The Region of Waterloo International Airport in Ontario has achieved a new environmental milestone, earning Level 1 certification from the Airport Carbon Accreditation program on April 22, 2026.
This certification, known as Footprint measurement, confirms that the Region of Waterloo International Airport has successfully measured its greenhouse gas emissions and identified specific emission sources within its operations. By establishing this baseline, the facility is now better positioned to track its progress and plan for future reductions as part of a global initiative that includes more than 650 airports across 93 countries.
The environmental achievement follows a busy year for the facility. In 2025, the airport saw more than 426,500 passengers, marking its third-highest annual total on record. With 145,313 aircraft movements that same year, the airport remains among the top 10 busiest in Canada for runway activity and one of the top 20 for total passenger volume.
Beyond its operations, the airport continues to play a significant role in the local economy, contributing more than $220 million annually. It also holds a gold rating for accessibility from the Rick Hansen Foundation, making it one of only four airports in the country to receive that distinction. Looking ahead, the airport has the terminal capacity to handle up to one million passengers annually without needing to increase its operating costs.
Airport staff are now working toward Level 2 certification, which will involve creating a formal carbon management plan and demonstrating clear reductions in emissions. This ongoing work is supported by partnerships with local organizations such as the Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Aeronautics, which provides research expertise to help guide the airport’s sustainability initiatives.
