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Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport, also known as YOW, is located in Ottawa, ON, Canada. It is one of eight Canadian airports with United States border preclearance facilities and is the second-largest airport in the country. The airport consists of two distinct airfields, with the north field being smaller and popular for general aviation, and the south field home to two longer runways designed for jet airliners. YOW covers a total area of 1,686 hectares and is home to several aviation component repair facilities, government hangars, and wind tunnels.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport |
| Airport Code | YOW |
| Location | Uplands, Ottawa, Canada |
| Size | 1,686 hectares (4,166 acres) |
| Terminals | 2 |
| History | Formerly a military base known as CFB Ottawa South/CFB Uplands; still home to the RCAF's 412 Transport Squadron |
| Transportation | Taxi, public transportation, airport shuttle, rideshare, car rental |
| Parking | Available and accepts credit cards |
| Amenities | Restaurants, shops, WiFi, wheelchair accessible |
| Border Preclearance | United States preclearance facilities; Global Entry Enrollment on Arrival (EOA) |
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What You'll Learn
Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW)
YOW has come a long way since its early days. It was originally a military base called CFB Ottawa South/CFB Uplands, and it still houses the Royal Canadian Air Force's 412 Transport Squadron, which provides air transport for government officials. The airport has undergone significant developments over the years, including the construction of a new terminal building that opened in October 2003, replacing the original terminal and expanding the airport's capacity. This terminal was designed by architect Richard Brisbin and efficiently handles all airline passenger traffic.
The airport has an impressive range of airlines and destinations. As of May 2025, eight airlines operate from YOW, including major carriers such as Air Canada, Air France, United, and WestJet. Passengers can travel to 57 airports worldwide, with 35 direct destinations. The airport also serves as a gateway to the eastern Arctic via Iqaluit and offers flights to several destinations in the United States, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport has received recognition for its excellence. In 2010, it won the Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Award for Best Airport in the World in the 2–5 million passengers category. It also received three Airport Revenue News Best Airport Concessions Awards in the same year. The airport continues to evolve, with investments and expansions ensuring it can meet the demands of increasing air traffic.
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The airport is Canada's capital airport
The airport, officially named Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport, is Canada's capital airport. It is located on a high plateau south of Ottawa and is one of eight Canadian airports with United States border preclearance facilities. The airport consists of two distinct airfields connected by a taxiway. The smaller north field, originally known as Uplands, was founded in the late 1920s by the Ottawa Flying Club, which still operates from the field. The north field is popular for general aviation, with only one of its runways, 04/22, still in use. The south field has two longer runways, 07/25 and 14/32, designed for jet airliners. The public passenger terminal is located on the north side of the intersection of the two runways.
Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport is a significant hub for aviation in Canada, with nine airlines offering flights to 39 destinations as of May 2025. The airport covers a vast area of 1,686 hectares (4,166 acres) and features a range of facilities, including aviation component repair facilities and hangars operated by the Government of Canada. The Canada Reception Centre, for instance, is used to greet visiting dignitaries. Additionally, the National Research Council operates two facilities on the north side, including two wind tunnels, one of which has supersonic capabilities.
The airport has a rich history, initially serving as a military base known as CFB Ottawa South/CFB Uplands. It played a crucial role during World War II, hosting the No. 2 Service Flying Training School for the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, providing advanced pilot training in Harvard and Yale aircraft. In 1950, the airport expanded southward, resulting in the expropriation of the nearby farming community of Bowesville. The current main airport terminal stands on what was once the centre of this village.
Today, Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport continues to be an important gateway to Canada's capital, offering a range of domestic and international flight options for travellers. With its size, facilities, and historical significance, it plays a vital role in the country's aviation industry and contributes to the vibrant air travel landscape in Canada.
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It is located on a high plateau south of Ottawa
The Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport, also known by its airport code YOW, is located on a high plateau south of Ottawa. The airport is one of eight Canadian airports with United States border preclearance facilities. It is Canada's second-biggest airport, with 8 airlines flying from Ottawa to 57 airports around the world. YOW covers 1,686 hectares (4,166 acres) of total airport property.
The airport consists of two distinct airfields connected by a taxiway. The smaller north field, originally called Uplands, was founded in the late 1920s by the Ottawa Flying Club. The north field is still popular for general aviation, although only one of its runways, 04/22, is in use. The south field has two longer runways, 07/25 and 14/32, designed for jet airliners. The public passenger terminal is on the north side of the intersection of the two runways.
The airport was once a military base known as CFB Ottawa South/CFB Uplands, and it is still home to the Royal Canadian Air Force's (RCAF) 412 Transport Squadron, which provides air transport for Canadian and foreign government officials. Several hangars were constructed during World War II, but they were all demolished by the early 2000s. There are also aviation component repair facilities on the airport grounds, mostly around the Skyservice complex. The Government of Canada operates a number of hangars, including the Canada Reception Centre, which is used to greet visiting dignitaries.
The airport offers a range of services and facilities for travellers, including a curb-to-cabin concierge service, a premium guest experience with food and beverage options, and a designated animal relief area. Airline check-in counters are located on Level 3, with separate check-in areas for Canada/International and U.S.-bound flights.
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YOW has a second terminal, designed by Richard Brisbin
Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport, also known as YOW, is located 8 nautical miles (15 km or 9.2 mi) south of downtown Ottawa, Canada. It is the sixth-busiest airport in Canada and the second-busiest in Ontario by airline passenger traffic, serving 4,606,824 passengers in 2024.
YOW covers an expanse of 1,686 hectares (4,166 acres) of total airport property. In 2000, the Ottawa Airport Authority announced plans to build a second, adjacent terminal to accommodate increased traffic. This second terminal was designed by architect Richard Brisbin and was completed ahead of schedule, opening in October 2003. The terminal building handles all airline passenger traffic and features a soothing water feature representing the meeting of the region's three rivers, with copper and limestone finishes that honour the capital's Parliament Buildings.
The original terminal and tower, built in 1960, were designed in a modernist International style by architects James Strutt, William Gilleland, and W.A. of Transport Canada. The new terminal was designed with a focus on creating a calm and easy travel experience for passengers while also celebrating aspects of the region through art. The expansion added 12 gates, seven jetways, and over 7,000 square metres (75,000 square feet) of space.
The architecture and engineering contract for the YOW terminal was awarded to YOW Consultants, an alliance between the Ottawa firm Brisbin Brook Branyon (BBB) and Architecture Planning Interiors Inc. of Vancouver. The terminal's stylised structural components were designed in partnership with GENIVAR, creating an elegant, efficient, and avant-garde roof design. The project was managed by the MRM project management team, a joint venture between Marshall Macklin Monaghan Limited of Toronto and J L Richards and Associates Limited.
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The airport has a range of facilities, including shops and restaurants
The Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport (YOW) is located in Ottawa, Canada. The airport covers a total area of 1,686 hectares (4,166 acres) and consists of two distinct airfields, with several shops and restaurants.
The airport has a convenience store called Relay, which offers a range of products, including travel and electronic accessories, magazines, newspapers, health and beauty items, drinks, and snacks. Additionally, there is a store called No Boundaries, which offers outdoor apparel and accessories, such as jackets, vests, backpacks, rain gear, and camping essentials. For those looking for locally sourced gifts and confections, The Locks is the place to go. The airport also has an iStore, which offers a wide range of digital products, including tablets, smartwatches, cell phones, and headphones.
When it comes to food and beverage options, YOW has a variety of choices. Bridgehead, a local favourite, offers upscale pub fare, including salads, burgers, and breakfast items, along with freshly brewed coffee and tea. They also sell coffee beans and tea as souvenirs. For those looking for a quick bite, there are options for smoothies, fresh-squeezed juices, paninis, quesadillas, and wraps.
The airport also has several aviation component repair facilities, hangars used by the Government of Canada, and facilities operated by the National Research Council and Transport Canada. The airport is easily navigable with the help of airport maps available online.
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Frequently asked questions
The airport for Ottawa YOW is called Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport. It is located in Ottawa, ON, Canada.
The airport code for the Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport is YOW.
The Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport covers an expanse of 1,686 hectares (4,166 acres) of total airport property.
