Northwest Regional Airport Terrace-Kitimat (YXT) is a regional airport serving northwestern British Columbia, including Terrace, Thornhill, Kitimat, and the Nass Valley. Located approximately 10 kilometres 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.[2]
Construction challenges, such as harsh weather and limited resources, delayed the base’s operational readiness.[4] By 1944, as the perceived threat diminished, the airbase shifted to a support role, and in 1945, RCAF decommissioned the base.[3][4][6]
Post-war civilian use
Transferred to the Department of Transport in 1946, the airfield transitioned to civilian use.[2][4][6] In 1947, it received its first civilian airport license, though it saw limited activity until the 1950s.[4][7] 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.[4]
Modernization and local management
In 1999, the airport was transferred to the Terrace-Kitimat Airport Society under Canada’s National Airports Policy.[4]
Facilities
Runways
Northwest Regional Airport features two asphalt runways:
The primary runway, 15/33, is equipped with an Instrument Landing System (ILS), installed in 2002, enabling aircraft to land in low-visibility conditions.[4]
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.[10][11][12]
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.[2][13][14][15][16][17]
Ground transportation
The airport is accessible via Highway 37 and offers on-site parking, car rentals, and taxi services.[18][19] Parking facilities include short-term, long-term, and designated spaces for accessibility.[20][21][22][23][24]
Airlines and destinations
Passenger
As of December 2024, passenger airlines Air Canada Express, and WestJet Encore operate at Northwest Regional Airport Terrace-Kitimat.
YXT has seen significant growth in passenger traffic, particularly when compared to other airports across the country post-COVID-19 pandemic.[57] Based on Statistics Canada's 2023 Airport Activity Survey, Terrace is Canada's 19th busiest airport by total passengers.[58]
Air passenger traffic at Northwest Regional Airport Terrace-Kitimat, annual (2020-23)[59]
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 (LNG) development.[4][23][60][61][62][63][64]
Incidents and accidents
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.
On 26 September 1989, Skylink Flight 070, a Swearingen SA227-AC Metro III, was destroyed during a missed approach at Terrace.[69][70][71] 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.[69][70][71]
The aircraft was cleared for an approach to Runway 27 but failed to establish the required visual references.[70] The crew attempted a circling approach but initiated a missed approach in Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) conditions.[70] During the missed approach, the aircraft began an uncontrolled descent and struck trees near Runway 15 before coming to rest outside the airport perimeter.[70]
The crew’s decision to continue beyond the missed approach point without visual contact with the runway.[70]
Disorientation during the missed approach procedure.[70][71]
Inadequate operating standards and procedural definitions within the airline’s operations.[70]
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.[8][72][73] At the time, snow was falling, and the runway was partially cleared, with windrows of snow approximately 18 inches high along the edges of the cleared area.[8][72]
The aircraft initially touched down approximately 10 feet left of the centreline due to variable winds and reduced visual cues.[8][72] It contacted the windrow, causing the nose gear to collapse and resulting in damage to the fuselage and right propeller blades.[8][72] The aircraft came to a stop partially off the runway.[8][72]
The TSB 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.[8][72][74][75]
Contact with the windrow caused drag on the left landing gear, leading to a runway excursion.[8][72][74][75]
Snow and ice packed into the nose gear bay during the excursion contributed to the collapse of the gear.[8][72][74][75]
The aircraft was ferried to Kelowna for repairs and returned to service in June 2020.[72]
In response to the 2020 WestJet Encore Flight 3107 incident, the airline made changes to its safety handbook.[76]
2023 Volcanic ash disruptions
In May 2023, several flights to and from Northwest Regional Airport were delayed or diverted due to volcanic ash from an eruption in Russia.[77][78] Air traffic restrictions were implemented to ensure passenger and crew safety, causing travel disruptions for multiple flights.[77][78][79]
Flight diversions
On multiple occasions, flights to Terrace have been diverted due to various factors, including mechanical issues and disruptive passenger behaviour:
In 2016, a WestJet Encore flight bound for Terrace was diverted to Prince George due to technical difficulties.[80]
In 2024, a WestJet Encore flight was forced to return to Vancouver after a passenger became disruptive. Upon landing, the individual was removed from the aircraft by the Terrace RCMP.[81]
Improvements and investments
Infrastructure enhancements
2018: A $18.5 million terminal expansion improved passenger flow, added new facilities, and modernized baggage handling systems.[14]
2024: Runway resurfacing and apron expansion projects were completed to accommodate larger aircraft.[2][15]
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.[82][83]
Location
YXT is situated along Highway 37, approximately 10 kilometres south of Terrace and 56 kilometres north of Kitimat.[18]
Economic impact
Northwest Regional Airport plays a critical role in the economic development of northern British Columbia.[60][84] It supports regional industries by facilitating the movement of goods and workers, especially for the mining and LNG sectors.[84][84] The airport also serves as an emergency transport hub, connecting remote communities to essential medical services.[85]
Governance
The Terrace-Kitimat Airport Society, a non-profit organization, oversees the management and development of YXT.[2][7] The organization includes representatives from the City of Terrace, the District of Kitimat, and the Regional District of Kitimat-Stikine.[57] Revenue generated by the airport is reinvested into infrastructure and operational improvements.[86]
