Official opening of the newly constructed baggage system at the Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF)

Official opening of the newly constructed baggage system at the Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF)

Region of Waterloo, ON – Today the Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF) officially opened its newly constructed outbound baggage system. The system is a critical piece of the second of the three phase Airport Terminal Expansion Project. Phase three will see the complete transformation of the Canada Border Services Agency space.

During this phase two of construction the existing terminal building was reconfigured to enhance the passenger experience with:

• The addition of self-service kiosks and common use airline counters to improve check-in.
• A third security line to speed pre-board passenger screening.
• A new baggage system, with a dual self-service bag drop, oversize baggage line, in-line security functionality and expanded sort area to streamline baggage handling.

The expansion is part of YKF’s 20-year Airport Master Plan which was approved by Regional Council in 2017.

"I am excited to be celebrating another milestone in this important expansion project,” said Karen Redman, Chair of the Region of Waterloo. “As one of the fastest growing airports in Canada, YKF continues to be an economic driver for our community. Each new destination improves connectivity for residents and local businesses.”

Two Flair aircraft are based at the Region of Waterloo International Airport and provide non-stop service to 13 destinations. The new outbound baggage system will improve the passenger experience and manage increased passenger volumes created by Flair Airlines.  

“The Region of Waterloo continues to be an important part of the Flair network,” said Stephen Jones, President and Chief Executive Officer for Flair Airlines. “The outbound baggage improvements made by the Region of Waterloo will allow us to expand affordable air service options for all. We are excited about our future here at YKF and want to thank the community for supporting local air service.”

The original outbound baggage system was designed for small regional aircraft, not the Boeing 737 aircraft used by Flair, Sunwing and WestJet today. The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) is mandated with protecting the public through effective and efficient screening of air travellers and their baggage.

“We are thrilled to see YKFs expansion plan become a reality,” said Denis Perron, Vice President, Technology and Chief Technology Officer for the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority. “The addition of a new inline hold baggage system and additional screening lines at the new pre-board checkpoint will significantly increase CATSA’s screening capacity at this airport and will allow us to meet the travel needs of a quickly growing region, focused on service excellence and passenger satisfaction. Congratulations.”      

Phase three of the Airport Terminal Expansion Project will begin this fall with the relocation of Airport Administration to the Airport Operations Centre. The second floor terminal offices will be reconfigured to house the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) while the existing CBSA space will be transformed to add a Primary Inspection Line for passengers returning to Canada from international destinations.