Your Neighbourhood Airport

Springbank Tenant Development

YBW has grown a lot in the years since it began operations in 1969. There has been a steady, and sometime dramatic, growth in the volume and variety of aircraft and aircraft-related activities on the airport as we deliver on our important mandate to act as a regional reliever airport. 

Springbank Airport is the most significant general aviation airport in the Calgary region, and is the only other certified aerodrome within the region besides Calgary International Airport. Consequently, YBW plays an important role within the area’s system of airports, and as part of our important national network of airports.

Springbank Airport is also an important contributor to the local and regional economy. A 2013 Economic Impact Study assessed the Gross Domestic Product contribution made by the airport as more than $70 million. More than 400 people are employed full-time by businesses located at Springbank Airport.

While air traffic at the airport has grown since 1969, lands around the airport which were historically used for agricultural purposes have increasingly been targeted for residential and commercial development, and we have become a neighbourhood airport for an increasing number of people. 

Springbank Airport has been operated and managed by The Calgary Airport Authority since 1997. The Calgary Airport Authority’s federal mandate under the Regional Airports Authorities Act is to manage and operate the airport in a safe, secure and efficient manner and advance economic and community development by means that include promoting and encouraging improved airline and transportation service, and an expanded aviation industry for the general benefit of the public in our region. 

While we deliver on that mandate, we believe coordination and communication between the Airport, local developers, residents, business owners and Rocky View County is key to achieving the goal of ensuring compatible land use in the vicinity of Springbank Airport, and maintaining long-term positive relationships with the community.

Important considerations include; compatible agricultural uses that reduce safety hazards such as bird activity; recognition of aircraft noise from arriving and departing aircraft; and recognition of aircraft noise associated with flight training circuits.