Northwest Regional Airport Terrace-Kitimat

Airport in Terrace, British Columbia From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Northwest Regional Airport Terrace-Kitimatmap

Northwest Regional Airport Terrace-Kitimat, (IATA: YXT, ICAO: CYXT), is a regional airport serving northwestern British Columbia, including Terrace, Thornhill, Kitimat, and the Nass River Valley. Located is located 3 nautical miles (5.6 km; 3.5 mi)[1] south of Terrace (about 10 km (6.2 mi) south of downtown[3]), 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.[4]

Quick Facts Northwest Regional Airport Terrace-Kitimat Terrace Airport, Summary ...
Northwest Regional Airport Terrace-Kitimat

Terrace Airport
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Summary
Airport typePublic
Owner/OperatorTerrace-Kitimat Airport Society
ServesTerrace, Kitimat
LocationTerrace, British Columbia
Opened1943
Time zonePST (UTC−08:00)
  Summer (DST)PDT (UTC−07:00)
Elevation AMSL713 ft / 217 m
Coordinates54°28′07″N 128°34′42″W
Websiteyxt.ca
Map
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CYXT
Location in British Columbia
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Runways
Direction Length Surface
ft m
03/21 5,316 1,620 Asphalt
15/33 7,497 2,285 Asphalt
Statistics (2023)
Passengers444,385
Passenger flights7,624
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History

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Perspective

World War II origins

YXT was originally constructed in 1943 as a Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) airbase during World War II.[5][6][7] It formed part of Canada's Pacific defence strategy against potential Japanese threats.[6] The facility hosted fighter and bomber squadrons, including the Hawker Hurricanes of No. 135 Squadron and Ventura bombers of No. 149 Squadron.[5][6][7]

Construction challenges, such as harsh weather and limited resources, delayed the base’s operational readiness.[6] By 1944, as the perceived threat diminished, the airbase shifted to a support role, and in 1945, RCAF decommissioned the base.[5][6][8]

Post-war civilian use

Transferred to the Department of Transport in 1946, the airfield transitioned to civilian use.[4][6][8] In 1947, it received its first civilian airport license, though it saw limited activity until the 1950s.[6][9] 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.[6]

Modernization and local management

In 1999, the airport was transferred to the Terrace-Kitimat Airport Society under Canada’s National Airports Policy.[6]

Facilities

Runways

Northwest Regional Airport features two asphalt runways:

  • Runway 15/33: 7,497 ft × 148 ft (2,285 m × 45 m)[1][10]
  • Runway 03/21: 5,316 ft × 148 ft (1,620 m × 45 m)[1]

The primary runway, 15/33, is equipped with an instrument landing system (ILS), installed in 2002, enabling aircraft to land in low-visibility conditions.[1]

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.[11][12][13]

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.[4][14][15][16][17][18]

Ground transportation

The airport is accessible via the Stewart–Cassiar Highway (Highway 37) and offers on-site parking, car rentals, and taxi services.[3][19] Parking facilities include short-term, long-term, and designated spaces for accessibility.[20][21][22][23][24]

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.[30] Based on Statistics Canada's 2023 Airport Activity Survey, Terrace is Canada's 19th busiest airport by total passengers.[31]

More information Year, Passenger flights ...
Air passenger traffic at Northwest Regional Airport Terrace-Kitimat, annual (2020-23)[32]
Year Passenger flights  % change Total passengers  % change
2020 3,865 Steady 168,168 Steady
2021 4,694 Increase 21.4% 218,397 Increase 29.8%
2022 7,441 Increase 58.5% 396,216 Increase 81.4%
2023 7,624 Increase 2.4% 444,385 Increase 12.1%
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Cargo operations

The airport serves as a vital hub for cargo, supporting industries such as mining, forestry, and liquefied natural gas (LNG) development.[6][23][33][34][35][36][37]

Improvements and investments

Infrastructure enhancements

  • 2018: An $18.5 million terminal expansion improved passenger flow, added new facilities, and modernized baggage handling systems.[15]
  • 2024: Runway resurfacing and apron expansion projects were completed to accommodate larger aircraft.[4][16]

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.[38][39]

Location

The airport is situated along the Stewart–Cassiar Highway, approximately 10 km (6.2 mi) south of downtown Terrace and 56 km (35 mi) north of Kitimat.[3]

Economic impact

Northwest Regional Airport plays a critical role in the economic development of northern British Columbia.[33][40] It supports regional industries by facilitating the movement of goods and workers, especially for the mining and LNG sectors.[40] The airport also serves as an emergency transport hub, connecting remote communities to essential medical services.[41]

Governance

The Terrace-Kitimat Airport Society, a non-profit organization, oversees the management and development of YXT.[4][9] The organization includes representatives from the City of Terrace, the District of Kitimat, and the Regional District of Kitimat–Stikine.[30] Revenue generated by the airport is reinvested into infrastructure and operational improvements.[42]

Accidents and incidents

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Perspective

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.

1977 Twin Otter accident

On 14 January 1977, a de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter operated by Northern Thunderbird Air crashed into a mountain during its approach to runway 32 in a snowstorm.[43][44][45][46] The flight, operating from Prince George to Terrace, was carrying 12 individuals, all of whom died in the crash.[43][44][45][46] Weather conditions, including limited visibility and heavy snowfall, were significant factors contributing to the accident.[43][44]

The 1977 Twin Otter crash was the 43th worst aviation accident globally for that year.[44]

On 26 September 1989, Skylink Flight 070 (operated by Aztec Aviation[47]), a Swearingen SA227-AC Metro III, was destroyed during a missed approach at Terrace.[48][49][50] 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.[48][49][50]

The aircraft was cleared for an approach to runway 27 but failed to establish the required visual references.[49] The crew attempted a circling approach but initiated a missed approach in instrument flight rules (IFR) conditions.[49] During the missed approach, the aircraft began an uncontrolled descent and struck trees near runway 15 before coming to rest outside the airport perimeter.[49]

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) identified several contributing factors, including:

  • The crew’s decision to continue beyond the missed approach point without visual contact with the runway.[49]
  • Disorientation during the missed approach procedure.[49][50]
  • Inadequate operating standards and procedural definitions within the airline’s operations.[49]

2020 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.[51][52][53] At the time, snow was falling, and the runway was partially cleared, with windrows of snow approximately 18 in (460 mm) high along the edges of the cleared area.[51][52]

The aircraft initially touched down approximately 10 ft (3.0 m) left of the centreline due to variable winds and reduced visual cues.[51][52] It contacted the windrow, causing the nose gear to collapse and resulting in damage to the fuselage and right propeller blades.[51][52] The aircraft came to a stop partially off the runway.[51][52]

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.[51][52][54][55]
  • Contact with the windrow caused drag on the left landing gear, leading to a runway excursion.[51][52][54][55]
  • Snow and ice packed into the nose gear bay during the excursion contributed to the collapse of the gear.[51][52][54][55]

The aircraft was ferried to Kelowna for repairs and returned to service in June 2020.[52]

In response to the 2020 WestJet Encore Flight 3107 incident, the airline made changes to its safety handbook.[56]

References

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