Calgary International Airport is Alberta’s main airport and one of Canada’s busiest transportation hubs. Every day, it welcomes thousands of passengers from all over the world. Its history dates back to the 20th century. Today, it’s a major airport with advanced infrastructure, modern technology, and a crucial role in the region’s economy. In this article on calgary1.one, we’ll explore the airport’s history, its unique features, and its importance to the city.
The Airport’s History
The city’s first airport opened back in 1914 near Bowness. At the time, the airport covered just one square kilometre and consisted of a small hut and a grass landing strip.
In 1928, a new airport called the “Old Banff Coach Road Airport” was established southwest of the city. However, the area was plagued by severe turbulence, forcing the airport to relocate to the Renfrew area. As Calgary grew and expanded around the Renfrew airport, officials decided it was time to move it once more.
In 1938, the city purchased a plot of land north of Calgary for $31,000. The airport has been at this location ever since. The city signed a contract with Trans-Canada Air Lines to build a hangar on the site for $45,000 (about $918,117 in 2023 dollars). In return, the city funded the construction of the runways. The Calgary airfield was named McCall Field in honour of a First World War flying ace.
In 1940, with Canada’s entry into the Second World War, the federal government took control of the airfield. It became a key refuelling and maintenance stop for aircraft involved in the war effort. Later, a flight training school was also established on the site. Throughout this time, passenger flights continued to operate. After the war, the airport was significantly expanded and modernized. Regular renovations ensured the airport always remained modern and met the highest standards.
How the Airport Operates Today
Today, Calgary International Airport has two terminals: one for domestic flights and one for international flights. The Domestic Terminal, opened in 1977, has four levels. The first level is the arrivals area, where passengers can claim their baggage. The second level houses the departures area, where passengers check in, go through security, and proceed to their gates. The basement level is used for storage, while the mezzanine features various food courts and airline offices.
The International Terminal opened in 2016 and has six levels. The basement level contains the baggage handling system. The first level is designated for arrivals and meet-and-greet areas. The second level is for departures check-in, security screening, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The third level contains the U.S. departures hall. The mezzanine is home to the international departure lounges.
A 620-metre corridor connects the Domestic and International terminals, featuring a dedicated path for a passenger shuttle. Specialized ten-seat electric carts are used to transport passengers between them.
The airport is equipped with everything you need for a comfortable stay: great cafés, well-known shops, comfortable lounges, hotels, and quiet rooms. Additionally, the airport offers ample parking, car rental services, and various other transportation options.
The airport’s long history is a testament to its continuous development and modernization. Today, it offers excellent service, state-of-the-art terminals, and a comfortable travel experience. Calgary International Airport connects people from around the globe and allows Calgarians to travel with comfort and ease.