Northwest Regional Airport Terrace-Kitimat
Northwest Regional Airport Terrace-Kitimat,, is a regional airport serving northwestern British Columbia, including Terrace, Thornhill, Kitimat, and the Nass River Valley. Located is located south of Terrace, the airport connects the region to major Canadian cities through passenger, cargo, and charter services. YXT is managed by the Terrace-Kitimat Airport Society, a non-profit organization responsible for its operations and strategic development.
History
World War II origins
YXT was originally constructed in 1943 as a Royal Canadian Air Force airbase during World War II. It formed part of Canada's Pacific defence strategy against potential Japanese threats. The facility hosted fighter and bomber squadrons, including the Hawker Hurricanes of No. 135 Squadron and Ventura bombers of No. 149 Squadron.Construction challenges, such as harsh weather and limited resources, delayed the base’s operational readiness. By 1944, as the perceived threat diminished, the airbase shifted to a support role, and in 1945, RCAF decommissioned the base.
Post-war civilian use
Transferred to the Department of Transport in 1946, the airfield transitioned to civilian use. In 1947, it received its first civilian airport license, though it saw limited activity until the 1950s. The industrial development of Kitimat and the construction of the aluminum smelter brought increased demand for regional air transport, leading to infrastructure upgrades, including night-flight lighting systems in 1956.Modernization and local management
In 1999, the airport was transferred to the Terrace-Kitimat Airport Society under Canada’s National Airports Policy.Facilities
Runways
Northwest Regional Airport features two asphalt runways:- Runway 15/33:
- Runway 03/21:
It was later replaced in 2015 with the support of federal government money after a series of failures resulted in the delay and cancellation of flights to and from the airport.
Terminal
The terminal, renovated and completed in 2018 and in 2024, includes expanded departure and arrivals areas, updated baggage handling systems, and updated parking facilities.Ground transportation
The airport is accessible via the Stewart–Cassiar Highway and offers on-site parking, car rentals, and taxi services. Parking facilities include short-term, long-term, and designated spaces for accessibility.Airlines and destinations
As of December 2024, passenger airlines Air Canada Express, and WestJet Encore operate at Northwest Regional Airport Terrace-Kitimat.Passenger and cargo statistics
Passenger and air traffic
YXT has seen significant growth in passenger traffic, particularly when compared to other airports across the country post-COVID-19 pandemic. Based on Statistics Canada's 2023 Airport Activity Survey, Terrace is Canada's 19th busiest airport by total passengers.| Year | Passenger flights | % change | Total passengers | % change |
| 2020 | 3,865 | 168,168 | ||
| 2021 | 4,694 | 21.4% | 218,397 | 29.8% |
| 2022 | 7,441 | 58.5% | 396,216 | 81.4% |
| 2023 | 7,624 | 2.4% | 444,385 | 12.1% |
Cargo operations
The airport serves as a vital hub for cargo, supporting industries such as mining, forestry, and liquefied natural gas development.Improvements and investments
Infrastructure enhancements
- 2018: An $18.5 million terminal expansion improved passenger flow, added new facilities, and modernized baggage handling systems.
- 2024: Runway resurfacing and apron expansion projects were completed to accommodate larger aircraft.
Equipment investments
- Snowblowers and sweepers: New equipment was introduced to enhance runway safety during winter months, funded in part by LNG Canada and federal grants.
Location
The airport is situated along the Stewart–Cassiar Highway, approximately south of downtown Terrace and north of Kitimat.Economic impact
Northwest Regional Airport plays a critical role in the economic development of northern British Columbia. It supports regional industries by facilitating the movement of goods and workers, especially for the mining and LNG sectors. The airport also serves as an emergency transport hub, connecting remote communities to essential medical services.Governance
The Terrace-Kitimat Airport Society, a non-profit organization, oversees the management and development of YXT. The organization includes representatives from the City of Terrace, the District of Kitimat, and the Regional District of Kitimat–Stikine. Revenue generated by the airport is reinvested into infrastructure and operational improvements.Accidents and incidents
Northwest Regional Airport Terrace-Kitimat has been the site of several aviation incidents and accidents. These events highlight the challenges of operating in a region with frequently adverse weather conditions, and mountainous terrain.NT Air 405 / PWA 405
On 14 January 1977, a de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter operated by Northern Thunderbird Air, flying as Pacific Western Airlines Flight 405, crashed into a mountain during its approach to runway 32 in a snowstorm. The flight, operating from Prince George to Terrace, was carrying 12 individuals, all of whom died in the crash. Weather conditions, including limited visibility and heavy snowfall, were significant factors contributing to the accident.The 1977 Twin Otter crash was the 43th worst aviation accident globally for that year.
Skylink flight 070
On 26 September 1989, Skylink Flight 070, a Swearingen SA227-AC Metro III, was destroyed during a missed approach at Terrace. The aircraft, which was operating a scheduled domestic flight from Vancouver to Terrace, had five passengers and two crew members on board, all of whom were killed.The aircraft was cleared for an approach to runway 27 but failed to establish the required visual references. The crew attempted a circling approach but initiated a missed approach in instrument flight rules conditions. During the missed approach, the aircraft began an uncontrolled descent and struck trees near runway 15 before coming to rest outside the airport perimeter.
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada identified several contributing factors, including:
- The crew’s decision to continue beyond the missed approach point without visual contact with the runway.
- Disorientation during the missed approach procedure.
- Inadequate operating standards and procedural definitions within the airline’s operations.
WestJet Encore flight 3107
On 31 January 2020, WestJet Encore Flight 3107, a Bombardier DHC-8-400 operating from Vancouver to Terrace, experienced a nose landing gear collapse during landing on runway 33. At the time, snow was falling, and the runway was partially cleared, with windrows of snow approximately high along the edges of the cleared area.The aircraft initially touched down approximately left of the centreline due to variable winds and reduced visual cues. It contacted the windrow, causing the nose gear to collapse and resulting in damage to the fuselage and right propeller blades. The aircraft came to a stop partially off the runway.
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada investigation identified several causes and contributing factors:
- Limited visual cues due to snow-covered conditions affected the crew’s ability to accurately judge lateral positioning.
- Contact with the windrow caused drag on the left landing gear, leading to a runway excursion.
- Snow and ice packed into the nose gear bay during the excursion contributed to the collapse of the gear.
In response to the 2020 WestJet Encore Flight 3107 incident, the airline made changes to its safety handbook.