Opponents of Alberta independence often speak as though every federal institution would vanish overnight, forcing Albertans to rebuild the province from the runway up.

That is not how Calgary and Edmonton’s international airports currently operate.

Ottawa does not manage either airport’s daily operations. Calgary International is operated by Calgary Airports, a not-for-profit corporation incorporated under Alberta’s Regional Airports Authorities Act. The organization has operated YYC since 1992 and is responsible for its management, development and infrastructure.

Edmonton International is similarly operated by Edmonton Airports, a self-funded, not-for-profit Alberta organization.

The same authorities, employees and physical infrastructure could continue operating after independence. Alberta would not need to build new terminals, hire entirely new airport workforces or start an airline network from scratch.

There would still be federal functions to replace or negotiate during a transition. Transport Canada currently regulates aviation safety and security, CATSA oversees passenger screening, and the Canada Border Services Agency handles international arrivals.

Even air-traffic control is not directly operated by Ottawa. NAV CANADA is a private, not-for-profit corporation responsible for Canada’s civil air-navigation system. Alberta could negotiate continued service or establish an alternative arrangement.

There is also a property question to settle because the Calgary Airport Authority operates under a long-term lease from the federal government. That would be a matter for transition negotiations, not a reason to bulldoze YYC and begin again.