The Calgary Airport Stench: Here’s What’s Behind the Unforgettable Odor

The Calgary airport area has a nasty stench that passengers are noticing as they transit to and from the facility. The airport acknowledges the problem, and suggests there’s nothing they can do about it.

The problem appears to be ice. And though you don’t normally think that naturally-occurring ice itself would smell, there are two issues.

  1. Airlines use de-icing fluid which kind of stinks
  2. The ice melts on ponds and “releas[es] odours form sediments and organic matter that have broken down over the winter.”


Aircraft being de-iced in winter

Canadian government officials say the bad smell is not a “risk” to the public.

(HT: Enilria)

About Gary Leff

Gary Leff is one of the foremost experts in the field of miles, points, and frequent business travel - a topic he has covered since 2002. Co-founder of frequent flyer community InsideFlyer.com, emcee of the Freddie Awards, and named one of the "World's Top Travel Experts" by Conde' Nast Traveler (2010-Present) Gary has been a guest on most major news media, profiled in several top print publications, and published broadly on the topic of consumer loyalty. More About Gary »

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