
Canada's Airports
Canada’s airports are not just transportation hubs. They are economic engines that create their own wealth for their communities and the Canadian economy. According to 2016 data from the Canadian Airports Council, Canada’s airports handled over 140 million passengers, contributed $48 billion in economic output, $19 billion in GDP, 194,000 jobs and $13 billion in wages. When indirect and induced data are included, the total impacts jump to $79 billion in economic output, $35 billion in GDP, 355,000 jobs, and $22 billion in wages.
Prior to the pandemic, airports generated over $7 billion in taxes that was directed to various levels of government. Larger airports like Ottawa are major contributors to the prosperity of the local economy, generating $2.2 billion in total output each year. Even smaller, regional airports, like the Greater Sudbury Airport, create economic opportunities for local business. It is important to note that most people don’t realize the majority of Canadian airports are independently operated and are mandated by regulation to be self-sustaining.