How to Survive in Canada Busiest Airports ?

If you’re thinking about taking a trip to Canada or just want to learn more about its busiest airports, you’ve come to the right spot! With millions of travelers passing through major terminals every month, being prepared can really help you save time, ease your stress, and make your journey more enjoyable.

The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) gathers data on monthly passenger traffic at the eight largest airports in Canada through its Boarding Pass Security System. This information shows how many people go through pre-board screening checkpoints, giving you a clear picture of the busiest travel hubs.

Canada’s stunning natural landscapes attract millions of visitors each year, which leads to a significant amount of air traffic in key regions. Vancouver International Airport is a crucial transpacific hub that links North America with Asia, while the Eastern Triangle, comprising Ottawa, Toronto, and Montreal, sees a steady demand for air travel thanks to its commercial and cultural importance.

This article examines the five busiest airports in Canada, ranked by the total number of passengers they served in 2025.  

Toronto-Pearson International Airport

• Total Passengers in 2025 First Quarter: 10.7 million passengers
• IATA Code : YYZ | ICAO Code: CYYZ
• Airlines: 46
• Destinations: 147 
• Distance from City Center:5 kilometers (14.0 mi) northwest of Downtown Toronto
• Service Area: Greater Toronto Area

As expected, the airport serving Canada’s largest city was the country’s busiest in 2025. Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), which serves as the primary hub for Air Canada’s flights to the Atlantic region, offers routes to numerous destinations across Canada, the United States, Europe, Asia, and South America.

Vancouver International Airport

• Total Passengers from Jan – Mar 2025: 6 million 
• IATA Code : YVR | ICAO Code: CYVR
• Airlines: 31
• Destinations: 75
• Distance from City Center: 12 km (7.5 mi) from Downtown Vancouver
• Service Area: Metro Vancouver

As Canada’s principal port city on the Pacific coast, Vancouver also functions as the country’s gateway to the Asia-Pacific region. The airport offers multiple daily flights to destinations such as Hong Kong (HKG), Tokyo (NRT/HND), and Shanghai (PVG). In addition to Air Canada, numerous other international airlines, including British Airways, Cathay Pacific, and Lufthansa, maintain a presence at Vancouver International Airport.

 

Montreal-Trudeau International Airport

• Total Passengers from Jan- Apr 2025: 6.68 million 

• IATA Code : YUL | ICAO Code: CYUL
• Airlines: 31
• Destinations: 93
• Distance from City Center: 20 km (12 mi) west of Downtown Montreal
• Service Area: Greater Montreal

 

In 2024, Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL) saw a remarkable increase, welcoming 22.4 million passengers, which topped its 2023 figure of 21.17 million making it one of the busiest airports in Canada. By April 2025, the airport had already processed 6.68 million passengers, solidifying its status as Canada’s third-busiest airport. YUL remains a vital hub for Air Canada and is home to several major international airlines, including Qatar Airways, Air France, Royal Air Maroc, Tunisair, and Turkish Airlines, showcasing its expanding significance in the world of travel.

Calgary International Airport

• Total Passengers from Jan – Apr in 2025 1st Quarter : 5.52 million 

• IATA Code : YYC | ICAO Code: CYYC
• Airlines: 16
• Destinations: 59
• Distance from City Center: 17 kilometers (11 mi) northeast of downtown
• Service Area: Calgary Metropolitan Region

Located just 17 km (11 miles) northeast of downtown Calgary, Calgary International Airport (YYC) remains Alberta’s busiest air hub in 2025. With over 5.5 million passengers passing through in the first quarter alone, YYC continues to thrive as a major base for WestJet, which operates extensive routes across North America and Europe, including year-round flights to cities like Denver, San Diego, Amsterdam, and Rome. The airport also offers popular seasonal connections to Hawaiian destinations such as Honolulu, Kailua-Kona, and Lihue, contributing to its steadily growing passenger volume.

Edmonton International Airport

• Total Passengers in 2025 1st Quarter: 1.83 million 

• IATA Code : YEG | ICAO Code: CYEG
• Airlines: 16
• Destinations: 38
• Distance from City Center: (26 km – 16 mi) south southwest of Downtown Edmonton
• Service Area: Edmonton Metropolitan Region

Edmonton International Airport has long been a vital transportation hub in Canada, historically serving around eight million passengers annually before the pandemic. The COVID-19 crisis caused a sharp decline in traffic, dropping to just 2.6 million passengers in 2020 and a modest rebound to 2.8 million in 2021. However, by 2025, the airport has made a strong recovery, with passenger numbers steadily climbing back toward pre-pandemic levels, supported by growing domestic and international travel demand and expanded airline services.

How Can You Stand out from the Crowds at Canada Airports

The wish to travel perfectly is something every jet-setter can relate to, yet during peak times, especially at Canada’s five busiest airports, that can seem like a distant dream. Long lines, packed terminals, and surprise delays are all too common, particularly around the holidays. To dodge the chaos at the Busiest Airports in Canada, it’s wise to arrive early, opt for off-peak flight times, check in online, and pack light. For an even smoother experience, consider booking a VIP concierge service that can completely change how you navigate the airport.

With a dedicated team of professional greeters, airssist provides outstanding Meet & Greet services at major Canadian airports and beyond. From quick access through security to porter assistance and relaxing VIP lounge access, airssist makes sure you sidestep the usual airport stress. Be it Toronto Pearson, Vancouver, or Montreal-Trudeau that you’re flying through, airssist offers top-notch support, including limo transfers and private terminal services, for a hassle-free journey from beginning to end. Book your VIP experience today and say goodbye to airport travel stress!

Note: Please note that the information on this page is generic & subject to change due to fluctuations in airport services. Kindly confirm service availability with our team, as offerings may vary daily.