FAQs
- Stage 1 - Upon approval of 20 Year Airport Master Plan (April 2017)
Plan for 500,000 passengers a year - Stage 2 - Airport reaches 250,000 passengers (Roughly 3 Boeing 737 flights per day)
Plan for 1 million passengers & build for 500,000 passengers annually - Stage 3 - Airport reaches 500,000 passengers (Roughly 6 Boeing 737 flights per day)
Plan for 1.5 million passengers & build for 1 million passengers annually - Stage 4 - Airport reaches 1 million passengers (Roughly 12 Boeing 737 flights per day)
Build for 1.5 million passengers annually - Stage 5 - Airport reaches 1.5 million passengers (Roughly 18 Boeing 737 flights per day)
Build for 2.5 million passengers annually - Began the Federal Aeronautical Zoning process for the extension of Runway 14-32 and Runway 08-26.
- Completed the detailed designs and environmental assessment for both ends of the Runway 14-32 Extension
- Assessed the land acquisition requirements
- Conducted a Terminal Feasibility & Site Selection Study
- Completed a Master Site Servicing Study
- Developed land associated with the existing serviced lands
- Designed & constructed the existing Terminal Building expansion
- Designed & constructed the new Value Parking Lot
Why does the Airport need a Master Plan?
The demand for air travel in southern Ontario is growing and airports use Master Plans to guide future infrastructure and service decisions and to meet the travel needs of our community now and in the future.
YKF is expected to grow to 1 million passengers by 2026 and Toronto Pearson International Airport (TPIA) is expected to reach capacity at 70 million passengers a year by 2031.
Why do a Master Plan Refresh now?
In April 2017, Regional Council approved the $375 million, 20 Year Airport Master Plan. Globally and at home, a lot has changed since 2017. This current consultation & master plan update aims to refresh the 2017 plan with new passenger projections, strategic and infrastructure priorities.
Unlike traditional airport master planning, we used a 'just-in-time' approach. A pre-set passenger volume is required for each of the five development stages. This approach makes the most of existing infrastructure while managing financial risk. This allows YKF to respond to industry changes without compromising customer service.
The 20 Year Airport Master Plan consists of five development stages. Each stage is triggered by pre-set annual passenger volume:
It is important to note, since the approval of the 2017 Airport Master Plan, a large body of work has happened. Including:
The updated 2023 Master Plan document is planned to come to Regional Council in early 2024.
How does the airport factor into our sustainability goals?
The Region of Waterloo International Airport, recognizes the environmental impact of airport operations and the importance of fostering resiliency to the effects of a changing climate. YKF is committed to ensuring that climate action, the clean energy transition and environmental stewardship remains at the forefront of daily operations while preparing for sustainable growth in the region, and to providing leadership and support in the decarbonization of the aviation industry. To effectively manage a clean energy transition, YKF will prioritize energy use reductions and energy efficiencies at the airport.
In 2022, YKF joined the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) program, which is the only institutionally endorsed global carbon management certification standard for airports.
YKF is also a collaborative partner with The Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Aeronautics (WISA). WISA has a mission to become the world’s leading hub for sustainable aeronautical research, technology, and education. Founding Director of WISA, Dr. Suzanne Kearns says “The facilities and operations at YKF, when combined with WISA’s researchers and labs create a living laboratory. This partnership allows us to explore cutting-edge technologies and innovate sustainability practices. All the while developing the next generation of aeronautical leaders. We believe, through the power of partnership, we have an innovative ecosystem. One capable of achieving a more sustainable future for air transportation, together.”
The YKF Master Plan Refresh will include action items directly related to sustainability.