7 Massive Upgrades And New Routes At Calgary International Airport (YYC) That Will Change Your Travel In 2026

Calgary International Airport (YYC) is currently undergoing a transformative period, cementing its status not just as a major Canadian hub but as a gateway to the world. As of December 2025, travellers are already benefiting from significant infrastructure investments and a massive expansion of international flight options, driven largely by the city’s hometown carrier, WestJet.

This deep dive into YYC’s latest developments reveals why the airport is predicting a monumental 40% increase in passenger volumes over the next five years. From the reopening of a completely rebuilt runway to a revolutionary new security system designed to slash wait times, here is the essential, up-to-date information you need about the future of travel through Alberta’s busiest airport.

The Definitive Profile of YYC Calgary International Airport

YYC Calgary International Airport serves as the primary air travel hub for Calgary, Alberta, and the surrounding region. It is the operational and strategic base for the Calgary Airport Authority, which manages its extensive operations and infrastructure. The airport’s official IATA code is YYC, and its ICAO code is CYYC.

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• Official Name: YYC Calgary International Airport
• IATA Code: YYC
• ICAO Code: CYYC
• Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
• Status: Fourth-busiest airport in Canada by passenger traffic; busiest in Alberta.
• Primary Hub: WestJet (Global Hub)
• Current Non-Stop Destinations: 108 non-stop destinations globally.
• CEO: Chris Dinsdale (President and CEO, Calgary Airports)
• Runway Infrastructure: Features one of the longest runways in Canada, 17L/35R, measuring 4,267 metres (14,000 feet).
• Quality Rating: Certified as a 3-Star Airport by Skytrax for its facilities, comfort, and service.
• Economic Impact: A key driver of Calgary's economy, with construction projects like the West Runway rebuild creating hundreds of jobs.

The airport’s strategic location in Western Canada makes it a critical connection point for trans-border, domestic, and international travel, particularly to the United States, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

Record-Breaking Growth and Major Infrastructure Upgrades in Late 2025

The year 2025 has marked a period of intense development and unprecedented passenger volume for YYC, signalling a new era of expansion. The Calgary Airports President and CEO, Chris Dinsdale, has projected that passenger volumes could soar by up to 40% within the next five years, a clear indicator of the airport’s aggressive growth strategy.

The West Runway Rebuild: A Two-Year Project Concludes

One of the most significant infrastructure milestones of the year was the completion of the two-year, full-scale rehabilitation of the West Runway (17L/35R). This massive construction project, which reinforced YYC’s role as an economic driver for the city, concluded in late 2025. The runway is now fully operational, ensuring the airport maintains its world-class capacity for aircraft movements and reducing potential delays that can arise from maintenance on a single runway system. The project wrapped up in November 2025, with flights touching down again on the West Runway by December 2025.

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Centralized Security Screening: Cutting Wait Times by 40%

In a direct response to increasing passenger traffic and the need for greater efficiency, YYC launched a new centralized security screening checkpoint. Phase 1 of this crucial project introduced seven new screening lanes, immediately boosting capacity by approximately 40% compared to the previous domestic checkpoints. This new system is specifically designed to streamline the passenger journey, dramatically reducing security wait times and improving the overall travel experience for both domestic and international travellers. This upgrade is part of a larger, long-term master plan that includes incremental expansion up to a 2025 horizon, which has previously included the massive International Facilities Project (IFP) and the new Pier E.

WestJet's Global Hub: Unveiling New Winter 2025/2026 Destinations

As YYC continues to solidify its position as the global hub for WestJet, the airline has announced an exciting array of new routes and destinations, particularly for the Winter 2025/2026 season. This expansion directly contributes to the airport’s impressive tally of 108 non-stop destinations, with 14 new routes added in 2025 alone.

New Sun Destinations for Winter 2025/2026

WestJet’s winter schedule focuses heavily on expanding its presence in Latin America and the Caribbean, offering travellers from Calgary more direct access to popular sun destinations. These new routes are a massive win for Albertans looking to escape the cold and demonstrate WestJet’s commitment to leveraging its Calgary hub.

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Key new sun destinations from Calgary include:

• Calgary to Cozumel, Mexico: A direct route to the popular Caribbean island known for its diving and relaxed atmosphere.
• Calgary to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic: Tapping into the northern coast of the Dominican Republic, a significant addition to the Caribbean network.

With 99 different routes operating out of Calgary in the second half of 2025—including 40 domestic, 28 to the US, and 22 to Mexico/the Caribbean—WestJet’s dominance at YYC is undeniable. This network expansion is a crucial component of the airport’s overall strategy, providing passengers with unparalleled connectivity.

The Future of Travel at YYC

The combination of major capital projects and aggressive route expansion places YYC Calgary International Airport on a firm trajectory for sustained, high-volume growth. The strategic completion of the West Runway rebuild ensures operational resilience, while the new centralized security screening system addresses the crucial passenger pain point of wait times, making the journey smoother and faster. Entities like the Calgary Airport Authority and airline partners like WestJet are working in tandem to make YYC a truly world-class transit point.

For travellers, the message is clear: the Calgary International Airport of 2026 and beyond is designed for efficiency and connectivity. With new sun destinations like Cozumel and Puerto Plata now accessible and a 40% capacity boost at security checkpoints, YYC is not just preparing for the future; it is actively building it, solidifying its role as the premier gateway to Western Canada and the world.