As the holiday season approaches in December, Edmonton International Airport (YEG) is gearing up for a significant influx of travelers, with expectations to handle tens of thousands of passengers each day. The airport staff is focused on creating a smooth experience for those flying during this busy time. Dominique Huras from the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) emphasized that planning ahead is essential, urging travelers to allow adequate time for check-ins, traffic, parking, and security screenings to reduce the stress commonly associated with holiday travel. Peak travel days are anticipated on December 20th, 23rd, and 27th, during which approximately 100 flights per day will be operated out of the airport.
YEG’s projected passenger volume this holiday season is estimated to approach pre-pandemic levels, with about 25,000 travelers passing through the terminal each day. This change represents a 4.3% increase over last year’s numbers, as officials predict that the total count will reach approximately 7.8 million passengers by the end of December 2024. This is a notable bounce-back from last year’s total of 7.5 million and not far from the pre-pandemic figures of 8.15 million passengers recorded in 2019. Erin Isfeld from YEG highlighted the growing demand for flights and attributed some of the returning passenger volume to the increasing number of airlines operating out of Edmonton.
Among the holiday travelers, many will be heading to international destinations such as Cancun, Phoenix, and Puerto Vallarta, which are the most sought-after routes. Furthermore, the resurgence in travel demand and flight capacity has encouraged airlines like WestJet to expand their operations in Edmonton. WestJet recently announced its summer 2025 schedule, which features a significant increase—23% in total seat capacity—compared to the previous year. The airline will introduce new routes, including five weekly flights from Edmonton to Salt Lake City and a tri-weekly service to Chicago, further boosting the airport’s connectivity.
In addition to WestJet, United Airlines will be facilitating non-stop flights to Houston and Chicago starting in May, promising to enhance travel options for passengers. The collaboration between YEG and various airlines is aimed at ensuring sufficient routes and capacity, enhancing the overall travel experience for passengers. Isfeld expressed confidence that these developments will attract even more travelers to YEG in 2025, reflecting an optimistic outlook for the future of air travel from Edmonton.
As passengers prepare for their journey, YEG has issued a series of guidelines concerning the packing of luggage and essential dos and don’ts for holiday travel. Notably, travelers should keep Christmas gifts unwrapped and place any snow globes in checked baggage to avoid security complications. Moreover, items such as weighted blankets or stuffed animals must adhere to the regulations regarding organic materials inside carry-on luggage, where containers over 350 milliliters (approximately the size of a soda can) are prohibited. Huras reiterated the importance of travelers checking the airport’s website for the latest travel information and security guidelines before heading to the airport.
Overall, YEG is poised to manage the holiday rush with enhanced support from airlines and a focus on passenger experience. The significant uptick in flight capacity, rising demand, and careful planning from airport staff aims to ensure that the increased volume of travelers enjoys a smooth journey this holiday season. With promises of exciting new routes and better service, Edmonton International Airport is set to enhance connectivity for passengers and embrace the challenges that come with this busy travel period.
