Airport Improvement Fees

There are a number of fees that the travelling public pays while using airports in Canada.

As of January 1, 2008, the Airport Improvement Fee ( AIF ) and Terminal Renewal Fee, were consolidated to $20. As with most Canadian airports, passengers departing Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport (YWG) have the $20 directly added to their flight ticket by the airlines at the time of purchase. The YWG does not charge the AIF to passengers connecting with other flights at YWG within four hours.

Funds generated by the AIF are used exclusively for local redevelopment and improvement projects that serve the community’s air transport needs. Learn more about them at this link for Airport Improvement Fee .

To ensure safe and secure air travel in Canada, the federal government has also introduced a fee to cover the costs of increased security measures.

As Winnipeg continues to grow as a transportation hub and travel destination visited by travelers from around the world, its airport also needs to provide services and facilities appropriate to this changing environment.

The airport is an important part of the Winnipeg community. As our gateway to the world, it is the first place travelers see when they arrive by air, and it is Manitoba’s first opportunity to create a favourable impression.

WAA is improving Manitoba’s face to the world by adding amenities and much-needed features to Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport (YWG). These changes are intended to serve our community with a modern airport, capable of handling increased traffic in a manner that exceeds our customer and community expectations. WAA’s Airport Improvement Fee helps facilitate these changes.

Airlines operating out of the Air Terminal Building add a $20 fee directly to ticket purchases for flights from YWG. The fee does not apply to arriving passengers who continue their journey within four hours.

Working in conjunction with our airline partners, the AIF is directed towards capital improvements which enhance customer service, serves their needs, and creates a favorable impression of our airport, and our community.

Who charges it?
Winnipeg Airports Authority Inc.

How much is it?
$20 per trip, originating in Winnipeg.

How is my money spent?
AIF revenue goes toward funding critical infrastructure improvements, including the airfield and the Air Terminal Building. For example, in 2001, AIF revenue funded 75% of the $10.5 million rehabilitation of pavement and lighting for Runway 13/31, the largest airfield construction project in Winnipeg in 40 years. Airside improvements in 2003 included the rehabilitation of Runway 18/36 and construction of a new cargo apron.

As part of WAA’s ongoing commitment to customer service and community, WAA is embarking on a major site redevelopment project over the next several years, including the construction of a new airport terminal. Completion of the terminal building is scheduled for 2011. The new terminal will respond to a variety of carrier and passenger service issues and capacity requirements that cannot be adequately fulfilled by the present terminal facility. The new terminal will also present exciting new business opportunities for retail, financial and other service industries and contribute to the economic development of Winnipeg and Manitoba.

Other Major Airport AIF’s for Flights Within Canada
    Edmonton - $20
    Montreal - $25
    Ottawa - $20
    Toronto - $25 departing / $4 connecting flights
    Calgary - $25
*Figures last verified as of August 20, 2011