Kitimat Airport Existence: Fact Or Fiction?

is there an airport in kitimat

Kitimat Airport (CBW2) is located 13km north of Kitimat, British Columbia, Canada. However, the closest airport to Kitimat is the Northwest Regional Airport Terrace-Kitimat (YXT), which is approximately 56km north of Kitimat. This airport is also known as Terrace Airport and is accessible via the Stewart-Cassiar Highway. It serves as a vital hub for cargo, supporting industries such as mining, forestry, and liquefied natural gas (LNG) development.

Characteristics Values
Name of the airport Kitimat Airport/Northwest Regional Airport Terrace-Kitimat
Location 13 km north of Kitimat, British Columbia, Canada
Distance from Kitimat 56 km or 35 miles
Major airport near Kitimat Terrace (YXT) Airport
Distance of Terrace (YXT) Airport from Kitimat 29.3 miles or 45-66 km
Time to reach Terrace (YXT) Airport from Kitimat 49 minutes

shunhotel

Kitimat Airport is 13km from Kitimat, British Columbia, Canada

Kitimat Airport is located 13km north of Kitimat, in British Columbia, Canada. It is also known as Northwest Regional Airport Terrace-Kitimat (YXT/CYXT). The airport is accessible via the Stewart-Cassiar Highway (Highway 37) and offers on-site parking, car rentals, and taxi services.

The airport is approximately 66km from the centre of Kitimat and plays a critical role in the economic development of northern British Columbia. It supports regional industries, particularly mining, forestry, and liquefied natural gas (LNG) development, by facilitating the movement of goods and workers. The airport also serves as an emergency transport hub, connecting remote communities to essential medical services.

The Terrace-Kitimat Airport Society, a non-profit organisation, manages the airport's operations and development. This society 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 improvements and operational enhancements.

Kitimat Airport has witnessed significant growth in passenger traffic, and as of December 2024, airlines such as Air Canada Express and WestJet Encore operate from this airport. The airport features two asphalt runways, with the primary runway equipped with an instrument landing system (ILS) to enable aircraft landings in low-visibility conditions.

shunhotel

Terrace Airport is the closest airport to Kitimat

Terrace Airport, also known as Northwest Regional Airport Terrace-Kitimat, is the closest airport to Kitimat, located 56km (35 miles) north of the city. The airport is accessible via the Stewart-Cassiar Highway (Highway 37) and offers on-site parking, car rentals, and taxi services. Terrace Airport is approximately 10km (6.2 miles) south of downtown Terrace.

Terrace Airport has two asphalt runways: Runway 15/33, which is 7,497 ft x 148 ft (2,285m x 45m), and Runway 03/21, which is 5,316 ft x 148 ft (1,620m x 45m). The primary runway, Runway 15/33, is equipped with an instrument landing system (ILS), enabling aircraft to land in low-visibility conditions.

The airport plays a critical role in the economic development of northern British Columbia, particularly in supporting regional industries such as mining, forestry, and liquefied natural gas (LNG) development. It also serves as an emergency transport hub, connecting remote communities to essential medical services.

In terms of passenger traffic, Terrace Airport is Canada's 19th busiest airport, having seen significant growth in recent years. As of December 2024, passenger airlines Air Canada Express and WestJet Encore operate at the airport.

shunhotel

Terrace-Kitimat Airport is critical to the economic development of northern British Columbia

The closest airport to Kitimat, British Columbia, is the Northwest Regional Airport Terrace-Kitimat, located approximately 56 km (35 miles) north of the city. The airport, situated along the Stewart-Cassiar Highway, is easily accessible by car and offers a range of services, including on-site parking, car rentals, and taxi services.

Terrace-Kitimat Airport is indeed critical to the economic development of northern British Columbia. Firstly, it serves as a vital cargo hub, supporting and connecting key industries in the region, such as mining, forestry, and liquefied natural gas (LNG) development. By facilitating the efficient movement of goods and workers, the airport boosts economic activity and enables the growth of these sectors.

Secondly, the airport has experienced significant growth in passenger traffic, making it Canada's 19th busiest airport by total passengers as of 2023. This passenger traffic brings increased tourism and business travel to the region, benefiting the local economy. An $18.5 million terminal expansion in 2018 improved the airport's capacity to handle this growing passenger volume, adding new facilities and modernizing baggage handling systems.

Additionally, Terrace-Kitimat Airport serves as an emergency transport hub, connecting remote communities in northern British Columbia to essential medical services. This role is crucial in ensuring the health and well-being of the region's residents and visitors. The airport's revenue is reinvested into infrastructure and operational improvements, ensuring its continued contribution to the region's development.

In summary, the Terrace-Kitimat Airport plays a vital role in the economic growth and well-being of northern British Columbia. By facilitating cargo transport, attracting passenger traffic, and serving as an emergency response hub, the airport has become an indispensable asset to the region. Its ongoing development and improvements further solidify its critical role in the economic development of this part of the province.

shunhotel

Terrace-Kitimat Airport has two asphalt runways

Kitimat does have an airport, Kitimat Airport (TC LID: CBW2), which is located 13 km north of the city. However, this airport appears to be quite small, and sources suggest that most people travelling to Kitimat by air use Terrace-Kitimat Airport, which is around 56-66 km from Kitimat.

Terrace-Kitimat Airport, also known as Northwest Regional Airport, has two asphalt runways. The primary runway, 15/33, is 7,497 ft × 148 ft (2,285 m × 45 m) and is equipped with an instrument landing system (ILS) that allows aircraft to land in low-visibility conditions. The secondary runway, 03/21, is 5,316 ft × 148 ft (1,620 m × 45 m).

The airport received its first civilian airport licence in 1947 but saw limited activity until the 1950s when the industrial development of Kitimat and the construction of an aluminium smelter brought increased demand for regional air transport. This led to infrastructure upgrades, including the installation of night-flight lighting systems in 1956. In 1999, the airport was transferred to the Terrace-Kitimat Airport Society, a non-profit organisation that 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.

The airport is accessible via the Stewart-Cassiar Highway and offers on-site parking, car rentals, and taxi services. As of December 2024, passenger airlines Air Canada Express and WestJet Encore operate at the airport. Terrace-Kitimat Airport has seen significant growth in passenger traffic and, in 2018, underwent an $18.5 million terminal expansion to improve passenger flow, add new facilities, and modernise baggage handling systems.

shunhotel

Terrace-Kitimat Airport is accessible via the Stewart-Cassiar Highway

Kitimat Airport is located 13 kilometres north of Kitimat, in British Columbia, Canada. The closest major airport to Kitimat is the Northwest Regional Airport Terrace-Kitimat (YXT/CYXT). This airport is situated in Terrace, Canada, approximately 66 kilometres from the centre of Kitimat. Terrace-Kitimat Airport is accessible via the Stewart-Cassiar Highway (Highway 37). It is located 10 kilometres south of downtown Terrace and 56 kilometres north of Kitimat.

The airport is managed by the Terrace-Kitimat Airport Society, a non-profit organisation that 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. The airport features two asphalt runways, with the primary runway equipped with an instrument landing system (ILS) to enable aircraft to land in low-visibility conditions.

The airport serves as a vital hub for cargo and regional industries, including mining, forestry, and liquefied natural gas (LNG) development. It also functions as an emergency transport hub, providing essential medical services to remote communities. Terrace-Kitimat Airport has experienced significant growth in passenger traffic, particularly when compared to other airports across Canada post-pandemic. As of December 2024, passenger airlines such as Air Canada Express and WestJet Encore operate at this location.

The accessibility of Terrace-Kitimat Airport via the Stewart-Cassiar Highway makes it a convenient option for those travelling to and from Kitimat. The airport provides on-site parking, car rental services, and taxi services, ensuring easy access for passengers and supporting the economic development of northern British Columbia.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, there is an airport in Kitimat, British Columbia, Canada. Kitimat Airport is located 13 km north of the city.

The closest major airport to Kitimat is the Northwest Regional Airport Terrace-Kitimat (YXT/CYXT), located in Terrace, Canada. It is approximately 56 km (35 miles) north of Kitimat.

The airport is accessible via the Stewart-Cassiar Highway and is about a 49-minute drive from the centre of Kitimat, which is 66 km away.

As of December 2024, Air Canada Express and WestJet Encore operate at the Northwest Regional Airport Terrace-Kitimat.

The airport offers on-site parking, car rentals, and taxi services. There are short-term and long-term parking options, as well as designated spaces for accessibility.

Written by
Reviewed by

Explore related products

Flight: A Novel

$9.99 $18

Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment