YYC Calgary International Airport shattered its previous passenger records in 2025, welcoming more than 20 million travellers through its terminals — a historic milestone that surpasses pre-pandemic levels and positions Calgary as a major aviation hub in Western Canada.
The Calgary Airport Authority announced the record-breaking figures during a press conference Sunday, revealing that passenger traffic exceeded 20.2 million in 2025, representing a 12 per cent increase from the previous year and surpassing the airport's previous record of 18.5 million passengers set in 2019.
"This achievement reflects not only Calgary's growing importance as a destination but also our role as a crucial gateway connecting Western Canada to the world," said Stephan Poirier, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Calgary Airport Authority. "We've seen tremendous recovery and growth across all passenger segments."
The surge in passenger numbers was driven by strong domestic travel demand, increased international connectivity, and the return of business travel to near pre-pandemic levels. United States routes showed particularly robust growth, with cross-border traffic increasing by 18 per cent compared to 2024.
International long-haul routes also contributed significantly to the record numbers, with European destinations showing strong performance during the summer travel season. New route launches by WestJet and Air Canada, along with expanded service from international carriers, helped boost connectivity options for Calgary travellers.
The passenger milestone coincides with major infrastructure improvements at YYC, including the completion of the international terminal expansion project and enhanced security screening facilities. These upgrades have improved passenger flow and reduced wait times, even with the increased volume of travellers.
Calgary's economic recovery has played a crucial role in driving aviation demand, with increased business travel supporting the energy sector and growing tourism numbers attracted to Alberta's natural attractions. The airport's cargo operations also saw significant growth, handling record volumes of freight that support the region's export economy.
"These numbers validate Calgary's position as a major North American aviation hub," said Mayor Jyoti Gondek. "The airport's success directly translates to economic benefits for our entire region, supporting jobs and attracting investment to Calgary."
Looking ahead to 2026, airport officials project continued growth, with new international routes under consideration and capacity improvements planned to accommodate increasing passenger demand. The success positions YYC among Canada's busiest airports and reinforces Calgary's role as a key transportation gateway for Western Canada.
The record passenger numbers represent a complete recovery from the pandemic's impact on aviation, when YYC's passenger traffic dropped to just 6.8 million in 2020. The steady climb back to record levels demonstrates the resilience of Calgary's aviation sector and the city's appeal as both a destination and connection point for travellers across North America and beyond.