Northwest Regional Airport Terrace-Kitimat

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]

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]}

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.^[34] Based on Statistics Canada's 2024 Airport Activity Survey, Terrace is Canada's 19th busiest airport by total passengers.^[35]

More information Year, Passenger flights ...

Air passenger traffic at Northwest Regional Airport Terrace-Kitimat, annual (2020-24)^[36]

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	7,631	2.4%	444,425	12.1%
2024	6,656	12.7%	414,997	6.6%

Close

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.^[37][38]

NT Air 405 / PWA 405

On 14 January 1977, a de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter operated by Northern Thunderbird Air, flying as Pacific Western Airlines Flight 405,^[43][44] crashed into a mountain during its approach to runway 32 in a snowstorm.^{[45][46][47][48]} The flight, operating from Prince George to Terrace, was carrying 12 individuals, all of whom died in the crash.^{[45][46][47][48]} Weather conditions, including limited visibility and heavy snowfall, were significant factors contributing to the accident.^[45][46]

The 1977 Twin Otter crash was the 43th worst aviation accident globally for that year.^{[46][failed verification]}

Skylink Airlines Flight 070

On 26 September 1989, Skylink Airlines Flight 070 (operated by Aztec Aviation^[49]), a Swearingen SA227-AC Metro III, was destroyed during a missed approach at Terrace.^[50][51][52] 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.^[50][51][52]

The aircraft was cleared for an approach to runway 27 but failed to establish the required visual references.^[51] The crew attempted a circling approach but initiated a missed approach in instrument flight rules (IFR) conditions.^[51] During the missed approach, the aircraft began an uncontrolled descent and struck trees near runway 15 before coming to rest outside the airport perimeter.^[51]

The Canadian Aviation Safety Board (CASB) identified several contributing factors, including:

• The crew’s decision to continue beyond the missed approach point without visual contact with the runway.^[51]
• Disorientation during the missed approach procedure.^[51][52]
• Inadequate operating standards and procedural definitions within the airline’s operations.^[51]

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.^[53][54][55] 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.^[53][54]

The aircraft initially touched down approximately 10 ft (3.0 m) left of the centreline due to variable winds and reduced visual cues.^[53][54] It contacted the windrow, causing the nose gear to collapse and resulting in damage to the fuselage and right propeller blades.^[53][54] The aircraft came to a stop partially off the runway.^[53][54]

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.^{[53][54][56][57]}
• Contact with the windrow caused drag on the left landing gear, leading to a runway excursion.^{[53][54][56][57]}
• Snow and ice packed into the nose gear bay during the excursion contributed to the collapse of the gear.^{[53][54][56][57]}

The aircraft was ferried to Kelowna for repairs and returned to service in June 2020.^[54]

In response to the 2020 WestJet Encore Flight 3107 incident, the airline made changes to its safety handbook.^[58]