Calgary International Airport Sets Record with 19.4 Million Passengers in 2025

CALGARY – YYC Calgary International Airport has set a new annual passenger record, welcoming 19.4 million travellers in 2025 and marking its fourth consecutive year of growth. The figure surpasses the previous high of 18.9 million recorded in 2024 and reflects an increase of more than 500,000 passengers year over year.

Airport leadership says the sustained rise in traffic underscores Alberta’s expanding economic footprint and growing global connectivity.

Chris Dinsdale, Chief Executive Officer of Calgary Airports, said the increase in travellers translates directly into broader opportunities for tourism, trade, and investment across the region. He credited airport teams and airline partners for maintaining safe and efficient operations while scaling up to meet demand.

In 2025, YYC connected passengers to 108 non-stop destinations, including 15 new routes introduced throughout the year. The airport also experienced historic summer volumes, with more than two million passengers passing through the terminal in both July and August — the first time monthly traffic reached that level.

Infrastructure expansion kept pace with demand. Major milestones in 2025 included the completion of the West Runway Rehabilitation project and the opening of Phase 1 of YYC’s centralized security screening area. The airport authority also announced the YYC AeroNex aviation hub and broke ground on a new engine maintenance facility in partnership with Lufthansa Technik, a move expected to strengthen Calgary’s role in global aviation services.

Momentum is continuing into 2026. In January, new international routes were unveiled, expanding Alberta’s global reach. WestJet announced non-stop service to São Paulo, Brazil — marking the province’s first direct connection to South America. Meanwhile, Etihad Airways will launch service to Abu Dhabi, establishing the first non-stop link between Alberta and the Middle East.

Additionally, Air Canada is increasing sun-destination connectivity from Calgary, adding routes to Cancun and Puerto Vallarta beginning in December.

By the Numbers:
• 19.4 million passengers in 2025
• Over two million passengers per month in July and August
• 15 new routes added in 2025
• 108 non-stop destinations served in 2025 (expanding to 110 as of January 29, 2026)
• Two new long-haul routes announced for 2026: São Paulo and Abu Dhabi

Calgary Airports, formally known as The Calgary Airport Authority, operates as a non-share capital corporation under Alberta’s Regional Airports Authorities Act. In addition to YYC, it manages YBW Springbank Airport. The authority emphasizes safety, infrastructure investment, and long-term sustainability as passenger volumes continue to rise.

The airport system remains a major economic engine for Calgary and Alberta, supporting thousands of jobs and contributing billions of dollars annually in GDP through related business activity. Calgary Airports was recently recognized as one of Alberta’s Top Employers for 2026, highlighting its workforce and operational excellence.

With record-setting numbers and expanded global connections, YYC’s upward trajectory signals strong demand for travel to and from Western Canada — and positions Calgary as an increasingly important international gateway.