The Calgary International Airport is preparing for another record-breaking summer travel season despite tempered demand for air travel tied to fuel surcharges on flight bookings in recent months.
Calgary Airports expects to welcome more than 6.1 million passengers in the coming months, with an average of more than 66,000 travellers moving through each day.
“We truly know that this time of year comes with a mix of excitement and a bit of uncertainty for many travellers,” said Calgary Airports chief operating officer Chris Miles during a Wednesday press conference. “People are thinking more carefully about where they go, how they go and what to expect along the line.
“Travel remains deeply important, not only for us, but for our community, and we’re seeing that reflected in the number of people that we expect to come through the airport this summer.”
The forecast follows the record-setting four million passengers that passed through Calgary last year, with recorded volumes exceeding two million passengers for each of July and August.
Calgary Airports COO Chris Miles speaks during a press conference at the Calgary International Airport on Wednesday, June 17, 2026.
Tourism Calgary says domestic travel is anticipated to increase by nearly four per cent year-over-year in 2026. Part of that projected uptick can be linked to major events drawing large numbers of visitors to city, as Calgary is set to host around 75 major events and conventions from June through to the end of September.
Among those events is the International Convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses, slated to be held at the BMO Centre from July 31 to August 2. Tourism Calgary anticipates the event will bring close to 23,000 attendees from around the world, while generating an estimated economic impact of $51 million for Calgary.
“We’re so delighted to see the level of interest in our community,” said Tourism Calgary president and CEO Alisha Reynolds. “This is a bellwether for what is to come, which is so many positive things for our community this summer.
“Calgary is not just hoping for a great summer, it is already booked.”
The record-breaking summer travel forecast comes despite recent uncertainty in the aviation sector, with airfares climbing in recent months in response to higher jet fuel costs driven by surging oil prices amid the conflict in Iran.
Miles said Calgary Airports remains on track for a record year despite geopolitical issues having “dampening effects” on travel. He attributes Calgary still seeing strong domestic and international traffic to its position a hub for connecting passengers.
“We don’t see the reductions the other markets do because we still see a lot of domestic flights coming in and going down to the United States,” Miles said.
To help ensure a stress-free travel experience, officials encourage travellers to come ready and arrive early.
“Arriving early helps ensure travellers have enough time to check in, go through security screening and get to their gate,” said Gurjit Gill, the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority’s general manager of service delivery for the Prairie region.
Passengers can visit CATSA’s website to find rules for what can and cannot be packed in their baggage and other travel tips.