport is well-equipped to handle a significant volume of international air cargo, with three main cargo facilities: Cargo West (Infield), Cargo East (VISTA), and Cargo North (FedEx). Toronto Pearson also maintains robust fire and emergency services, with three stations and over 80 firefighters, ensuring the safety of airport operations.
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London International Airport
The airport has a focus on providing an exceptional passenger experience, with convenient flights and low-cost parking. It is located approximately 15 minutes from downtown London, making it a preferred choice for many travellers.
The history of London International Airport dates back to the 1920s when the Government of Canada initiated a program to stimulate civil aviation growth through the establishment of flying clubs. The London Flying Club was formed under this program. In 1935, the city decided to replace the original London Airport, and during World War II, the new airport was leased to the Government of Canada for military and civilian aviation.
Today, London International Airport continues to serve the region, providing easy access to London and the surrounding areas.
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Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport
The airport is accessible from downtown Toronto via a complimentary shuttle bus service, as well as through a pedestrian tunnel and a ferry system that connects the island to the mainland. The airport has one main east-west runway, a shorter runway 20 degrees off, and a seaplane base called the Billy Bishop Toronto City Water Aerodrome.
Billy Bishop Airport is used for regional airline services and general aviation, including medical evacuation flights, small charter flights, and private aviation. Jet aircraft are banned from the airport, except for MEDEVAC flights. The airport is operated by PortsToronto (formerly Toronto Port Authority), a federal corporation that also manages Toronto Harbour.
In 2017, the airport was named the "Best Airport in North America" in two categories based on 2016 surveys. It was ranked 124th in the world and worst in Canada by AirHelp in 2019, with on-time performance rated at 5.8/10, service at 8.1/10, and food and service at 7.0/10.
The airport provides a range of services and amenities, including complimentary baggage carts, nursing pods, duty-free shopping, and a Lost and Found. The airport lounges and restaurants offer locally sourced menus, providing an authentic taste of Toronto.
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John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport
The airport opened in 1940 as Mount Hope Airport, primarily serving as a Royal Canadian Air Force base. After World War II, the base closed and the airport transitioned to civil use, attracting regional and international passenger services. Today, the airport serves the city of Hamilton and adjacent areas of Southern Ontario, including the Greater Toronto Area. It is the third-largest cargo airport in Canada and the largest overnight express cargo airport in the country.
The airport has been managed by the Vantage Group since 1996, when it transitioned from local municipal to private operation. Vantage Group has made significant investments in the airport, including terminal enhancements and infrastructure upgrades, to improve the passenger experience and ensure the airport's competitiveness in cargo operations.
Located 71 kilometres from Kitchener, John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport is a convenient option for travellers looking for an alternative to larger airports in the region. It provides easy access to the Greater Toronto and Hamilton areas and offers daily flights to various destinations within Canada.
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Frequently asked questions
The Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF / CYKF) is the nearest major airport to Kitchener, located just 16km from the city centre. This airport caters to both international and domestic flights.
Yes, there are several other airports within a 100km radius of Kitchener, including:
- John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport (71km from Kitchener)
- Toronto Pearson International Airport (87km from Kitchener)
- Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (106km from Kitchener)
WestJet and Flair Airlines operate from the Region of Waterloo International Airport.
The Region of Waterloo International Airport is the closest international airport to Kitchener. However, it is a small airport and does not support long-haul international flights.
You can take the GO Bus or GO TRAIN to Weston Station and transfer to the Union Pearson Express. This option is relatively cheap, with tickets costing around $15 one way.
