October 30, 2025
Number of flights in and out of Canadian airports increased 4.8% in August
Statistics Canada reports that aircraft movements at Canada's major and select small airports totalled 574,355 in August 2025, up 4.8% from the same month the previous year. Itinerant movements increased 3.7% year over year, while local movements rose 7.7%.
Airline operating statistics, and to a lesser extent aircraft movements, were affected by Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge flight cancellations and delays in mid-August caused by labour disruptions.
In August, increased flight school activity at Canada's major and select small airports contributed to growth in local movements, which rose 7.7% year over year to 165,432. Increases were recorded in 10 provinces and territories, with the largest gains in Ontario (+5,590 movements), Alberta (+2,646), and British Columbia (+2,487).
At the same time, domestic itinerant movements grew 4.4% from the same month the previous year to reach 352,225 in August, also driven by other commercial operations, including flight school activity.
Transborder movements (to and from the United States) declined 2.2% to 39,443 in August, the fifth consecutive monthly year-over-year decrease. Meanwhile, other international movements (outside the United States) were up 3.1% year over year to 17,255.