The Ottawa International Airport Authority reported strong revenue and passenger growth in 2024 at its Annual Public Meeting today. The results confirm near-full recovery and set the stage for airport expansion.

One notable data point is the shift from 3% connecting traffic in 2023 to approximately 12% in 2024 – a change made possible by Porter Airlines' rapid and expansive growth. The shift also confirms YOW’s position as a hub airport in Porter's network.

Overall, passenger volumes grew to 4.6 million or 13% more than in 2023. Breaking it down, YOW served 3.4 million domestic passengers, 0.8 million passengers travelling to/from the U.S., and 0.4 million international passengers, representing 7%, 29% and 37% growth, respectively. The impressive growth, particularly in the latter two categories, is largely attributed to a robust winter charter schedule to sunshine destinations and the Caribbean and the success of Air France's non-stop service to Paris.

Revenues also grew to $162 million – an increase of 11% over 2023 figures. It's no surprise that expenses before depreciation also grew by 10% to $116 million as the Authority returned to a full project schedule and intense recruiting to increase the employee base to handle the growth. Income before depreciation reached $46 million – an increase of 15%, with net income totalling $16 million, or 45% higher than last year.

"2024 was a transformational year, marked by exciting changes in the terminal and on the airfield – especially YOW proving that it is a viable hub airport", said Bonnie Boretsky, Chair of the Airport Authority's Board of Directors. "Congratulations to everyone who contributed to the airport's success and the growing positive impact on Ottawa-Gatineau."

"It's an honour to preside over my first Annual Public Meeting as President and CEO and to reflect on the remarkable achievements of 2024", said Susan Margles. "From impressive growth in passenger volume to laying the groundwork for future airport expansion, this past year has highlighted the strength of the YOW team and the momentum across our industry. As we look ahead to 2025, I look forward to reinforcing our collaboration with partners and stakeholders, aligning our strategies, and creating greater economic impact for the communities we serve."

More 2024 highlights:

• Porter Airlines grew its YOW operation by six new destinations, now serving 19 non-stop routes, the most of all carriers
• Porter Airlines opened its 150,000 ft2 hangar, where its new fleet of Embraer E195-E2 jets is maintained
• Connecting traffic continues to increase, proving that YOW is a viable hub airport
• Air Canada announced the return of its Ottawa-London Heathrow (LHR) non-stop service, which was re-inaugurated on March 31, 2025
• Air France successfully operates year-round and daily at peak periods to Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG)
• Canadian North broke ground on its new warehouse and office building
• New concessions opened, including Relay and Bridgehead Coffee in Arrivals. The Urban Crave restaurant opened in the U.S. gate area in early 2025
• Best Ottawa Business awards:
  • Deal of the Year – Tourism for Air Canada's YOW-LHR route announcement
  • Newsmaker of the Year
• Completion of the new Airport Station connecting YOW to the City of Ottawa's O-Train. Lines 2 and 4 (the airport spur) officially launched in early January 2025
• Construction of the Alt Hotel progressed well and is on track for completion at the end of 2025
• Launch of the new YOW.ca website

More information about activities at YOW last year is available in our 2024 Annual Report and 2024 ESG Report on our Publications page.