2023 at YEG: Innovation, Partnerships And More Flights to More Places

Edmonton International Airport (YEG) reached more than 90 percent of pre-pandemic passenger volumes in 2023, exceeding projections for recovery. Serving 7.5 million passengers and welcoming Frankfurt and Minneapolis as new non-stop destinations, YEG experienced significant growth, championed regional and global collaboration, and showcased innovation in the aviation industry.

“YEG continues to invest in our region by creating important non-stop routes to critical destinations that foster business development, propel the visitor economy and highlight the Edmonton Region as an attractive hub for technology, sustainability, trade and tourism. Our partnerships and collaboration continue to be at the forefront as we focus on creating a sustainable and forward-thinking aviation ecosystem at YEG.” — Myron Keehn, President & CEO, Edmonton International Airport (YEG)

Air Service

In 2023, YEG welcomed 7.5 million passengers, achieving the airport’s goal of reaching more than 90 per cent of pre-pandemic levels by the end of the year. Compared to 2022, Domestic traffic grew by 21.8%, Transborder traffic grew by 71.9% and International traffic grew by 77.5%.

Our region’s airport supported over 118,000 total aircraft movements with flights to more than 50 non-stop destinations. June 30 was the busiest day of the year, welcoming approximately 25,500 passengers.

New non-stop flights soared with Condor’s new service to Frankfurt, Germany, and WestJet’s new service to Minneapolis, Minnesota, while YEG announced Atlanta, Georgia as a brand-new non-stop destination with WestJet starting in 2024. WestJet also launched its largest network expansion in YEG’s history with new routes and enhanced domestic connectivity. Porter began service from YEG, launching with non-stop flights to Toronto, Ontario, and expanding to Ottawa, Ontario later in the year, with plans to begin service to Montreal, Quebec in 2024.

Brand new airline partners, Condor and Porter, and increased service on Air Canada, United Airlines, WestJet, KLM and other airlines have helped YEG welcome more flights to more places in 2023.

Economic Impact

Edmonton Airports, which includes Edmonton International Airport (YEG) and Villeneuve Airport (ZVL), recently completed an extensive Economic Impact Study that revealed the airports’ economic output rose to $4.9 billion in 2023. New developments and increasing passenger numbers contributed to this jump from the pre-pandemic output of $3.2 billion. Edmonton Airports supports more than 21,000 jobs and continues to drive economic prosperity for the Edmonton Metropolitan Region and beyond.

Cargo

The movement of goods continues to be a focus for YEG. In 2023, the airport welcomed a new cargo airline, Buffalo Airways, providing dedicated freighter service to Northern communities five times a week. Buffalo’s service is on a Boeing 737-300 Special Freighter, specifically customized to cater to the increasing demand for overnight freighter services to Northern Canada.

Innovative and revolutionary ways of moving goods also continued at YEG, with Canada’s first and only commercial drone route in a controlled airspace safely and successfully completing 1,538 drone flights and a distance of 4,306 kms in 2023.

New Businesses

In the terminal, four new retail stores opened: three Flight Stops and one Prairie News. YEG also welcomed back Booster Juice in Transborder. On airport lands, YEG celebrated the opening of Montana First Nation’s new warehousing and office facility, while Leduc County broke ground on a new Emergency Services Facility.

Sustainability and Partnerships

YEG is on its way to net zero by 2040 and is actively building partnerships and pathways for the adoption of emerging sustainable technologies. In addition to signing several ESG-focused memorandums of understanding (MOU) throughout the year, YEG partnered with Toyota Canada to announce Alberta’s first fleet of hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV). The partnership will bring 100 FCEVs to Alberta’s roadways through partnerships and lease agreements.

This year, YEG was proud to welcome more than 750 international firefighters from South Africa, Costa Rica and Australia to assist Canada during the 2023 wildfire season. YEG also provided support to airline partners and fellow Canadians during the Northwest Territories fires by supporting evacuation efforts and offering space for aircraft to park during the wildfire impacts.

Airport for Everyone

As an Airport for Everyone, YEG works to ensure the airport is a welcoming and safe place for all. As part of that commitment, YEG relaunched the music program (YEG Stage), signed an MOU with Montana First Nation to continue working toward reconciliation and partnered with the Action Coalition on Human Trafficking (ACT) Alberta to be the first airport in Canada to provide translated materials in six languages about human trafficking to newcomers to Canada. YEG continues to offer accessibility programs such as AIRA, the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, Curbside Assistance and much more.

In 2023, YEG was proud to partner with Catholic Social Services, International Rescue Committee and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to assist in coordinating the relocation of approximately 1,700 refugees on five refugee flights. These refugees were being relocated primarily from Uganda and Pakistan. These flights were a large contributor to helping meet the Federal Government’s goal to relocate 40,000 refugees by the end of 2023.

YEG Upgrades

YEG began an important infrastructure upgrade to its Departures Ramp, relocating the public passenger pick-up and drop-off areas. This was a significant undertaking as the Departures Roadway closed to all traffic and the Arrivals Roadway closed to all public traffic. A new Passenger Pick-up & Drop-off Area was established just east of the Easy Parkade, as well as a Family Loading & Unloading Zone, a new Park & Wait Area and ample wayfinding signage. Safety and Security is always YEG’s top priority, and additional team members joined the Passenger Experience team to assist passengers along the way and a region-wide campaign was launched to educate the public. The project will continue into 2024, with a new and improved Departures Roadway in our future.