
Thunder Bay International Airport, located in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada, has been a vital hub for the region, connecting people, communities, and businesses. With a rich history dating back to 1938, the airport has played a significant role in the city's development. Once the fourth busiest airport in Ontario, it has offered charter flights to southern destinations and facilitated various airlines, including Air Canada, Nordair, and Pacific Western Airlines. However, as of 2021, Thunder Bay Airport is no longer designated as an international airport by Transport Canada, impacting its ability to provide certain services and welcome a broader range of airlines and passengers from worldwide destinations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Thunder Bay Airport/Thunder Bay International Airport |
| Location | Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada |
| Address | 100 Princess St, Thunder Bay, ON P7E 6S2, CA |
| Code | YQT/CYQT |
| Operator | Thunder Bay International Airports Authority (TBIAA) |
| Owner | Federal government of Canada |
| Terminals | 1 three-storey terminal |
| Runway | Accommodates small or larger turboprop, regional jet aircraft, and narrow-body jetliners |
| Passenger volume | 869,404 (in 2018) |
| International status | Not officially designated as international by Transport Canada Civil Aviation |
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What You'll Learn
- Thunder Bay Airport is no longer designated as an international airport
- Thunder Bay Airport is run by the Thunder Bay International Airports Authority
- The airport is a hub for tourism and business opportunities
- The airport is served by major air carriers and smaller regional airlines
- The airport has a three-storey terminal building

Thunder Bay Airport is no longer designated as an international airport
Thunder Bay Airport in Ontario, Canada, is no longer designated as an international airport. While the airport is referred to as "Thunder Bay International Airport" and has international operations, it does not have an official Canadian designation as "International".
The airport, located in the city of Thunder Bay, plays a crucial role in connecting the region to centres of national and international commerce. Thunder Bay Airport is managed by the Thunder Bay International Airports Authority (TBIAA) and has a rich history, originally built as the Fort William Municipal Airport in 1938. In 2012, it was the fourth busiest airport in Ontario, handling over 761,000 passengers.
Despite its name and function, Thunder Bay Airport is not among the 13 airports currently designated as international airports by Transport Canada. Ed Schmidtke, president and CEO of the TBIAA, acknowledged the change but asserted that it does not impact the airport's daily operations or financial aspects. He emphasized that the airport will continue to provide quality service and maintain its strong relationship with Customs Canada.
The loss of international standing does not reflect a decrease in the airport's significance. Thunder Bay Airport remains an essential hub for air travel, tourism, and business opportunities in the region. It serves Northwestern Ontario and beyond, connecting remote communities and supporting economic development. The airport is known for its convenient parking and seamless travel experience, catering to both major air carriers and smaller regional airlines.
Although Thunder Bay Airport may not have the official "International" designation, it has a three-storey terminal building and can accommodate various aircraft, including small and large turboprop planes and regional jet aircraft. The airport's runways are capable of handling narrow-body jetliners, such as those operated by Porter Airlines, Air Canada, and Flair Airlines. Thunder Bay Airport's focus on connecting communities and facilitating travel remains unchanged, ensuring its position as a vital link in the region's growth and connectivity.
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Thunder Bay Airport is run by the Thunder Bay International Airports Authority
Thunder Bay Airport, also known as Thunder Bay International Airport, is indeed run by the Thunder Bay International Airports Authority (TBIAA), a non-profit organisation. The airport is located in the city of Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. It is a vital hub for the region, serving Northwestern Ontario and beyond.
The airport has a three-storey terminal building, which is the only facility in Thunder Bay that uses escalators. The runways at Thunder Bay Airport are primarily used by small or large turboprop aircraft and regional jets. However, they can also accommodate narrow-body jetliners operated by major airlines such as Porter Airlines, Air Canada, and WestJet.
Historically, the airport has served a range of aircraft, including the Boeing 727-200, Boeing 737-200, and McDonnell Douglas DC-9-30. Thunder Bay Airport has also welcomed larger jets, such as the wide-body Boeing 747SP in 2005 and the Antonov AN-124 for cargo trips from Austria between 2017 and 2018.
In terms of passenger traffic, Thunder Bay Airport handled over 600,000 passengers in 2006 and saw 869,404 passengers in 2018, making it the fourth busiest airport in Ontario and 16th busiest in Canada in 2012. The airport also supports local tourism and business opportunities, playing a key role in the region's growth and connectivity.
While the airport was previously known as Thunder Bay International Airport, it is worth noting that as of 2021, it is no longer designated as an international airport by Transport Canada. This change, however, does not seem to have impacted the day-to-day operations, financial operations, or the services provided to passengers.
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The airport is a hub for tourism and business opportunities
Thunder Bay Airport (IATA: YQT, ICAO: CYQT) is a vital hub for tourism and business opportunities, serving Northwestern Ontario and beyond. The airport, located in the city of Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada, has a rich history dating back to its construction in 1938 as the Fort William Municipal Airport. With a focus on economic development, Thunder Bay Airport facilitates air travel while supporting local tourism and businesses, playing a key role in the region's growth and connectivity.
The airport is operated and managed by the Thunder Bay International Airports Authority (TBIAA), a non-profit organization, under a long-term lease agreement with the federal government. In 2018, passenger volumes reached an impressive 869,404, showcasing the airport's significance in the region. Thunder Bay Airport offers convenient parking, simple connections to the city, and a three-storey terminal building with escalators, creating a welcoming environment for travellers.
A variety of airlines serve Thunder Bay Airport, including major air carriers and smaller regional airlines. Bearskin Airlines, a regional airline based in Thunder Bay, specializes in scheduled passenger and cargo services to destinations across Canada, connecting remote communities. Other airlines such as Air Canada, Nordair, and Pacific Western Airlines have also offered competitive services with mainline jet aircraft in the past.
The airport's runways accommodate a range of aircraft, from small turboprop planes to large jetliners. While Thunder Bay Airport has handled various large jet aircraft, including Boeing and Airbus models, it primarily serves smaller communities with essential air services. Wisk Air Helicopters Ltd., a family-owned business, provides helicopter services for firefighting, forestry, mining, and sightseeing, contributing to the airport's versatility.
Thunder Bay Airport, with its efficient operations and strategic location, plays a crucial role in linking the city and its surrounding areas to centres of national and international commerce. The airport has positioned itself as a hub where business takes flight, families reunite, and adventures begin, fostering a sense of warmth, connection, and growth within the region.
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The airport is served by major air carriers and smaller regional airlines
Thunder Bay Airport (IATA: YQT, ICAO: CYQT) is located in the city of Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. It is operated and managed by the Thunder Bay International Airports Authority (TBIAA) under a long-term lease agreement with the federal government. The airport is served by major air carriers such as Air Canada, which operates Airbus A319, Airbus A320, and Boeing 727-200 aircraft, as well as smaller regional airlines like Bearskin Airlines and Thunder Airlines.
In the past, several other major carriers served the airport, including American Airlines, which operated a Boeing 720 in 1962, and Royal Aviation subsidiary Royal Airlines, which operated Boeing 757-200 and wide-body Airbus A310 aircraft in 1999 and 2000. United Express also offered a direct flight between Thunder Bay and Chicago O'Hare International Airport from February 2013 to April 2014, using the Bombardier CRJ-200.
Thunder Bay's runways can accommodate a variety of aircraft, including small and large turboprop planes, regional jets, and narrow-body jetliners. The airport has a three-storey terminal building and is a vital hub for the region, connecting northwestern Ontario to the rest of Canada and supporting local tourism and business opportunities.
While the airport was previously referred to as Thunder Bay International Airport, it is no longer officially designated as an international airport by Transport Canada. However, this change does not seem to have impacted the airport's operations, and it continues to serve as an important gateway for the region, with passenger volumes reaching 869,404 in 2018.
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The airport has a three-storey terminal building
Thunder Bay Airport (IATA: YQT, ICAO: CYQT) is located in the city of Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. It is operated and managed by the Thunder Bay International Airports Authority (TBIAA) under a long-term lease agreement with the federal government.
The airport features a three-storey terminal building. This terminal is a vital hub, supported by major air carriers and smaller regional airlines, providing essential services to remote northern communities. The airport offers simple and convenient parking just a short distance from the main doors of the terminal.
The Thunder Bay Airport is more than just a point of departure; it is a key player in the region's growth and connectivity. It facilitates air travel, supports local tourism, and enables business opportunities. The airport provides comprehensive information on air travel, operations, and regulations, ensuring seamless journeys for all visitors.
The runways at Thunder Bay Airport primarily accommodate small or large turboprop aircraft, similar to the De Havilland Canada Dash 8 Q Series (400). They also cater to regional jet aircraft, such as the Bombardier CRJ700 series, especially the CRJ900. However, they are capable of handling narrow-body jetliners, including the Embraer E-Jet E2 family operated by Porter Airlines and the Airbus A320 family operated by Air Canada Mainline and Air Canada Rouge.
While the airport was previously referred to as "Thunder Bay International Airport," it is important to note that it is no longer designated as an international airport by Transport Canada. This change does not impact the airport's day-to-day operations, and it continues to provide efficient services to passengers and support the region's development.
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Frequently asked questions
Thunder Bay Airport is no longer designated as an international airport. It was removed from the Transport Canada list of airports currently designated as international airports in 2021.
The loss of its international standing does not seem to have impacted the airport's operations. Ed Schmidtke, president and CEO of the Thunder Bay International Airports Authority, stated that the airport will still have customs services and that the quality of service for customers remains the same.
Thunder Bay Airport is served by major air carriers and smaller regional airlines. Bearskin Airlines is a regional airline based in Thunder Bay, specialising in scheduled passenger and cargo services to various destinations in Canada. Wisk Air Helicopters Ltd is another airline operating from Thunder Bay Airport, providing helicopter services across Canada.



































