Another strong year for the Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF)

Waterloo Region - The Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF) helps connect people and businesses to destinations across Canada and beyond.

In 2025, more than 426,500 passengers travelled through YKF. This was the airport’s third-highest passenger total on record. Passenger numbers have been affected by shifting travel patterns and fewer flights to the United States. Even so, demand for travel within Canada and for convenient connections remains strong.

“YKF is an important piece of infrastructure for Waterloo Region,” said Karen Redman, Chair of the Region of Waterloo. “It contributes more than $220 million each year to our local economy. When residents choose to fly from YKF, they support local jobs in airport operations, security, customer service, and maintenance. They also support local businesses that serve passengers, like Stockyards, which provides food service using locally sourced ingredients. Choosing YKF means supporting local services, employers, and supply chains.”

Airports are measured in two ways: passengers (how many people travel) and aircraft movements (each plane takeoff or landing). YKF is one of Canada’s fastest-growing airports and is consistently ranked in the top 20 busiest Canadian airports for passengers. In 2025, YKF had 145,313 takeoffs and landings, making YKF one of the top 10 busiest airports in the country for runway activity.

When more people fly through YKF, it also helps pay for airport improvements. Because of recent terminal upgrades and operational changes, YKF can now handle up to one million passengers a year without increasing operating costs. This means the airport is better prepared to meet changing travel needs in the future.

Flair Airlines, Sunwing, and WestJet offer non-stop flights from YKF. Air Canada Landline provides motorcoach service between YKF and Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ). To meet increased demand, Air Canada has doubled its service and now offers 10 return trips daily. Together, YKF’s airline partners provide access to more than 140 destinations worldwide through their global networks.

YKF is proud to be one of only four airports in Canada certified gold by the Rick Hansen Foundation for accessibility. The airport is committed to removing barriers so more passengers can move through the airport safely and with confidence. For more information, visit www.waterlooairport.ca or contact your travel agent.