Region of Waterloo Airport sees record breaking year for passengers

It’s a record breaking year for air passengers at the Region of Waterloo airport.

The airport saw 445,312 passengers pass through their terminal in 2023, an 18 per cent increase from 2022.

The region said the airport is one of top 20 busiest airports in the country and notes its expansion of facilities for the success in passengers.

“It is wonderful to see more residents using our airport to explore destinations and connect with family and friends,” said Karen Redman, Chair of the Region of Waterloo, in a press release. “This increased growth reinforces our work on the 20 Year Airport Master Plan which guides development at YKF. The airport is a key piece of infrastructure and an economic driver for Waterloo Region.”

Last year, the airport conducted phase two of its expansion by adding self-service kiosks, a third security line and a new baggage system. In 2022, they added a domestic arrivals building and expanded the departure lounge for passengers.

This year, the airport said they are planning to continue with the third phase, which involves housing Canada Border Services (CBSA) in offices on the second floor and using their former space for a Primary Inspection Line for passengers returning to Canada.

One passenger who lives in the region, Jackie, said she enjoys the airport and is a great way to avoid the traffic in Toronto.

“I recommend it to anybody,” she said. “We’re headed to Fort Lauderdale, three hours and we’re in the sun.”

Three airlines, Sunwing, West Jet and Flair Airlines provide services to destinations including Calgary, Cancun, Fort Launderdale, Las Vegas, Punta Cana, Vancouver and Varadero.