Fort McMurray International Airport Welcomes Expanded Flight Frequency in 2025

The Fort McMurray International Airport (YMM) is excited to announce expanded flight frequency to Edmonton, Calgary and Toronto for 2025, enhancing connectivity for residents and visitors alike. With increased services from both WestJet and Air Canada, travellers can look forward to more schedule choices and convenient connections, reinforcing YMM’s commitment to delivering high quality air service.

“This is a direct reflection of the demand for travel in our community,” says Denean Robinson, President & CEO of the Fort McMurray Airport Authority. “Expanded air service means greater accessibility and convenience for our passengers, whether they’re travelling for business, reconnecting with loved ones, or embarking on new adventures. We’re proud to support this enhanced connectivity that reinforces our role as a vital gateway to northern Alberta.”

The 2025 State of the Region Address

A heartfelt thank you to the Fort McMurray Chamber of Commerce for hosting the 2025 State of the Region Address Luncheon on January 29 in the Miskanaw Ballroom at MacDonald Island. We were proud to sponsor the door prize for this remarkable event, and congratulations to Peter Lawlor, the winner!

It was inspiring to hear from Mayor Sandy Bowman, a true champion for our region, as he shared his thoughtful reflections on the progress and ambitions of Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo for the year ahead. His dedication to our community is evident, and we are grateful for his leadership.

The panel featuring Kendall Dilling, President of Pathways Alliance, and Andrew Rosser, Chair of the Pathways Wood Buffalo Committee, added valuable insights, highlighting the exciting opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for our region.

Connecting with so many passionate individuals committed to our community's bright future was a privilege. Thank you for including us; we are always proud to support events that unite our community.

YMM Annual Public General Meeting

YMM is more than just your gateway to the world, it's a vital part of our region's economy, community, and future! The Annual Public Meeting (APM) is your opportunity to connect with the team shaping the future of YMM, hear about the milestones we’ve achieved together, and learn about exciting plans for 2025 and beyond. Join us on Wednesday, April 30 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Level 3 at the Fort McMurray International Airport.

To ensure the YMM APM is accessible to all, those unable to join in person will be able to view the AMP video on www.FlyYMM.com the following day.

International Council of Shopping Centers Conference in Whistler

Fort McMurray Airport Authority Vice President of Air Services & Commercial Michael Sieger and FMAA Marketing & Communications Manager Jessica Lipton (second from left) attended the International Council of Shopping Centers Conference (ICSC) in Whistler, B.C. in January to network and meet with industry professionals.

This conference provides a valuable opportunity to discuss Aurora Landing at YMM, a promising development designed to enhance Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo's commercial offerings and support growth for both residents and visitors.

YMM Connections to Miami

Travel to Miami, Florida (MIA) by taking a red-eye flight to Toronto (YYZ) with Air Canada, arriving in just 12 hours and 7 minutes for the South Beach Wine and Food Festival from February 20 to 23. This star-studded, four-day event showcases the talents of some of the world's most renowned wine and spirits producers, chefs, and culinary personalities.

Tim Hortons Receives Platinum Award

The Tim Hortons at YMM, known as Team Snowbird, has won the 2024 Platinum Award for service excellence for the fourth consecutive year. The team was recognized for ranking in the top 3% of high-performing Global Performance Standards (GPS) restaurants in Western Canada. Tim Hortons presents annual awards to franchise restaurants that excel in guest satisfaction, training, friendliness, and restaurant excellence visits.



"We are happy that four out of five Tim Hortons locations here in Fort McMurray received Platinum Awards," said Rowel Garcia, District Manager of Tim Hortons Fort McMurray. "I would like to congratulate and thank Jason Taba and his team at the airport for an exceptional job. Our Snowbird Team is very happy and honoured to receive this recognition for four consecutive years. Jason and his team work tirelessly every day to provide excellent service to our guests. I am very proud of this team. Kudos to Team Snowbird!"

YMM at the Oil Barons Game

As a proud partner of the Fort McMurray Oil Barons, YMM team members had the opportunity to mingle with fans at the game on Saturday night. We had a fantastic time meeting with community members and cheering on the MOB!

Congratulations to Mike Barrell and his son, Tom, Natalie Carson and Luke Hannam for playing our intermission game, and taking home some cool prizes, including: Season Tickets to the Oil Barons’ 2025-2026 Home Games, $500 WestJet or Air Canada gift card (winner’s choice), and $500 gift basket from Benith Comfort, Fort McMurray’s go-to shop for men’s casual wear and gifts, with YMM Swag.

YMM History Moment

Here we see a CF-ARI Junkers and a CF-BMZ Barkley Grow on the Snye, dated November 1931. In the early 1930s, aviation was evolving quickly, with aircraft such as the Junkers and Barkley Grow significantly enhancing transportation and communication in remote regions like Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo.

This image is sourced from the Fort McMurray Historical Society database. If you have a photo to share, please email us at dawn.booth@flyymm.com

YMM in the News

Click on the following to learn what the web is sharing about YMM:

• Fort McMurray airport promoting itself to local flyers in 2025

Team YMM Spotlight on Cheryl Norman

Cheryl Norman joined the Fort McMurray Airport Authority in September as an Office Assistant (term), and we’ve been fortunate to have her on board ever since. Originally from Newfoundland, Cheryl has called Fort McMurray home for the past 17 years.

A proud wife and mother of two sons and a daughter, Cheryl enjoys spending her free time cooking, baking, and crafting. She brings bright, positive energy to the office every day, and we’re grateful for her enthusiasm and warmth.

“From the first day I arrived, everyone here has been so friendly and welcoming, which has helped because it’s my job here to do this for others who visit the administrative office,” Cheryl said. “The people who work here make this place so great to be at.”



You can find Cheryl at the front desk of the Administration Office on Level 3. Be sure to stop by and say hello!

Nicholby's Convenience Enhances Customer Experience with System Upgrades

Nicholby’s Convenience Store Development Manager Elizabeth Obana and National Field Support Coordinator Maria Sable Sia arrived at Fort McMurray International Airport (YMM) from their head office in Markham, Ontario, on January 31 to meet with local franchise owner Marilu Dano and her daughter, Ashley.

Both Nicholby’s stores on the Arrivals and Departures levels are upgrading their systems to enhance operational efficiency and provide a better customer experience for passengers. These upgrades will streamline transactions, improve inventory management, and enable faster service, ultimately benefiting the entire community.

Thank you for visiting us, Elizabeth and Maria Sable! We hope you enjoyed our beautiful Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo region.

Trident Restoration Project

A huge shoutout to the amazing YMM Facilities Team for completing the Trident Restoration Project! Our iconic structure now shines bright, looking brand-new and ready to warmly welcome residents and visitors to the region. Want to dive deeper into YMM’s stunning architecture and design? Click here to learn more.

Guess the Number of Planes Contest Ends Soon!

Only a couple of days left to enter our exciting contest at YMM! Head to Level 1 and guess the number of planes in the display case for a chance to win two Air Canada Economy Class non-stop return tickets to Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ).

Stay tuned on YMM’s social media platforms for the winner announcement taking place at the airport with Air Canada representatives on February 3.

On the YMM Runway: Phoenix Heli-Flight

A Phoenix Heli-Flight helicopter conducts training on the runway, where pilots refine essential skills such as hovering, slow flight, and precise control. This advanced training prepares them to operate safely in busy airspace, allowing for controlled practice in a standardized environment, despite helicopters' ability to land on various surfaces.

End of the Runway - Airport Humour