A Brief Overview of Victoria International Airport (YYJ)

You may have heard the common phrase “happy employees lead to happy customers.” Victoria International Airport (YYJ) was ranked as the best place to work in the province of British Columbia.

It is perhaps the reason why Victoria Airport receives generally positive reviews from the passengers. What do you think about the airport?

If you have not been to the airport, or if you are to visit it soon, reading below will help you navigate better.

This brief overview will walk you through the airport terminal, dining, shopping, and other facilities. Let’s begin:

1. Victoria International Airport (YYJ) Terminal

When you book Canada flight ticket to Victoria Airport, you will observe passenger-friendly services.

However, increasing passenger traffic sometimes leads to congestion, especially in the baggage claim area.

Therefore, the authorities are expanding the main terminal. Moreover, you can access free Wi-Fi within the terminal facility.

• Gates:

The main terminal building consists of nine gates. So, these are gate numbers 1-2, and gate numbers 4-10.

Out of which, gate numbers 1, 2, 9, and 10 have aircraft loading bridges.

• Baggage Carousels:

The main terminal building has three baggage carousels. Two of them are in the arrivals area to cater to domestic passengers.

The third one serves international passengers and is situated in the customs area.

• International Arrivals:

if you are traveling on India to Canada flight ticket or on any international Victoria-bound flight, you will use either gate numbers 1, 2, 5, or 6. These gates are reserved to facilitate international arrivals.

2. Victoria International Airport (YYJ) Runways

There are three runways facilitate aicraft movement at Victoria International Airport (YYJ). These are:

• 09-27 Runway:

Let’s start with the primary runway. Equipped with the Category 1 Instrument Landing System (ISL), it is 2133 m in length. The runway has two exits, namely Taxiway E and Taxiway W.

• 03-21 Runway:

This runway is 1532 m long. The asphalt runway has four exits. These are Taxiway M, N, B, and C. It is used for VFR (Visual Flight Rules) operations. 

• 13-31 Runway:

Finally, this runway is connected to Taxiways A, S, G and K. This runway is also reserved for VFR operations.

3. Victoria International Airport (YYJ) Services and Facilities

• Shopping and Food and Beverage Outlets

Don’t spend all your money on Canada flight fare to YYJ. Otherwise, you will miss out on the dining and shopping options at the airport. Here is what you can expect:

1. Breakwater Boutique: Located Pre-security, the place operates from 5.30 am to 8 pm.
2. Harbour Walk Shops: You can find them at Post-Security Gift Shop, Duty-free and News Stand.
3. White Spot at the Airport Restaurant: Managed by the Compass Group Canada, it is open from 7 am to 8 pm.
4. Starbucks Coffee: You will find Starbucks pre-security. You can get a cup of coffee from 7 am to 10.30 pm.
5. Tim Hortons: This is also located pre-security. The timings are from 5 am to 8 pm.
6. Spinnakers On the Fly: Operational from 4.30 am to 9 pm.
7. Fresh Cup Coffee: Head over Post-Security to Gate 5 to find Fresh Cup Coffee.
8. Best Buy Express: Working round the clock, this place is located post-security.

• Bicycle Resources

Victoria is the cycling capital of Canada. Therefore, there is a facility dedicated to all cyclists.

You can bike your way through using a multi-use path. It connects to the regional trail system.

• Bicycle Assembly Station:

Further, there is an assembly station for bicycles. Find the same on the East end of the Short-Term Parking lot.

This assembly area has a workbench, bicycle parking, air pump, and storage shed.

• Bicycle Storage:

Victoria International Airport also offers bicycle storage. You can store your bicycle for $2 for a day.

To access the lockers, head over to the Airport Security Building situated east of the main terminal facility.

• Bicycle Tools:

Something wrong with the bicycle? Don’t worry as you have access to all the tools you need to fix your problem.

So, remember the Airport Security Building has a kit you can borrow.

• International Currency Exchange (ICE)

If you are looking for a place to change currency, or get travel insurance, Victoria Airport has ICE.

International Currency Exchange is amongst the leading currency change retail shops across the world.

Passengers that catch flights to Victoria Airport may also avail of services like Phone Cards, ATM, and full-service foreign exchange.

• Lost and Found

Still remember the Airport Security Area? Yeah, the same place east of the terminal building! This is where you will find the lost and found department.

You can contact them if you lose something, which is not unlikely in case of last-minute air flights.

The department operates from 8 am to 10 pm every day. You can also reach them by dialing (250) 953-7511.

• NEXUS

Special pre-boarding is available for NEXUS cardholders at the Victoria International Airport.

There is a dedicated lane that fast-tracks the screening and security process. Since, the cardholders are pre-cleared and considered trusted travelers.

As you approach the security check, display your NEXUS card so that you are redirected to the fast lane.

It doesn’t matter whether you are traveling to Montreal or on a round trip to Mumbai. NEXUS card makes domestic and international travel convenient.

• Pet Relief Area

For service animals, Victoria Airport offers two designated areas in the terminal building. You will find basic amenities such as waste bags and receptacles.

The airport welcomes allows pets, and animals traveling with their owners.

Miscellaneous Facilities

1. In the arrivals area, you can find telephones with heightened transmission capabilities. Passengers with hearing impairments may use it.
2. There is also a family room that you can access. It is located across the Breakwater Boutique before the screening checkpoint.
3. Moreover, there is a Children’s Play Area. Head over to the upper passenger departure lounge.
4. Further, business workstations and vending machines are available in the departure lounge.
5. Check-in kiosks for self-check-in are also available.

So, that sums up the Victoria International Airport facilities and amenities. Next time you score cheap fares to Canada’s Victoria Airport, you will know what to expect!