The Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF) turns 75: Honouring the past, flying into the future

Posted On Tuesday May 13, 2025

Waterloo Region – The Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF) is proud to celebrate its 75th anniversary. Since opening its doors in 1950, the airport has grown from a Regional airfield to a vital hub supporting economic development, tourism, trade and community growth by connecting Waterloo Region to the world.

To commemorate this historic milestone, YKF will host a 75th Anniversary Open House on Saturday, June 14, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This free event will showcase the recent expansion and allow residents to explore the air terminal building – no boarding pass required. Instead of admission, attendees are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item for the Food Bank. We invite residents to join the YKF team, airline partners and support agencies to celebrate the past and set the stage for the future.

"From its humble beginnings to becoming a modern gateway to the world, the Region of Waterloo International Airport has played a key role in connecting people, businesses, and cultures for three-quarters of a century," said Karen Redman, Chair of the Region of Waterloo. "We are honoured to celebrate this anniversary with the community that has supported us every step of the way."

Over the last 75 years, the airport has achieved many milestones, including:

  • 1951 – Trans Canada Airlines (now Air Canada) launches service to Malton (now Toronto).
  • 1973 – First passenger air terminal building opens.
  • 1996 – The Regional Municipality of Waterloo assumes full ownership of the airport.
  • 2003 – The primary runway is extended to 7,000 feet, and a new terminal building opens.
  • 2005 – Sunwing Airlines launches seasonal air service to Mexico and the Caribbean.
  • 2007 – WestJet launches air service to Calgary, Alberta and beyond.
  • 2011 – Airport Operations Centre built to house operations, fleet maintenance and fire service.
  • 2021 – Flair Airlines launches air service to six Canadian destinations.
  • 2023 – Air terminal building expanded to meet increased passenger demand.
  • 2024 – Air Canada launches Landline luxury motorcoach service to Toronto.

Seventy-five years. One incredible journey. As the Region of Waterloo International Airport looks to the future, plans are underway to continue upgrades, green initiatives, and expand service to meet the evolving needs of our passengers and partners.

For more information on the anniversary events and airport history, visit www.waterlooairport.ca/YKF75 or follow FlyYKF on Facebook and Instagram.

About the Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF)
YKF is one of Canada’s fastest-growing airports, providing a full-service facility that supports commercial, corporate and general aviation. YKF’s summer schedule includes air service to Abbotsford, Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax and Vancouver provided by Flair and WestJet. Plus, Air Canada’s Landline service to Toronto connects to 140+ destinations worldwide. YKF is owned and operated by the Regional Municipality of Waterloo, Ontario (Canada). For more information, visit waterlooairport.ca.

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