From bush pilot roots to a LEED-certified hub, the evolution of Winnipeg's airport

Countries & Cities · Published 15 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Winnipeg Richardson International Airport began as a modest 1928 aerodrome named for a pioneer bush pilot. Today, it serves as a vital international gateway and a cornerstone of Canada's National Airports System, featuring a modern, environmentally conscious terminal designed to reflect the vastness of the surrounding prairie landscape.

The airport's history is deeply intertwined with the development of Canadian aviation. Originally opened as Stevenson Aerodrome in 1928, it earned the distinction of being Canada's first international airport when Northwest Airways inaugurated passenger and mail service to North Dakota in 1931. Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, the site evolved from a municipal project into a strategic asset, coming under the direction of the Royal Canadian Air Force during the Second World War. It was not until 1997 that control shifted to the Winnipeg Airports Authority, which continues to manage the facility today.

Modern operations at the airport are defined by its current main terminal, which opened on October 30, 2011. Designed by architect Cesar Pelli and Stantec, the building was the first in Canada to achieve LEED certification, emphasizing sustainable design and construction. The terminal serves as a central hub for various carriers, though it maintains a unique operational quirk: Perimeter Aviation operates from its own separate terminal 2.6 kilometres away. This arrangement allows the regional airline to efficiently serve remote communities in Northern Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario without the complexities of jet-bridge infrastructure.

Beyond passenger travel, the airport functions as a critical logistics node. It is a key component of CentrePort Canada, an 8,000-hectare dry port designed to integrate air, rail, and highway transport. This infrastructure is supported by significant investments, such as the CentrePort Canada Way expressway, and a large Canada Post mail processing facility that handles parcels for much of Northern Canada. By bridging the gap between local regional needs and international connectivity, the airport remains a central pillar of Manitoba's economic and transportation landscape.

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