Edmonton, located in the province of Alberta, Canada, is a rapidly growing city with a lot of diversity, industry and tourist attractions. With all of this growth, it’s no wonder that it would have more than one airport to handle all of the traffic. The question is, does Edmonton have two airports? The answer is yes, and in this post, we will explore both of them and their significance in the area.
Edmonton International Airport
Edmonton International Airport is the primary airport serving the Edmonton Metropolitan Region, Northern Alberta, and parts of the northwest of the province. It is located approximately 26 km south-southwest of downtown Edmonton and covers an area of 7,000 acres. It is the fifth-busiest airport in Canada in terms of passenger traffic, with over 8 million passengers passing through its gates annually.
The airport offers direct flights to over 60 non-stop destinations in Canada, the United States, Mexico, the Caribbean, Europe, and even as far as Australia. This makes it a significant “hub” for air travel for those in the region and has a major impact on the economic growth of Edmonton and surrounding areas. The airport is known for its state-of-the-art facilities, a range of retail, dining, and other facilities offering travelers a great experience. It’s also home to an extensive CrossIron Mills shopping mall, which is a popular destination for both locals and visitors.
Edmonton City Centre (Blatchford Field) Airport
The other airport in Edmonton is the Edmonton City Centre (Blatchford Field) Airport. This airport has been operating since 1929 and serves various general aviation and military operations. It is located in the city center, along Kingsway Avenue in the neighborhoods of Spruce Avenue and Queen Mary Park. This airport covers an area of 144 hectares and has two runways. It’s a much smaller airport than Edmonton International and is used mostly for regional commuter, corporate, charter and rotary-winged aircraft, such as helicopters.
The Edmonton City Centre Airport has a rich history starting from its early days as the primary facility for the Royal Canadian Air Force during the Second World War. After the war, it became a civilian airport serving local and regional air carriers. It wasn’t until 1957 that Edmonton International Airport was opened as the city’s primary airport. The Edmonton City Centre Airport is now one of two remaining inner-city airports in Canada and continues to serve a vital role in Edmonton’s aviation sector.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Edmonton is home to two airports: the Edmonton International Airport and the Edmonton City Centre Airport. The former is the larger and busier of the two, handling millions of passengers every year, while the latter is a smaller airport serving regional commuter, charter, and helicopter aircraft. Both airports play a vital role in the local area’s economy and transportation infrastructure. Whether you’re traveling or visiting Edmonton for business or pleasure, these airports make it easier to get here and explore all that this beautiful region has to offer.
FAQ
What is the difference between Yea and YEG airport?
YEA and YEG are two different codes that refer to Edmonton and its airports. YEA (Edmonton city code) refers to the Edmonton metropolitan area that includes different areas in and around the city of Edmonton. On the other hand, YEG is the airport code for the Edmonton International Airport, which is one of the biggest and busiest airports in Canada.
One of the primary differences between YEA and YEG is that YEA is a city code that covers various locations within the Edmonton metropolitan area. This code is mainly used by airlines or travelers to identify the general location of the Edmonton area. YEG, however, specifically refers to the airport and is used to identify, book, and schedule flights to and from Edmonton International Airport.
Another difference between YEA and YEG is that while YEA may have several airports, only one of them is a customs airport, which is the Edmonton International Airport. This is the airport where all international travelers must pass through customs and immigration, while domestic flights (within Canada) usually do not go through customs. YEG acts as the primary air transportation hub for northern Alberta and northern Canada, making it one of the busiest airports in the country.
Yea is a city code that refers to the Edmonton metropolitan area, while YEG identifies the Edmonton International Airport as one of the main airports located in this area. While YEA may refer to multiple airports, only one of them (YEG) is the main airport, acting as a significant hub for international and domestic air travel in Edmonton and northern Canada.
How to get from Edmonton International Airport to downtown Edmonton?
If you’re flying into Edmonton for the first time and trying to figure out how to get to downtown Edmonton from Edmonton International Airport, there are several options available to you. The distance between the airport and downtown Edmonton is approximately 30 kilometers, and it takes around 30 minutes to 1 hour (depending on traffic) to get from the airport to downtown Edmonton.
One way to make your way to downtown Edmonton is by taking public transportation. Edmonton Transit (ETS) makes it easy to get from Edmonton International Airport to the downtown area with Route 747. This express bus service is available from the airport and runs from 4:10 am to 12:30 am daily. The cost of a one-way trip is approximately $10. Once you get on the bus, you will make several stops before reaching Century Park LRT station. From there, you can connect to the LRT and take it to any of the downtown stations such as Corona, The Bay, Central, or Churchill.
Another popular option is to take a taxi or an Uber ride from Edmonton International Airport to downtown Edmonton. There are several taxi and ride-sharing companies available at the airport, such as Co-Op Taxi, Luxury Limousine Service, and Uber. Depending on traffic, a taxi or an Uber ride could take between 25 and 45 minutes to get to downtown Edmonton. The cost of the ride may vary depending on the time of day, but the estimated fare is around $50-$60.
If you prefer to rent a car, several car rental companies are located within the airport, including Avis, Enterprise, and Budget. You can rent a car from the airport and drive yourself to downtown Edmonton. The drive takes approximately 30 minutes, depending on traffic. However, keep in mind that renting a car involves additional fees such as fuel and parking.
There are several options for getting from Edmonton International Airport to downtown Edmonton, including public transportation, taxis, ride-sharing services, and renting a car. Consider your budget, time, and convenience when deciding on which method of transportation to use. Regardless of which option you choose, you will be able to reach your destination in the heart of downtown Edmonton with ease.
What is the closest US airport to Alberta?
The closest US airport to Alberta depends on which part of the province you are trying to reach. However, Coutts/Ross International Airport (FAA LID: 7S8, TC LID: CEP4) is one of the closest airports to Alberta. This airport is located 0.5 nautical miles (0.93 km; 0.58 mi) west of Coutts, Alberta, Canada and 0.1 NM (0.19 km; 0.12 mi) west of Sweet Grass, Montana, United States.
Coutts/Ross International Airport is a small airport that serves mostly private and charter flights. It has a single runway that is 2,200 feet long and 50 feet wide. The airport has customs and border protection facilities, which makes it a popular entry point for travelers arriving in Canada by air from the United States.
Other nearby airports that can be used as entry points to Alberta from the United States include Great Falls International Airport in Montana, Glacier Park International Airport in Kalispell, Montana, and Spokane International Airport in Washington.
When traveling to Alberta from the United States, it’s important to check the entry requirements and any travel restrictions that may be in place. You may need a valid passport, visa, or other documentation to enter Canada, and there may be restrictions on non-essential travel due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s always best to check with the Canadian government or your airline for the latest information before you travel.
How many terminals does Edmonton airport have?
Edmonton International Airport is the primary airport serving the city of Edmonton and the surrounding areas. The airport is located about 26 kilometers south of downtown Edmonton. The airport has been in operation since 1960, and since then, it has undergone several expansions and upgrades to meet the growing demand for air travel in the region.
Edmonton Airport has only one terminal building that is divided into two concourses (A and B). However, the layout of the terminal is quite spacious, and it has everything that passengers need to make their travel experience more comfortable. The terminal building is designed to handle both domestic and international flights and has a different area for arrivals and departures.
The main terminal building of Edmonton Airport is home to a wide range of facilities and services that include a variety of shops, restaurants, cafes, duty-free stores, and lounges. The airport has also invested heavily in advanced technologies to streamline security and immigration processes, ensuring passengers move through the airport quickly and conveniently.
Edmonton International Airport has only one terminal building that is divided into two concourses to serve its passengers. Despite having only one terminal, the airport has a spacious layout and is home to all the facilities and services that passengers need to make their travel experience smooth and comfortable.
What time should I be at the Edmonton airport for a domestic flight?
If you are planning on flying within Canada and departing from the Edmonton International Airport, it is always best to give yourself plenty of time before your scheduled departure. The Edmonton airport, like all major airports around the world, has specific guidelines about when you should arrive before your domestic flight. Therefore, it is recommended that you arrive at the airport between 1.5 to 2 hours before your flight.
When it comes to domestic flights, it is important to remember that the check-in process can take some time, especially if you have checked luggage. The Edmonton airport has numerous check-in counters within the terminal where you can drop off your bags and get your boarding pass before heading to your gate.
However, even if you have already checked in online, you still need to go through security checks, and these can be time-consuming, especially during peak travel periods. Security checks involve x-ray screening on all carry-on luggage and a pat-down by a security agent.
Once you are through security, you will have plenty of time to enjoy the various facilities in the airport such as restaurants, shops, and lounges. If you are a frequent traveler, you might consider getting access to one of the airport’s lounges, which offer complimentary food and beverages, Wi-Fi, and other amenities.
To ensure a stress-free journey and ensure you don’t miss your flight, you should aim to arrive at the Edmonton airport at least 1.5 to 2 hours before your domestic flight. This will give you enough time to check in, clear security, and enjoy some of the airport’s amenities before boarding your flight.