Airports play a vital role in connecting people, cultures, and economies around the world. In Canada, two prominent airports, Calgary Airport and Vancouver Airport, serve as major gateways for domestic and international travelers. In this blog post, we will compare and contrast these two airports based on various factors such as size, passenger traffic, airlines, runways, airport area, and facilities.
Is Calgary Airport Bigger Than Vancouver Airport
Yes Calgary airport is bigger than Vancouver airport. It has a land area of 5,144.734 acres while Vancouver airport is 3,311 acres. The Calgary airport has a total of 4 runways while Vancouver has 3 runways.
Size is often a key factor when evaluating airports. While both Calgary Airport and Vancouver Airport are significant in their own right, Vancouver Airport takes the lead in terms of passenger traffic.
Passenger Traffic
Calgary Airport: With an annual passenger traffic of approximately 14.5 million, Calgary Airport serves as a bustling hub in Western Canada.
Vancouver Airport: On the other hand, Vancouver Airport boasts an impressive passenger traffic of 19,013,416, making it the busiest airport in Western Canada.
Airlines
The number of airlines operating at an airport indicates its connectivity and reach.
Calgary Airport: Calgary is served by 22 airlines, offering a diverse range of domestic and international destinations.
Vancouver Airport: Vancouver Airport takes the lead in this category as well, with a total of 60 airlines operating from its terminals, providing extensive connectivity options worldwide.
Runways
The number and configuration of runways are essential for efficient air traffic management and handling a wide range of aircraft.
Calgary Airport: The Calgary Airport features four runways with varying lengths and orientations. They include:
- Runway 08/26: 1,890m
- Runway 11/29: 2,438m
- Runway 17R/35L: 3,863m
- Runway 17L/35R: 4,267m
Vancouver Airport: Vancouver Airport has three runways, each designed to accommodate different aircraft and weather conditions. They include:
- Runway 08L/26R: 3,030m
- Runway 08R/26L: 3,293m
- Runway 13/31: 2,225m
Airport Area
The physical size of an airport can impact its infrastructure, facilities, and overall capacity.
Calgary Airport: Calgary Airport covers an expansive area of 5144.734 acres, allowing ample space for passenger terminals, cargo facilities, and other essential services.
Vancouver Airport: Vancouver Airport, although slightly smaller in size, efficiently utilizes its area to accommodate its terminals, runways, and support facilities. It has an airport area of 3,311 acres
Facilities
To enhance the passenger experience, airports strive to provide a wide range of facilities and amenities.
Both Calgary Airport and Vancouver Airport feature modern facilities, including:
1. Terminals: Both airports boast modern and well-designed passenger terminals, offering a range of services such as check-in counters, security checkpoints, duty-free shops, restaurants, and lounges.
2. Transportation: Both airports offer various transportation options, including taxis, rental cars, public transportation, and airport shuttles, ensuring easy access to and from the airport.
3. Parking: Adequate parking facilities are available at both airports, with options for short-term and long-term parking, as well as dedicated areas for disabled passengers.
4. Dining and Shopping: Travelers can indulge in a diverse selection of dining options, ranging from fast-food outlets to upscale restaurants. Additionally, a wide array of retail shops and duty-free stores cater to the needs of passengers seeking last-minute souvenirs or travel essentials.
5. Airport Lounges: Exclusive lounges are available for premium passengers and members of loyalty programs, providing a comfortable and relaxing environment before departure.
In summary, while Calgary Airport serves as a significant transportation hub with its extensive airline network and four runways, Vancouver Airport surpasses it in terms of passenger traffic, airlines, and connectivity. Both airports offer modern facilities and services to enhance the travel experience of their passengers.
As Canada’s economic and tourism landscapes continue to evolve, the Calgary and Vancouver airports play pivotal roles in connecting people and fostering growth in their respective regions. Whichever airport you choose to travel through, rest assured that you will be welcomed with top-notch facilities and services to make your journey seamless and enjoyable.
Disclaimer: The statistics mentioned in this blog post are based on available information up until September 2021 and are subject to change. Please refer to the official websites of the airports for the most up-to-date information.
This is a really detailed comparison of both airports so I’m definitely gonna check when I’m deciding which to pick