Air Service Development
Join one of Canada's most innovative communities!
The Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF) is located in Waterloo Region, in southwestern Ontario, Canada - just 45 minutes west of the Greater Toronto Area. Known as “Canada’s Silicon Valley”, the Region boasts the second largest number of start-ups in North America. Poised for continued growth, the Region's young, affluent population is expected to reach 923,000 by 2051.
Exclusive Access: YKF offers route exclusivity to airlines wanting to start service to a new destination, currently un-serviced. Offering exclusivity significantly increases our potential to offer sustained air service to multiple destinations.
Any licensed airline is eligible.
Learn more about exclusive access to Waterloo Region. Email us today.
Increasing demand for air travel
From 2021 to 2024, the Region’s population grew by 15% per cent to over 700,000 residents. This exceeds both the national and provincial growth rates. Despite this, Waterloo Region remains one of the most under-served markets of its size in Canada.
Conservative forecasts show that, by the mid-2030's, demand for air travel in southern Ontario will exceed airports’ capacity of 70 million passengers per year. Estimates put demand for Toronto Pearson alone at 65 million passengers, despite its optimum capacity of approximately 50 million passengers. The Southern Ontario Airport Network was created to address these capacity issues, and YKF is one of eleven commercially significant airports working together to support the growing demand for air travel.
Planning for the future
To meet growing demand YKF is implementing a $375 million, 20 Year Airport Master Plan. Staggered over five phases, the expansion plan will allow YKF to proactively respond to regional demand and capacity challenges. Visit our Airport Master Plan page for full details.
Why fly to Waterloo Region?
A strategic location with the right demographics |
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The Region of Waterloo International Airport is 45 minutes west of the Greater Toronto Area, located alongside Canada's Highway 401. Four million people - 10 per cent of Canada’s population - live within a one-hour drive of YKF. Waterloo Region is part of a broader economic region in southern Ontario call the “Greater Golden Horseshoe” which is home to 11 million people. With its young, fast-growing, affluent population, the Region of Waterloo is the ideal place to grow your business:
Sources: LightcastDatarun 2024.3, 2021 Census, SC 17-10-0155-01, SC 17-10-0152-01 |
| A forward-looking, diversified economy |
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Real GDP in Waterloo Region climbed from $27b to $37b from 2016 to 2021, representing 35% growth and exceeding the provincial and national growth rates for the same period. From Google to Toyota, COM DEV to OpenText, the Region was built on innovation. It has strong technology and manufacturing bases, and is a global leader in many sectors, including:
For more information about Waterloo Region's economy please visit Waterloo EDC. |
| Leader in research, development & innovation |
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There are over 150 globally renowned research centres located in Waterloo Region, including:
Waterloo Region is the second largest innovation super cluster in North America. We have an established community support system that helps new technology companies start, grow and succeed.
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| Thriving aerospace sector |
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The Region is home to a thriving aerospace cluster with over 85 aerospace businesses that together employ more than 3,200 residents. Companies include: |
| Airport Business Advisory Council |
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Access to Waterloo Region's largest employers and institutions
Working together to attract air service The Region of Waterloo International Airport's Business Advisory Council includes representatives from the largest users of air travel in Waterloo Region. Airport Business Advisory Council members include:
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| Access to world class talent |
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Waterloo Region is home to some of the finest academic institutions in the world. Many rank among the top 100 global institutions. Eight universities and colleges are within commuting distance, and together they offer 22 aerospace-related programs. Academic institutions located in and around Waterloo Region include: YKF is also home to the Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre (WWFC), one of Canada’s largest professional flight schools. WWFC offer accredited academic programs and early entry programs with airlines to develop and hire new pilots. |
Infrastructure Details
YKF is owned and operated by the Regional Municipality of Waterloo. Their AAA credit rating allows the airport to secure long term capital financing for strategic infrastructure investments. Current features of YKF include:
- Two Runways - 7,000 feet and 4,100 feet
- Airport of Entry (AOE) / 180 with Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) onsite 07:00 -23:00 (No Fees)
- NAV Canada Control Tower 07:00 - 23:00
- CAT1 Instrument Landing System (ILS)
- CAT 7 Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) available
- Class C Airspace
- Secure access to Code C (B-737) and D (B-757) Taxiways
- Secure Bonded Customs and Sufferance Warehouse Facilities
- Two full service Fixed Based Operators (FBOs)
- Three fuel providers
- Home to one of Canada's top professional flight training schools
| Support Services |
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Chartright Air Group - FBO, fuel, ground handling
Executive Aviation - Ground handling
Flite Line Services - FBO, fuel, ground handling
Summit Fuel Services - World Fuel Services Network - Fuel |
Contact(s)