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The Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF) had another record-breaking year in 2024.
The Breslau airport saw 523,210 passengers travelled through it last year, a 17.49 per cent increase over 2023, and a 554 per cent increase over 2019 when 80,000 people journeyed through YKF, says a press release from the region.
"YKF continues to be one of the fastest growing airports in Canada and consistently ranks as one of the top 20 busiest airports in the country. The success of commercial service has increased passengers, and that growth is funding the expansion of the airport’s facilities," says the release.
Regional Chair Karen Redman said the airport continues to be an important gateway to the world and a key driver of our region’s economy.
The region's 2025 budget includes $25 million in capital renewal projects at the airport, including fleet vehicle replacement, with $336 million in upgrades planned through 2034.
Redman said last year's record passenger numbers were made possible by "strong partnerships and continuous improvement in airport operations and services."
"We’re excited to build on this momentum with new opportunities that will further enhance the airport’s role as a vital hub for travel, business, and growth in 2025 and beyond," she added in the release.
YKF broke another record in August when 82,531 passengers travelled through the newly expanded airport with Flair, WestJet and Air Canada.
This number represents more passengers than the airport had in the entire years of 2018, 2019 or 2020.
The recent airport expansion project enables YKF to support up to one million passengers annually – with minor additional operating costs required.
In 2023, phase two of the expansion reconfigured the air terminal building to provide an enhanced passenger experience.
In 2022, the airport constructed a domestic arrival building and expanded the departure lounge. Phase three is now complete which improved the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) Primary Inspection Line for passengers returning to Canada.
Flair Airlines, Sunwing and WestJet provide scheduled air service to Calgary, Cancun, Fort Lauderdale, Halifax, Orlando, Puerto Vallarta, Punta Cana and Vancouver. Summer 2025 schedule includes the return of Abbotsford and Edmonton.
In addition, Air Canada offers private coach service to Toronto connecting to more than 140 destinations worldwide.