Meet The Winners: Edmonton International Airport

Speaking at Routes World 2024 in Bahrain, Edmonton International Airport discussed its unique approach to air service growth and what it meant to be named the winner of the 5-10 Million Passengers category at the Routes Awards.

Serving more than 7.5 million passengers during 2023, Edmonton International Airport (YEG) offers nonstop connections to over 50 destinations. Having reached 92% of passenger volume compared to pre-pandemic, the Canadian airport continues to grow through strategic collaborations with airlines and stakeholders.

WestJet, YEG’s largest carrier, has played a key role in the airport’s expansion. The airline’s 2024/25 winter schedule features a 20% capacity increase compared to the same period in 2023, with service to 30 nonstop destinations, including new routes to Ottawa and Montreal.

Earlier this year, WestJet also launched a daily year-round service to Atlanta, enhancing YEG’s transborder connectivity. Additionally, Porter Airlines introduced daily flights to Montreal, bolstering the airport’s domestic offerings.

Speaking to Routes in Bahrain, Adrian Warchola, director of air service development at YEG, said expanding its communities access to more destinations and opening doors to new opportunities globally and across Canada is of top priority.  This vision is carried out by working with existing airline partners, as well as speaking with additional carrier to increase capacity.

“We’re excited about the discussions we’ve had at Routes World,” Warchola added. “It’s been great to connect with old colleagues, new friends, and all the airlines we have relationships with.”

Having been crowned the winner of the 5-10 Million Passenger category at the Routes Awards, YEG credit its success to its unique approach to secure economic growth for the community.

The airport collaborates with 15 local communities through the Regional Air Services Opportunities Fund, which supports air service growth and helps finance new routes. In addition to financial backing, YEG provides airlines with marketing support, data insights, and other resources to ensure the success of new services.

“It was an honour to be nominated alongside our peer airports, and then to win the category was humbling not only for us as a team but also for us a community at Edmonton,” Warchola said. “To have that recognition on a global stage was exciting.”

Looking ahead, YEG aims to expand its North American network and explore opportunities for transatlantic and transpacific growth. The airport’s strategy is focused on meeting the needs of its diverse community and connecting Edmonton to global markets.