Lois Larson
As of November 2021, there were 18 airports in Canada accepting international flights, up from 10 previously. This was part of the Canadian government's phased approach to easing border measures, which prioritized the health and safety of its people. The expansion was made possible due to increased vaccination levels, with federal rules requiring proof of vaccination for travel by plane. Travellers were given the option of using a rapid antigen test or a PCR test. The airports that were added include St. John's International, Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International, and John C. Munro Hamilton International, among others.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | November 30, 2021 |
| Number of Airports | 10+ |
| Names of Airports | St. John's International Airport, John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport, Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International Airport, Halifax Stanfield International Airport, Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport, Montréal-Trudeau International Airport, Ottawa/Macdonald–Cartier International Airport, Toronto Pearson International Airport, Billy Bishop Toronto City Centre Airport, Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport, Edmonton International Airport, Calgary International Airport, Vancouver International Airport, Gander Airport, Calgary International Airport, Saskatoon International Airport, Regina International Airport, Winnipeg International Airport, Toronto Pearson International Airport, Toronto Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, Hamilton International Airport, Waterloo International Airport, Ottawa International Airport, Victoria International Airport, Kelowna International Airport, Abbotsford International Airport |
| Vaccination Requirements | Yes, for passengers 12 years and older |
| Testing Requirements | Yes, either a rapid antigen test or a PCR test |
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What You'll Learn
Canadian airports that accept international flights
As of November 2021, the Canadian government has allowed international flights to land at the following airports, in addition to the ones that were already operational:
- St. John's International
- John C. Munro Hamilton International
- Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International
As of February 2022, international flights were permitted to land at 18 Canadian airports. These included:
- Toronto Pearson International Airport
- Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport
- Calgary International Airport
- Vancouver International Airport
As of August 2023, there are 13 airports designated as international by Transport Canada. However, this does not include airports that only serve transborder air traffic with the USA.
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Vaccine requirements for air travel
As of November 2021, there were 10 Canadian airports accepting international flights, with three more added to the list: St. John's International, John C. Munro Hamilton International, and Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International. As of August 2023, there are 13 airports designated as international by Transport Canada.
Regarding vaccine requirements for air travel to Canada, the Canadian government has implemented a phased approach to easing border restrictions, taking into account vaccination rates and the epidemiological situation. Increased vaccination levels have allowed the safe reopening of airports for international travel.
The CDC recommends that all international travellers be fully vaccinated with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine before travelling to Canada, as measles cases are rising globally. The CDC also suggests visiting a doctor at least a month before your trip to discuss any other vaccines or medications you may need.
When travelling to Canada, it is recommended to wear a well-fitted mask or respirator. If you experience any COVID-19 symptoms during your travel or upon arrival, you should inform the flight attendant or border services officer. You may be referred to a Quarantine Officer for further assessment and direction. Additionally, it is recommended to check the provincial or territorial requirements for symptomatic or positive COVID-19 cases.
To facilitate a smooth entry process, international travellers can use Advance Declaration in ArriveCAN to submit customs and immigration declarations before flying into Canada.
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The impact of COVID-19 on Canadian airports
The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on Canadian airports, disrupting every aspect of aviation. Airports and air navigation service providers experienced significant revenue losses as the number of passengers and flights decreased drastically. In 2020, total air passenger traffic in Canada plummeted to its lowest level since 1984. This dramatic decline in passenger numbers forced airlines to retire less fuel-efficient aircraft, suspend routes, reduce flight frequencies, and even close operations at certain airports.
Canadian airlines suffered substantial financial losses due to the pandemic. In the first year of the pandemic, from the second quarter of 2020 to the first quarter of 2021, Canadian Level I and II air carriers incurred a staggering aggregate net loss of $5 billion. To survive, some carriers relied on government support, loans, credit lines, and bond issuances, leading to significantly higher debt levels in the industry.
Flight training units in Canada were also affected, with many closing down temporarily as they were deemed "non-essential" businesses. General aviation activity declined as people were encouraged to stay home and avoid non-essential travel. The pandemic also altered airline operations, with a shift from passengers to cargo. While the volume of cargo transported did not decrease as severely as passenger numbers, the increase in cargo operations was insufficient to offset the decline in passenger revenue.
As vaccination rates increased, the Canadian government cautiously reopened additional airports to international passenger flights. By November 2021, international flights were permitted to land at airports such as St. John's International, John C. Munro Hamilton International, and Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International. This gradual reopening was guided by a risk-based approach, taking into account scientific evidence and the improving epidemiological situation.
The pandemic's impact on Canadian airports and aviation was unprecedented, but the industry demonstrated resilience and adaptability in its recovery efforts. As vaccination levels rose and restrictions eased, there was optimism for a rebound in travel and a return to profitability for Canadian airlines and airports.
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Canadian airports with US flights
As of November 2021, there were 15 Canadian airports accepting international flights, including from the US. These are:
- Halifax Stanfield International
- Québec City Jean Lesage International
- Montréal-Trudeau International
- Ottawa/Macdonald–Cartier International
- Toronto Pearson International
- Billy Bishop Toronto City Centre
- Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International
- Edmonton International
- Calgary International
- Vancouver International
- St. John’s International
- John C. Munro Hamilton International
- Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International
Prior to departure, travellers must make direct telephone contact with the customs office at the US destination airport, providing an ETA. This must be at least one hour before arrival and no more than 23 hours before.
Canadian citizens travelling by air to the US must present one of the following documents: a valid passport, a NEXUS card, or an enhanced driver's licence (EDL) or identification card (EIC).
It is worth noting that US preclearance is available at some Canadian airports, meaning travellers clear US customs before boarding their flight. This allows passengers to fly into US airports that do not have customs facilities, such as LaGuardia in New York City.
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Canadian airports with the most international flights
As of November 2021, there were 10 Canadian airports accepting international flights. These were:
- Halifax Stanfield International
- Québec City Jean Lesage International
- Montréal-Trudeau International
- Ottawa/Macdonald–Cartier International
- Toronto Pearson International
- Billy Bishop Toronto City Centre
- Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International
- Edmonton International
- Calgary International
- Vancouver International
Three additional airports were announced to be accepting international flights from November 30, 2021. These were:
- St. John’s International
- John C. Munro Hamilton International
- Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International
Toronto Pearson International Airport is the largest and busiest airport in Canada. It is located in Mississauga, about 20 km west of Toronto in the province of Ontario. 46 airlines operate out of Toronto Pearson, serving 147 destinations. Toronto Pearson is followed closely by Vancouver International Airport, which has long served as Canada's hub for flights to Asia and Oceania. Montréal-Trudeau International Airport has also seen substantial passenger growth in recent years, now serving over 22 million passengers annually, with nearly 16 million on international flights.
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Frequently asked questions
As of February 2022, 18 Canadian airports are available for international passenger flights. These include:
- Toronto Pearson International Airport
- Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport
- Calgary International Airport
- Vancouver International Airport
- Halifax Stanfield International Airport
- Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport
- Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport
- Edmonton International Airport
- Billy Bishop Toronto City Centre Airport
- Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker International Airport
- St. John’s International Airport
All travellers aged 12 and older must be fully vaccinated to board a plane to Canada.
Travellers can choose between a rapid antigen test (taken the day before their flight) or a PCR test (taken no more than 72 hours before their flight).
Yes, as of January 15, 2022, all foreign crew members must be vaccinated to enter Canada.
