The past year has been marked by significant developments across various sectors at the Ottawa International Airport (YOW). With a sharp rise in air service, terminal improvements, enhanced passenger amenities, and land development projects, the Airport continues to strengthen its role as a vital transportation hub for the region.
Air service highlights
One of the key milestones in air service was Air FraRelay and Bridgehead Coffee have opened new outlets in Arrivals with another Relay set to open post-security next year. The service operated daily during the summer peak, reflecting the rising demand for international travel. The service also operates in winter with adjusted gauge and schedule. In another boost for connectivity, Air Canada announced the return of its non-stop service to London Heathrow, set to begin March 31, 2025, to the delight of the community. This route will be served four times weekly with a 298-seat Boeing 787-9. This meets pent-up demand amongst regional travellers and offers greater convenience for business and leisure customers.
“We’ve heard loud and clear from our residents that more connectivity to Europe and beyond is a priority,” says Mark Laroche, Ottawa International Airport Authority President and CEO.
“We’re thrilled that Air Canada has responded by reinstating non-stop service to London-Heathrow. Coupled with Air France’s service to Paris, multiple Trans-Atlantic options are available and waiting,” adds Laroche.
Meanwhile, Porter Airlines has emerged as the Airport’s largest airline by various metrics, including the number of non-stop destinations, daily departures, and available seat kilometres. This growth underscores Porter’s commitment to the Ottawa-Gatineau market and its contribution to the Airport’s overall traffic. “We have had a lot to celebrate in 2024, including the opening of Porter Airline’s new maintenance hangar in our North Field. This milestone was an important pillar of Porter’s growth in Ottawa-Gatineau, with more jobs and economic gains for our community,” Laroche says.
Terminal enhancements
Major terminal upgrades have also been a focal point this year. The Ottawa Airport LRT terminal station is now complete and ready for service, pending OC Transpo’s scheduled launch. On the food and beverage front, Big Rig Bar & Grill and Canal Market Hall have become popular choices for passengers, and a new post-security Starbucks is expected to open early next year. Additionally, a new restaurant for US-bound passengers is under construction, with plans to open early 2025. Relay and Bridgehead Coffee have opened new outlets in Arrivals with another Relay set to open post-security next year.
“The reimagined concession program was paused but returned with full force in 2023/2024 thanks to our partners from SSP Canada and Paradies Lagardère,” says Laroche. “We are anxious to see the remainder come to life in 2025, including a new sit-down restaurant in the U.S. holdroom and a Zak’s Diner in the domestic-international holdroom.”
Improved passenger services
This year also saw the launch of the new YOW.ca website, offering enhanced and streamlined user navigation. Full-time Airport customer service representatives have resumed their duties, ensuring passengers receive real-time support. A Sunflower lanyard program was introduced to assist travellers with hidden disabilities, and the Airport became an Aira service access partner, enabling blind and partially sighted passengers to receive on-demand assistance from trained visual interpreters.
Land development initiatives
There has been significant land development activity on Airport property as well. Construction of the 178-room Alt Ottawa Airport hotel has begun, with completion expected in late 2025. Canadian North broke ground on its new warehouse and office complex, with full construction set to begin in 2025. Additionally, the Airport is in the early stages of planning for a potential large solar farm, emphasising its commitment to sustainability.
With an anticipated passenger volume of 4.6 million this year and a forecast of 5.2 million in 2025, the Airport is well on its way to returning to pre-pandemic levels. These developments signal a bright future ahead for Ottawa’s key transportation gateway.
