The History of Ottawa International Airport

Ottawa International Airport, also known as Macdonald-Cartier International Airport, is the main airport serving Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. As someone who has flown out of it many times, I am fascinated by its design and its rich history, dating back to its early beginnings in the 1930s. 

In 1938, the Ottawa Airport opened for commercial flights, initially serving only a few airlines, including Trans-Canada Air Lines (now known as Air Canada). At the time, the airport was located on the south side of the Ottawa River, in what is now Gatineau, Quebec.

During World War II, the airport was used by the Royal Canadian Air Force as a training facility. After the war, the airport was expanded and modernized, with new runways, a terminal building, and other facilities. In the 1950s and 60s, the airport saw a significant increase in passenger traffic, as more people began to travel by air.

In 1960, the Ottawa Airport moved to its current location on the north side of the Ottawa River, in Ottawa, Ontario. The new airport featured a modern terminal building, with state-of-the-art facilities for passengers and airlines. The move to the new location helped to improve the airport's accessibility and convenience for travelers.

Throughout the 1970s and 80s, the Ottawa Airport continued to grow and expand, with new airlines and destinations being added regularly. In the 1990s, the airport underwent a major renovation and expansion project, which included the addition of a new international terminal building and the expansion of the existing terminal building.

Today, the Ottawa Airport is one of the busiest airports in Canada, serving millions of passengers each year. It features a range of facilities and services for travelers, including shops, restaurants, and lounges. The airport also plays an important role in the local economy, generating jobs and supporting businesses in the surrounding area.