The Ottawa Airport Authority has decked the halls at YOW in preparation for the holiday travel season! December 21 to 23 are expected to be the busiest travel days of 2025, with most flights at or near capacity.

In the spirit of making the travel experience merry, we’re bringing back the holiday music program from December 20 to 24, for passengers to be entertained with holiday classics and original songs. This year’s program will bring back the Dickens Carolers, Sing House Studios, Maple Leaf Horn Quartet, and the Celebration Brass Quintet, with newcomers including the Elevated Violinist and Jana Salameh. The full holiday music schedule is available on our website.

Santa will make his way through the terminal on December 22, 23 and 24 to offer goodies to passengers and meeters/greeters. Finally, the ever-popular Santa’s Manifest will be available on our Facebook page on December 24. 

To lessen holiday travel stress, we encourage passengers to plan ahead and keep the following travel tips in mind:

Before your trip

• Save time and check in for your flight online from home
• Ensure all travellers in your group have proper identification
• If you’re travelling with children
  • Bring books or toys to keep them occupied while you wait for your flight
  • This video, created in collaboration with CHEO for kids with neurodivergence, helps familiarize kids with the travel experience
• A person with a disability and a confirmation of upcoming travel is eligible to receive a tour to become familiar with the travel experience before taking a flight
• Pack smart:
  • The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority website has information about what you can and can’t take in your carry-on luggage
  • If you plan to take gifts in your carry-on, don’t wrap them; they may need to be inspected during the security screening
  • Pack medications and valuables in your carry-on
• If there is inclement weather, check your flight status with your airline before making your way to the airport and give yourself extra time to get here
• Reserve parking online to guarantee your spot
• Download your airline’s app for handy features and helpful information
• Find out if you’re a ‘Verified Traveller’ or consider joining the NEXUS or Global Entry program
• Visit our Travel from YOW page or our Travel to YOW page for even more tips
• Above all, remember to pack your patience!

At the airport

• If you’re travelling to a sunshine destination, you can store your winter gear at the airport for a small fee. PARS 2000, located in the Arrivals area on Level 1, is open 24/7
• Need assistance?[SA1]
  • Information about accessibility services and features such as the Sunflower program, the Aira app, and the Spoke app is available on our website
  • The Passenger Concierge is a curb-to-cabin service available for a fee
  • There are in-terminal animal relief stations available in both the Canada/International and U.S. gate areas
• Stay connected with YOW’s free WiFi and device charging receptacles throughout the terminal
• Our digital terminal map makes navigating YOW simple
• There are many food and beverage options, including local favourites Bridgehead, La Bottega and Big Rig in the Canada/International gate area
• Need to pick up a last-minute gift? We’ve got you covered in the Centre Court area with The Locks, No Boundaries, a duty-free store, among others.
• Picking up a passenger? Wait for them in our Cell Phone Lot, located at the north-west corner of Airport Parkway Private and Air Cargo Private

Prepare your return to Canada

• The Canada Border Services Agency website has a guide for residents returning to Canada
• Save time when making your customs and immigration declaration by using the Advance Declaration

Prepare to fly to the U.S.

• The free Mobile Passport Control app can speed up your entry to the United States

“A little planning makes the travel process smoother, especially when preparing for the unexpected. Check your flight status, give yourself enough time to get to and through the airport, and don’t forget to pack your patience. The holidays can be stressful, but holiday travel does not have to be,” said Krista Kealey, Ottawa Airport Authority Vice President of Communications and Public Consultation.