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For flight-simulation use only - Do NOT use for real-world flight
Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier serves the National Capital Region (Ottawa, Ontario plus Gatineau, Quebec) and is the busiest airport in eastern Ontario. The field has two intersecting jet runways (14/32 and 07/25), with a separate general-aviation strip (04/22) on the north field. ATIS is broadcast in English and French, and the proximity to restricted airspace over Parliament Hill and downtown Ottawa means VFR routings are well-defined and tightly enforced. Air Canada operates daily mainline and Express service throughout the day, with peaks in the early morning and late afternoon.

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ATIS

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Live Weather

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Online ATC Network Maps

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Runways

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ATC Frequencies

Clearance Delivery is not separately published; request your IFR clearance on Ground.

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Airport at a Glance

ItemValue
ICAO / IATACYOW / YOW
CityOttawa, Ontario / Gatineau, Quebec
Field elevation374 ft (114 m)
Magnetic variation14°W
Time zoneAmerica/Toronto (EST / EDT)
Air Canada roleNational capital service

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Charts

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Common Procedures

  • Runway selection: 14/32 is the primary jet runway. 07/25 is used in cross-component conditions or when 14/32 is closed for maintenance.
  • Bilingual operations: ATC accepts English or French. The two ATIS broadcasts on 121.15 (English) and 132.95 (French) carry the same information.
  • No parallel operations: With only two intersecting jet runways, departures and arrivals are sequenced rather than independent. Expect short delays during the morning and evening peaks.
  • Restricted airspace: The Parliamentary Precinct and several federal buildings in downtown Ottawa are surrounded by a permanent CYR (restricted) airspace. Confirm the active boundaries in the NOTAM package. VFR routings around the city are tightly defined.
  • Smaller field, faster taxi: Compared with the major hubs, the apron-to-runway taxi at YOW is short. Plan your before-takeoff checklist accordingly and do not rush.

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Hot Spots and Local Hazards

  • Intersection of 14/32 and 07/25: All four runway ends converge near the midfield. Crossing clearances are issued frequently and require specific read-back. Apply the Stop and Verify rule at every runway hold-short.
  • Wildlife: The fields surrounding the airport host significant deer and waterfowl populations. Tower regularly broadcasts wildlife advisories.
  • VFR helicopter traffic: Government and corporate helicopter operations cross the area regularly. Stay heads-up on Tower frequency.
  • Winter ops: Ottawa records some of the largest seasonal snow totals among Canadian capitals. Expect extended de-icing queues during snow events and possible runway switches for cleared-runway availability.
  • Limited remote stands: If you are flying a smaller type as Air Canada Express, you may be assigned a remote stand requiring a bus to the terminal. Coordinate ramp signals carefully.

Next: Edmonton (CYEG)

Continue to the Edmonton briefing