Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport (YOW) is the primary airport serving Canada’s capital city. Located just 10 km south of downtown Ottawa, it is a well-managed, mid-sized international airport that offers both domestic and international flights. Named after two of Canada’s founding political figures, the airport is known for its efficiency, clean facilities, and modern amenities.
Inside, travelers will find cafés, restaurants, duty-free shops, car rental counters, free Wi-Fi, and lounges. The airport is praised for its intuitive layout, making navigation stress-free even for first-time visitors. Despite its smaller size compared to Toronto or Montreal, YOW handles millions of passengers annually and continues to expand its services and connectivity.

