London International Airport
Our airport is here to help you get wherever you want to go. Start here, go anywhere!
Our History
The first airport in London was established in 1928 on a grass field located south of the city. In 1939, land was purchased at the present site and construction of a more advanced facility began.
During the second world war, London Airport was used extensively as a military training base. Work started on the RCAF Station Crumlin in November 1939, and it became a major centre for the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan. In 1945, Transport Canada assumed operations of the airport and embarked upon a major expansion program during the following three decades. From 1974 to 1998 construction programs costing more than $12 million were undertaken to upgrade and renovate airport facilities, runways, etc.
In 1994 the Government of Canada announced the implementation of a National Airports Policy. This policy supported the federal government’s withdrawal as operators of airports. The top twenty-six Canadian airports, including London, were eligible for a long-term lease to local Airport Authorities.
2003
Passenger terminal building renovated and expanded.
2019
Taxiway G is resurfaced.
1990
New radar system installed.
1998
Control of the airport was transferred from Transport Canada to the Greater London International Airport Authority.
1988
Runway 05-23 decommissioned.
1950
Installation of the Instrument Landing System on Runway 14-32
1955
Runway 14-32 is lengthened to 6000 feet.
1960
Meteorological Branch Weather Station Opened.
1968
New Passenger terminal building opened, Air Canada begins DC-9 jet service.
1974
Runway 14-32 lengthened to 8800 feet to accommodate wide-bodied aircraft.
The Greater London International Airport Authority (GLIAA) was formed in 1995, and then negotiated lease transfer of the London International Airport in 1998. The not-for-profit Airport Authority has full operational and financial control of the Airport under the Federal Government's National Airports Policy. Upon transfer in 1998, a terminal that was last renovated in 1964 was taken over. Between 2002 and 2003 over $19 million was invested and a new terminal building was unveiled to the public in November 2003.
London International Airport now ranks as the 12th busiest passenger airport in Canada, and the 11th busiest airport as measured by aircraft take-offs and landings. Our Airport is home to over 50 businesses and generates an economic impact to the area in excess of $623 million. In terms of employment, our Airport and associated businesses employ over 1200 individuals and ranks in the top 10 employers in the London area. From aircraft manufacturing at Diamond Aircraft, to fixed wing domestic or international flight training, to jet and piston aircraft maintenance, the London International Airport is a hub for general aviation services in Southwestern Ontario.
London International Airport operates for the general benefit of the public in the surrounding region. The airport operates in a safe, secure, efficient, and financially viable manner with reasonable user charges and equitable access for air carriers. The Authority has undertaken the development and promotion of lands located on airport property and is also involved in a co-venture with the City of London with the Skyway Industrial Park. Local businesses also rely on us for their cargo needs. With 24-hour operations, excellent infrastructure, 24-hour on-site Canada Customs, and outstanding road and rail links, air cargo is a growing and vital component to the Airport operations.
.png)
London International Airport is a valuable asset that is recognized by the community as essential to the further development and prosperity of the area. The community has strongly supported our Airport, and such groups as the Chamber of Commerce, City Administration, Corporate Travel Council, Tourism London, London Economic Development Commission and the Travel Agency Advisory Group, have joined forces with the Airport to ensure this community asset continues to prosper.
London International Airport believes in an aggressive, confident approach to the future. As an independent airport, we are focused on maintaining our profitability, keeping our infrastructure current, and continuing to work closely with our partners to maximize our economic advancement and potential.