Calgary Airport Terminals
All the information featured on this page was compiled and written by David Enrich, a renowned expert in aviation and airport guides since 1999.
Calgary International Airport (YYC) is the main international gateway to the Canadian province of Alberta and one of the busiest airports in Canada. Located about 17 km northeast of downtown Calgary, the airport serves millions of passengers every year with domestic flights across Canada, major U.S. destinations, and long-haul international routes to Europe and Asia.
YYC is known for its modern facilities, efficient passenger flow, and spacious terminals, designed to handle both domestic and international traffic with minimal congestion. The airport is also a major hub for WestJet, one of Canada’s largest airlines.
Historical Background
The origins of Calgary International Airport date back to 1938, when the airport first opened as McCall Field, named after World War I flying ace Fred McCall. During World War II, the airport served as an important training base for the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan.
In the decades following the war, Calgary grew rapidly due to the development of the Alberta oil industry, which led to increasing air traffic and the need for a larger airport facility.
Major milestones include:
- 1977 – Opening of a modern passenger terminal
- 2000s – Significant expansions to accommodate growing passenger numbers
- 2016 – Opening of the International Terminal and Concourse D, a major expansion project that greatly increased the airport’s capacity and introduced new customs facilities
Today, Calgary International Airport handles more than 18 million passengers annually and serves as one of Canada’s key aviation hubs.
Terminal Layout
Calgary International Airport operates one main passenger terminal building, divided into four concourses:
- Concourse A – Domestic flights (primarily WestJet)
- Concourse B – Domestic flights (Air Canada and regional carriers)
- Concourse C – U.S. transborder flights
- Concourse D – International flights
All concourses are connected inside the same terminal complex, making transfers relatively easy for passengers.
Terminal Levels
Source: Airportmaps.com – Calgary International Airport (YYC) terminal and airport layout map
The terminal is organized across several levels:
Departures Level
- Airline check-in counters
- Self-service kiosks
- Security screening checkpoints
- Access to departure concourses
Arrivals Level
- Baggage claim area
- Customs and immigration (for international flights)
- Ground transportation services
- Car rental desks
Mezzanine / Upper Levels
- Lounges and business facilities
- Additional restaurants and retail stores
- Airport administration offices
Calgary Airport is large but well signposted. Allow 10–15 minutes of walking time between some gates, especially in Concourse D.
Shops and Retail Areas
YYC offers a wide variety of retail stores across the terminal.
Shopping Categories
Passengers can find stores selling:
- Travel essentials – luggage, adapters, travel pillows
- Books and electronics – bookstores and tech stores
- Clothing and fashion accessories
- Luxury brands and jewelry
- Canadian souvenirs and gifts
- Food and snacks
Most retail stores are located after security in the departure concourses, although some are also available in the public terminal area.
Shops in Concourse D often carry premium Canadian products such as maple syrup, local whisky, and Alberta souvenirs.
Duty Free
Duty-free shopping is available in Concourse D, which serves international flights.
Passengers can purchase:
- Perfumes and cosmetics
- Alcohol and tobacco
- Luxury goods
- Travel gifts
The duty-free area is located after security and passport control in the international departures area.
Duty-free alcohol prices in Canada can be significantly cheaper than downtown stores, especially for premium whisky brands.
Restaurants, Bars and Cafés
Calgary Airport has many dining options, including well-known local Alberta restaurants.
Calgary Chophouse & Brewery
Location: Concourse D
Menu: Alberta beef steaks, burgers, craft beer
Hours: Usually 05:00 – 22:00
Vin Room YYC
Location: Concourse C
Menu: Wine bar with tapas, charcuterie boards, and light meals
Hours: 06:00 – 21:00
Tim Hortons
Location: Multiple locations throughout the terminal
Menu: Coffee, sandwiches, donuts, breakfast items
Hours: Often 24 hours depending on location
Burger Federation
Location: Concourse A
Menu: Gourmet burgers and fries
Hours: 06:00 – 21:00
Vin Room is one of the best-rated airport restaurants in Calgary and is ideal for a relaxed meal before U.S. flights.
Airport Facilities
YYC offers many services for passenger comfort:
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal
- ATMs and currency exchange counters
- Charging stations for phones and laptops
- Airport lounges (Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge, WestJet Elevation Lounge)
- Information desks
- Luggage storage and wrapping services
Free Wi-Fi is usually fast enough for streaming or remote work while waiting for flights.
Services for Families and Passengers with Reduced Mobility (PRM)
The airport provides a variety of accessibility services.
Available facilities include:
- Family washrooms
- Baby-changing stations
- Children’s play areas
- Wheelchair assistance
- Accessible elevators and restrooms
- Reserved parking spaces for disabled passengers
Passengers requiring assistance should notify their airline at least 48 hours before departure.
Security and Baggage Screening
Security checkpoints are located on the departure level before entering each concourse.
Passengers traveling to the United States go through U.S. pre-clearance, meaning immigration and customs procedures are completed in Calgary before departure.
The airport uses modern automated baggage screening systems to process luggage efficiently.
Because of U.S. pre-clearance procedures, passengers traveling to the United States should arrive at least 3 hours before departure.
Lost and Found
Lost items at Calgary Airport are handled by the airport’s Lost and Found Office.
Passengers can:
- Report lost items online
- Contact airport services by phone
- Visit the office inside the terminal
If an item was left on an aircraft, passengers should contact the airline directly.
Check-in and Boarding
Passengers can check in using:
- Airline check-in counters
- Self-service kiosks
- Online or mobile check-in
Recommended arrival times:
- Domestic flights: 2 hours before departure
- U.S. flights: 2–3 hours before departure
- International flights: 3 hours before departure
After security, passengers proceed to their concourse gates for boarding.
Gates in Concourse D are spread out, so allow extra time to reach the boarding area.