Waterloo Airport undergoing big expansion

NEWS RELEASE
REGION OF WATERLOO
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Today, Regional Council, as well as airport staff, airline and business partners celebrated the airport’s expansion project that will see Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF) double in size in the next six months. This will accommodate growth that will see passenger traffic increase from 70K in 2019 to over 1 million in 2022.

Regional Council recently approved the $11 million dollar project to complete terminal expansion work at YKF. The project includes the construction of two buildings that will feature baggage carousels, holding areas, food services, retail, and pre-board screening.

“It is an exciting time for the Region and today is an important milestone as the airport continues to grow and drive a thriving economy,” commented Regional Chair Karen Redman. “Airline partners have recently announced an increase in destinations and frequency of flights, which will move the airport to the next level in world-class service. This will also provide more opportunities for the Region in terms of jobs and economic expansion.”

The terminal expansion will help to accommodate the anticipated increase in passengers of up to one million by 2023, which is a dramatic increase in traffic in a short period.

Since Flair Airlines began operating out of YKF in May 2021, their service has added more than 100 jobs to the local economy.

The project is an important anchor in the Region’s economy and will facilitate growth over the coming decades. It will add jobs to the economy now, help to attract businesses and support the tourism industry as the world comes out of the pandemic. International transport links are an essential factor in location decisions for companies looking to expand, and increased connectivity are important for the economy and the attraction if talent to the region.

“This investment in the airport will help to ensure we are attracting people and companies to put down roots in Waterloo Region,” commented Chair Redman. “This growth is just the beginning as we build a community that is globally competitive and one of the world’s greatest places to live.”

Terminal expansion work is expected to be complete in Spring 2022.

About the Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF)

YKF is a full-service facility which supports commercial, corporate and general aviation. The airport is home to 25 businesses that employ 300+ people that together contribute more than $90 million annually to Waterloo Region’s economy. YKF is owned and operated by the Regional Municipality of Waterloo, Ontario (Canada). For more information visit waterlooairport.ca, call 519-648-2256 / toll free 1-866-648-2256 or contact your travel agent.

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