Airports

Discover the History and Highlights of Nanaimo Airport (YCD) in British Columbia, Canada





Nanaimo Airport, located in the city of Nanaimo in British Columbia, Canada, is a small regional airport that has been serving the community since its opening in 1937. The airport is officially known as Nanaimo Airport, but it is also commonly referred to as Cassidy Airport due to its close proximity to the Cassidy neighbourhood.

Discover the History and Highlights of Nanaimo Airport (YCD) in British Columbia, Canada
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The airport is situated on a piece of land that was previously owned by the Canadian Pacific Railway. In 1937, the Canadian Pacific Railway partnered with the City of Nanaimo to build the airport, and it was officially opened by then-Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King.

The airport was initially intended to be used for recreational flying and aircraft maintenance, but it has since grown to become one of the busiest regional airports in British Columbia. In the late 1940s, the airport began to receive scheduled commercial flights, and it was officially named the Nanaimo Airport in 1952.

The airport's three-letter code, YCD, was determined by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The “Y” is used to designate airports located in Canada, while “CD” is the code specifically assigned to Nanaimo Airport.





Today, Nanaimo Airport serves more than 200,000 passengers each year and has an average of 40 commercial flights a day. It is served by a number of major airlines, including Air Canada, WestJet, Pacific Coastal Airlines, and Harbour Air.

In addition to passenger flights, the airport also serves as a hub for helicopter and seaplane operations. It is also home to a number of private and charter aircraft, as well as corporate jets.

Nanaimo Airport is well-known for its scenic views of the surrounding areas, making it a popular destination for sightseeing and aerial photography. It is also known for its friendly and helpful staff, who are always willing to answer questions and help passengers with their travel needs.

The airport is also known for its unique naming convention. It is named after the nearby Cassidy neighbourhood, which was named after an early homesteader and settler named John Cassidy. As such, the airport is often referred to as Cassidy Airport.