The Ottawa International Airport Authority reported continuing declines in passenger volume last month as the local traffic hub contends with reduced service to the United States.
Some 466,899 people passed through the Ottawa airport in August, down three per cent from 480,898 in the previous year. August continues to be the hottest month overall for local airport traffic, however, as last month saw the highest passenger volumes year-to-date at the airport.
The domestic traveller category, which represents the bulk of YOW’s overall traffic, was down 8,000 travellers in August, a drop of roughly two per cent. The transborder segment saw roughly 6,000 fewer travellers pass through Ottawa on their way to or from the United States – a decline of 11 per cent year-over-year – while international passenger volumes remained roughly unchanged. Year-to-date passenger volumes are still trending higher than this time last year.
(Sponsored)
SnowBall 2026: A premier networking event with purpose returns to 50 Sussex Dr.
As winter settles in across the capital, one of Ottawa’s most high-profile charitable and business networking events is set to return to its roots: On Wed., March 4, 2026, The
OBJ launches the 2026 Executive Report on Cornwall
Cornwall has emerged as one of Eastern Ontario’s most compelling locations for business investment, thanks to a combination of affordability, strategic positioning, and a steadily growing economic base.
The Ottawa airport has seen a dropoff in traffic to the U.S. since June, when United AIrlines began a temporary suspension of flights between YOW and Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport. That service will return in March of next year, at which point United will cancel its service to Newark.
Earlier this month, German air carrier Lufthansa announced it would take over Ottawa-Frankfurt seasonal flights from Star Alliance partner Air Canada next year, serving the route with reduced frequency but larger aircraft.
