Is a 25 min layover in Victoria long enough?

YYJ · Victoria International · Victoria, Canada
Cutting It Close
Below the minimum connection time even for simple domestic-domestic transfers at this small airport.
Concourses
2
Max Transit
8m
Avg. Security
8m
Primary Hub
Domestic → Domestic
30min
Domestic → International
45min
International → Domestic
40min
International → International
45min
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Connections are rare at YYJ since it's primarily an origin/destination airport, so double-check your itinerary was booked as a legitimate connection.
If connecting onto a US-bound flight, budget extra time for US preclearance, which involves a full CBP-style screening.
The terminal is small enough that gate-to-gate walks rarely exceed a few minutes, so tight layovers are more about flight timing than terminal navigation.
Baggage carts and signage are minimal, so ask staff directly if you're unsure where to go — the terminal has limited self-service wayfinding.
Arrive with buffer time in early morning or late afternoon peaks (6-9am, 4-7pm) when the single security line can back up.
12a6a12p6p12a
Low risk
Moderate
High risk
Tight connections are safer outside peak hours. Morning rush (6–9a), midday (11a–2p), and evening (4–8p) are highest risk.
YYJ has one compact terminal building, so all connections are made on foot along a single concourse. Passengers connecting to US-bound flights pass through US Customs and Border Protection preclearance located within the terminal, while all other domestic-to-domestic connections require no re-screening beyond the single security checkpoint already cleared on arrival at departure.
Is 25 minutes enough for a layover at Victoria International (YYJ)?

Below the minimum connection time even for simple domestic-domestic transfers at this small airport.

What is the minimum connection time at YYJ?

Minimum connection times at Victoria International: Domestic-to-Domestic is 30 minutes, International-to-International is 45 minutes. These are the shortest layovers airlines will sell.

Can I make a 25 minutes connection at YYJ on an international flight?

25 minutes is below the 45-minute international MCT at Victoria International. You may need to rush and could miss your connection. YYJ has one compact terminal building, so all connections are made on foot along a single concourse. Passengers connecting to US-bound flights pass through US Customs and Border Protection preclearance located within the terminal, while all other domestic-to-domestic connections require no re-screening beyond the single security checkpoint already cleared on arrival at departure.

How much time do I need for a layover at YYJ?

We recommend at least 45 minutes for a comfortable connection at Victoria International. This gives you enough buffer for security (typically 8 minutes) and transit between terminals (up to 8 minutes).

What happens if I miss my connection at YYJ?

With few daily flights and no major airline hub presence, missed connections at YYJ often mean waiting until the next scheduled departure, sometimes the following day; visit the airline's ticket counter near the check-in area for rebooking, as there is no dedicated transfer desk.

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