Regina Airport (YQR) Flights & Flight Status

Nestled in the heart of Saskatchewan’s golden prairies, Regina International Airport (YQR) might just be Canada’s best-kept travel secret. Forget the hustle and bustle of sprawling metropolitan hubs. Here, amid the vast expanse of the prairie sky, you’ll find an airport that turns the often-dreaded flying experience into a pleasant prelude to your adventure. Direct flights to major Canadian hubs make connections a breeze, and being a smaller sized airport means everything is close at hand.

Why fly out of YQR

As you approach the terminal, the first thing you’ll notice is the distinct lack of chaos. No labyrinthine parking structures here – just ample spots a short walk from the entrance. Inside, the prairie spirit of warmth and efficiency takes flight. Security lines move with surprising speed, and before you know it, you’re sipping a locally roasted coffee, with your gate just a leisurely stroll away.

Quite possibly, the best part about travelling to Regina is the stress-free arrivals and homecoming experiences. Baggage claim is super quick, and you’ll be on your way in no time. It’s almost enough to make you wonder: can flying really be this easy? At Regina International, the answer is a resounding “You betcha!” (Yep, the locals sound just like Midwesterners.)

Airlines servicing YQR

Air Canada and WestJet offer regularly scheduled service to several Canadian cities such as Calgary, Toronto, Vancouver and even Kelowna. Sunwing, a low-cost airline acquired by WestJet, offers winter service to sun destinations in Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Cuba. WestJet also offers international flights to Mexico and to cities in the U.S. like Orlando, Las Vegas, Phoenix and Minneapolis.

How to get to and from Regina International Airport

Because it’s less than a 10-minute drive from the airport to downtown, many visitors take an inexpensive taxi or Uber ride to and from the airport. This is the way I always roll. Those who require a vehicle that can transport non-folding or non-collapsible mobility aid ought to call Capital Cabs.

From 6 a.m. to 12 a.m. Monday to Friday, Regina Transit offers public bus service to the airport via Route 24. For charters, Yorkton Shuttle offers a daily service to and from Regina. Additionally, Engelheim Charter operates full-service (including wheelchair accessibility) motor coach operations for travel in Saskatchewan to any destination in North America.

Car rentals at YQR

Attractions around Regina are pretty spread out, so you’ll want to rent a vehicle. Luckily, the city is well laid out in a grid, which makes it unlikely you’ll need to stop for directions. The rental car parking lot is less than a 2-minute walk from the terminal. Hertz, Avis, Budget, Enterprise and National all offer rental car services at YQR. From downtown, ESSO, Petro-Canada and Regina Cabs Gas Station are the nearest spots to fill your tank.

Parking

The short-term parking lot for stays of up to two hours couldn’t be more convenient. It’s situated directly across the street from the terminal building and offers 110 parking stalls. There’s also a Cell Phone Lot where vehicles can wait for free until their passengers are ready to be picked up.

The long-term parking lot sports complimentary block heater plug-ins (Canadians plug in their vehicles in winter so the engine starts) and dedicated stalls for EVs. The long-term lot is located right behind the short-term parking, so you’re still looking at less than a 3-minute walk into the airport. If you’re staying longer than 30 days, you can email them to let them know, and your vehicle won’t get towed.

Security at YQR

While the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority doesn’t officially offer their Verified Travellers pre-board screening checkpoint out of Regina, the airport does offer a separate line at the YQR security checkpoint. Trusted Travellers include those with NEXUS or Global Entry I.D. cards, members of the RCMP, U.S. and Canadian military, including reservists (with valid I.D). Air crew and airport workers can also access the designated line.

There’s no need to stress even if you’re not eligible to join what’s usually a shorter security line. Security is fast and efficient in Regina. I’ve routinely experienced friendly security agents who keep the lines (if there are any) moving at a steady pace. Passengers with disabilities should contact their airline to inquire about getting an escort pass. This allows an escort to assist passengers through security and to their departure gate.

Airport dining and entertainment

For all the ease of this airport, the food options fall short. There’s no lounge to speak of, so if you want a drink, you have to make do with either Skyway Grill or 306 Bistro + Bar, which fortunately has an ample selection of local craft brews and electrical outlets. There’s a Tim Hortons after security for light meals and snacks and a Brioche Dorée in the arrivals area.

Travelling with pets

Some airports insist pets stay in their carrier bag at all times within the terminal. In Regina, the only ask is that you and your pet comply with the pet policies of the airline you’re travelling with. YQR offers two pet relief areas. After the pre-board screening area lays an indoor facility with artificial turf and a sink. The outside area is fenced in and filled with grass. Both offer complimentary waste bags and trash cans.

Support for hidden disabilities

Those suffering from anxiety disorders, autism, dementia, epilepsy, low vision, hearing loss, chronic pain and brain injuries may need a little extra time, care and assistance while travelling. Recognizing this, YQR offers the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program. Sunflower lanyards can be picked up at the Information Booth or Regina Airport Authority Office. When worn, they discreetly indicate to airport staff that patience and more help may be needed when going through the airport.

Airport hotels

The closest hotel to YQR is the Meridian Inn & Suites, which offers a 24-hour airport shuttle. There’s also a Holiday Inn Express and Marriott’s Fairfield Inn, both less than a 10-minute drive away. By far, the nicest hotel in Regina is The Hotel Saskatchewan, and it’s equally close. It might cost you slightly more, but this Autograph Collection hotel oozing elegance and charm is a worthy splurge.

What to do during a layover at YQR

Regina turns into a sea of green on game days of the Saskatchewan Roughriders, a professional Canadian football team. Catch the Roughriders at Mosaic Stadium, and you’ll be swept up in a peculiar prairie madness. Watermelons are sold out of the city days before home games, so locals can carve them into helmets, wearing them with the kind of pride usually reserved for family heirlooms.

After you’ve experienced this cheerful chaos (and perhaps crafted your own fruit-based headgear), head over to the taproom at nearby Pile O’ Bones Brewing. It’s an ideal spot to swap game highlights with locals while sampling craft beers that taste considerably better than wearing a watermelon on your head feels. This I know from personal experience.

Regina is also home to one of North America’s largest urban parks. Wascana Centre is a 2,300-acre landscaped park perfect for strolls in the heart of Regina. Afterwards, swing by the RCMP Depot Division, the training center for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. View dashing mounties in their ceremonial dress up close and personal during the Sergeant’s Major Parade held at 12:50 p.m. from Monday to Friday.