Nanaimo airport (YCD)

Nanaimo Airport (IATA code: YCD) serves the city of Nanaimo and the central-southern Vancouver Island region in British Columbia, providing direct and seasonal connections to major Canadian air hubs.

Official Website: ycd.ca

Telephone: +1 250-924-2157

Social Media:

Terminals

It features a single passenger terminal building, named the Nanaimo-Collishaw Air Terminal. The facility is single-level, modern, and accessible, bringing check-in counters, security screening, and departure gates within easy walking distance.

Annual Passenger Traffic (2024): 359,525 passengers.

Information Points

The Customer Care team and volunteer Blue Navigators ambassadors offer guidance and in-person passenger assistance in the main terminal concourse.

 Location

The airport is located in the community of Cassidy, approximately 13 km (8.1 miles) south-southeast of downtown Nanaimo on the eastern coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. Primary vehicular access is direct via the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1 / BC-19A).

What services does Nanaimo airport (YCD) offer?

Nanaimo Airport provides modern amenities designed to ensure passenger comfort before and after flights:

Finance & Connectivity

• Automated Teller Machines (ATMs): located in the public concourse, alongside currency/change machines.
• Wi-Fi: complimentary high-speed wireless internet available throughout the entire terminal building and departure area.
• Charging and Workstations: in-seat power outlets and dedicated laptop workstations located in the Departure Lounge.

Food and Beverages

Connections Café is situated landside before the security checkpoint, serving breakfast, warm meals, made-to-order sandwiches, fresh salads, gourmet coffee, baked goods, and iconic local Nanaimo Bars. Airside in the Departure Lounge, fresh cold food vending machines dispense daily prepared sandwiches, snacks, and chilled beverages.

Shopping

A gift counter integrated into Connections Café sells Vancouver Island souvenirs, local artisan goods, travel reading material, and personal convenience items.

Baggage Services

Complimentary baggage carts are available in the arrivals and concourse areas. The terminal does not have luggage storage lockers. For delayed, lost, or damaged checked luggage, passengers should file claims directly with their airline representative.

Other Services

A dedicated Lost & Found desk handled by Airport Security (Room 102), a coin-operated massage chair, a children's play area, and on-site assistance from Blue Navigators ambassadors.

Accommodation near Nanaimo airport (YCD)

There are no hotels located inside the passenger terminal at Nanaimo Airport. However, accommodations are available in nearby Cassidy, Ladysmith, and Nanaimo:

Nearby Accommodations

• Kiwi Cove Lodge (approx. 3.3 km from the airport, in Ladysmith)
• Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Oyster Bay Ladysmith (approx. 4.5 km from the airport)
• Inn on Long Lake (approx. 19 km away, in north Nanaimo)
• Best Western Dorchester Hotel (approx. 14 km away, in downtown Nanaimo)

Public and private transportation

Nanaimo Airport is located roughly 15 to 20 minutes by road from downtown Nanaimo and is served by several ground transportation alternatives:

Public Transit (BC Transit)

The Regional District of Nanaimo Transit System, operated in partnership with BC Transit, runs scheduled bus service via Route 78 (YCD Airport via Cassidy / Downtown Nanaimo), linking the terminal directly with the Downtown Nanaimo Exchange with intermediate stops. Bus stops are located outside the terminal building.

Shuttles and Private Transfers

Nanaimo Airporter provides 24/7 door-to-door shuttle service by advance reservation, connecting passengers with Nanaimo, Ladysmith, Duncan, Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Cedar, and surrounding communities.

Taxis

Designated taxi ranks are situated immediately outside the Arrivals exit doors. Authorized local fleets include AC Taxi and Yellow Cab. Advance reservations are recommended for late-night or off-peak arrivals.

Rideshare and On-Demand Apps

On-demand ride-hailing services such as U-Ride are licensed to operate pick-ups and drop-offs at Nanaimo Airport.

Car rental agencies

Car rental services are conveniently located inside the terminal building in the arrivals and baggage reclaim hall:

On-Site Rental Companies

• Budget Car and Truck Rental
• National Car Rental
• Arbutus RV (recreational vehicle and motorhome rentals, coordinated on airport grounds)

Rental Requirements

Drivers must provide a valid driver's license (held for at least one year; an International Driving Permit is recommended if the license is not in English or French), valid photo identification/passport, and a major credit card under the lead driver's name for deposit pre-authorization. The standard minimum rental age is 21, and underage surcharges apply to renters under 25.

Parking services at Nanaimo airport (YCD)

Nanaimo Airport provides open-air parking lots located within short walking distance of the terminal building, organized into Main, South, and North parking areas:

Parking Facilities

• Main Parking Lot: situated right in front of the terminal, designated for short-term and long-term stays.
• North & South Lots: secondary and overflow paved/gravel parking spaces for long-term and high-volume periods.
• Electric Vehicle (EV) Chargers: fast-charging public EV stations available on airport grounds.

Payment Options

Parking utilizes a Pay by Plate system (requiring your vehicle's license plate number):

• Honk Mobile App: search, pay for, and extend parking sessions remotely via your mobile device using Zone 367.
• Automated Kiosks: four self-service payment machines located by the Departures doorway and in the parking lots, accepting credit cards and cash.

If your travel is delayed and you require additional parking time, you can extend your session through the Honk app or contact Airport Customer Care.

View official parking rates and map

Facilities for passengers with special needs

Nanaimo Airport is a single-level facility that provides barrier-free accessibility for passengers with disabilities and special needs:

Terminal Infrastructure

The building features automatic entrance doors at Departures and Arrivals, wide step-free corridors, accessible water fountains, wheelchair-friendly ATM terminals, and accessible washrooms (including a doorless entry washroom and automatic doors in Arrivals), supplemented by high-contrast signage and Braille markers.

Airline Special Assistance

Wheelchair assistance from check-in through security to the boarding gate and aircraft is managed directly by the operating airlines. Passengers needing wheelchair service or travel accommodations should notify their airline at least 48 to 72 hours before departure.

Reserved Parking

Designated accessible parking spaces are situated directly adjacent to the terminal entrance walkways, alongside a dedicated curbside drop-off zone.