
Prince George Airport (YXS) is the closest airport to Prince George, British Columbia, Canada. It is 16km from the city centre and offers daily direct flights to Vancouver, Calgary, Victoria, Kelowna, Terrace, Fort Nelson, and Edmonton. The airport opened in 1920 and was used as a stopover for aircraft travelling to Alaska. During World War II, the airport was used by the United States Army Air Forces and saw a variety of aircraft, including P-39 Airacobras and B-25 Mitchell bombers. Today, it is served by major airlines such as WestJet, Air Canada, and Pacific Coastal Airlines, providing connections across North America and beyond.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Name | Prince George Airport |
Airport Code | YXS/CYSX |
Airport Classification | Airport of entry |
Staffing | Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) |
Aircraft Capacity | 30 passengers or 120 if unloaded in stages |
Opening Year | 1920 |
Year Commercialised | 1963 |
Location | 16 km from the centre of Prince George, Canada |
Airlines | WestJet, Air Canada, Pacific Coastal Airlines, Central Mountain Air, Northern Thunderbird Air, Canadian Pacific Air Lines, Guardian Aerospace |
Destinations | Vancouver, Calgary, Victoria, Kelowna, Terrace, Fort Nelson, Edmonton, Puerto Vallarta (seasonal), Seattle, Fairbanks |
What You'll Learn
- Prince George Airport (YXS) is the closest airport to Prince George, BC
- Airlines like WestJet, Air Canada, and Pacific Coastal serve the region
- The airport opened in 1920 and was used as a stopover for US Army aircraft
- It has been classified as an airport of entry by Nav Canada
- The airport is 16km from the centre of Prince George
Prince George Airport (YXS) is the closest airport to Prince George, BC
Today, Prince George Airport is served by several airlines, including Canada's two largest carriers, WestJet and Air Canada, which offer daily direct flights to Vancouver and Calgary. Pacific Coastal Airlines also operates non-stop flights to Victoria and Kelowna, while Central Mountain Air connects Prince George to Terrace, Kelowna, Fort Nelson, Calgary, and Edmonton.
The airport is classified as an airport of entry by Nav Canada and is staffed by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). It can accommodate aircraft with up to 30 passengers or 120 if they are unloaded in stages.
In addition to its role as a transportation hub, Prince George Airport has a unique feature: wildlife such as moose or deer can occasionally be spotted from the runway. The airport also has a rich history, having served as a stopover for US military aircraft during World War II and the Cold War.
Overall, Prince George Airport (YXS) plays a crucial role in connecting Prince George, BC, to the rest of Canada and beyond, offering convenient travel options and a gateway to the beautiful northern British Columbia region.
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Airlines like WestJet, Air Canada, and Pacific Coastal serve the region
Prince George Airport (YXS) is the closest airport to Prince George, British Columbia, located just 16km or 3.9 miles from the city centre. The airport opened in 1920 and was commercialised in 1963. It is classified as an airport of entry by Nav Canada and is staffed by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
In addition to these carriers, Central Mountain Air connects Prince George to several destinations, including Terrace, Kelowna, Fort Nelson, Calgary, and Edmonton. Northern Thunderbird Air, another regional airline, provides scheduled and charter services to Northern British Columbia and the province's interior.
Historically, the airport has been served by various airlines, including Canadian Pacific Air Lines (CP Air), Canadian Airlines International, Pan Am, and Pacific Western Airlines. During World War II, the airport was used by the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) as an alternate airport for Lend-Lease aircraft flying from the US to the Soviet Union via Alaska.
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The airport opened in 1920 and was used as a stopover for US Army aircraft
The closest airport to Prince George, British Columbia, is Prince George Airport (YXS), which is approximately 16 km or 3.9 miles from the city centre. The airport first opened in 1920 and until 1932, the site was a bypass highway that ran from Tenth Avenue to Eighteenth Avenue. During this time, the airport served as a stopover for aircraft, including United States Army Junkers JL-4's and de Havilland Fours heading to Alaska. The airport was also used by the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) during World War II as an alternate airport for Lend-Lease aircraft flying from the United States to the Soviet Union via Alaska.
In 1932, the airport was relocated to the intersections of Highway 97 and Highway 16, near Carney Hill. This newer airport also saw a significant number of US planes flying to Alaska before the United States entered World War II. The airport's role as a stopover for military aircraft contributed to its growth and development. By 1941, with the completion of runway 14/32 (now 15/33), US-based Pan Am operated from Prince George Airport as a stopover on its Seattle-Fairbanks route, transporting personnel and equipment for the US Navy.
The airport's infrastructure continued to expand, and by 1945, it encompassed 2,034 acres with three runways arranged in a triangle. During World War II, the airport was jointly operated by the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and the USAAF, with the RCAF providing close assistance. The airport played a strategic role in supporting military operations and facilitating the movement of troops and supplies. In 1942, Canadian Pacific Air Lines (CP Air) initiated scheduled flights into Prince George six days a week, marking the beginning of commercial aviation at the airport.
Following the war, in 1946, the airport was transferred to the Department of Transport, and the military buildings were removed. The airport continued to serve as an important aviation hub for the region, and in 1963, it was commercialised with the opening of the first coffee shop in the terminal. Over the years, various airlines have served Prince George Airport, including CP Air, which operated jet service during the 1970s with non-stop flights to several destinations. The airport has undergone upgrades and improvements, such as the construction of a new terminal in 1973, enhancing its capacity and passenger experience. Today, Prince George Airport is an international airport, serving Prince George, northern British Columbia, and beyond.
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It has been classified as an airport of entry by Nav Canada
Prince George Airport (YXS) is the closest airport to Prince George, British Columbia, located approximately 16 km or 3.9 miles from the city centre. The airport is classified as an airport of entry by Nav Canada and is staffed by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). This classification enables Prince George Airport to handle international flights and serve Prince George, northern British Columbia, and beyond.
The history of Prince George Airport dates back to the 1920s, and it has played a significant role in aviation over the decades. During World War II, the airport was utilised by the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) and the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), with the site being used as a stopover for flights heading to Alaska and the Soviet Union. The airport has also served as a training ground for various types of aircraft, including the P-39 Airacobra, P-63 Kingcobra, and B-25 Mitchell bomber.
In the post-war years, the airport underwent changes in management and saw the removal of several buildings. The airport's hangar remained in use until 2009, while the terminal was replaced with a modern structure in 1973. The commercialisation of the airport occurred in 1963 with the opening of the first coffee shop in the terminal.
Today, Prince George Airport is served by several airlines, including Canada's two largest carriers, WestJet and Air Canada, offering daily direct flights to Vancouver and other destinations. The airport can accommodate aircraft with up to 30 passengers or 120 if unloaded in stages, making it a versatile gateway to the region.
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The airport is 16km from the centre of Prince George
The closest airport to Prince George, British Columbia is Prince George Airport (YXS), which is just 16km from the city centre. This airport has been serving the region since 1920, and was commercialised in 1963. It is classified as an airport of entry by Nav Canada and is staffed by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
Prince George Airport is an international airport, with direct flights to Vancouver, Calgary, and Puerto Vallarta in Mexico (seasonal). It is served by Canada's two largest carriers, WestJet and Air Canada, as well as Pacific Coastal Airlines and Central Mountain Air. WestJet is known for its low-cost flights and excellent customer service, while Pacific Coastal Airlines is a regional airline based in British Columbia, offering scheduled, charter, and cargo services.
Central Mountain Air connects Prince George to several destinations, including Terrace, Kelowna, Fort Nelson, Calgary, and Edmonton. They also offer scheduled services to Kitimat, connecting with Terrace, as well as Fort Nelson, Kelowna, Calgary, and Edmonton. Northern Thunderbird Air, in collaboration with Central Mountain Air, provides scheduled and charter services to the North and British Columbia's interior.
In addition to these airlines, Guardian Aerospace is also located in Prince George and offers air charter services, flight training, aircraft maintenance, structural repair, welding, and fabricating.
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Frequently asked questions
The main airport serving Prince George, British Columbia is Prince George Airport (YXS).
Prince George Airport is approximately 16km or 3.9 miles from the city centre.
The airport opened in 1920, although it was located at the intersection of Highway 97 and Highway 16 until 1945 when it moved to its current site.
Airlines operating from Prince George Airport include WestJet, Air Canada, Pacific Coastal Airlines, and Central Mountain Air.