Airport in Terrace, British Columbia
Northwest Regional Airport Terrace-Kitimat (IATA: YXT, ICAO: CYXT) is 3 nautical miles (5.6 km; 3.5 mi) south of Terrace, British Columbia. The airport also serves Kitimat, 56 km (35 mi) to the south, and the Nass Valley.
Military operations
During World War II, RCAF squadrons prepared for a Japanese attack, which included the formation of RCAF Station, Terrace. Construction commenced in spring 1943, but poor weather and shortages of labour and materials hampered the work. When squadrons 135 (fighter) and 149 (bomber reconnaissance) arrived that November, personnel were initially housed in the army barracks, because the airfield accommodation was incomplete. After becoming operational, adverse weather limited flight opportunities. In March 1944, squadron 135 relocated to RCAF Patricia Bay and squadron 149 disbanded. That April, the base became the No. 18 Staging Unit for emergency use only. In August 1945, the facility closed. Most of the buildings were either sold or demolished.[2]
Civilian operations
In 1946, administration of the airstrip passed from the DND to the DOT. In 1947, the permanent airport licence was issued. In 1956, the installation of portable lighting allowed night flying. During 1957–1959, the infrastructure was upgraded to mainline status. In 1958, the airport was declared a customs port of exit. In 1968, a new terminal was erected.[2]
In 1999, Transport Canada transferred ownership and control to the Terrace-Kitimat Airport Society.[3] In 2002, an instrument landing system was installed, reducing weather-related flight cancellations and diversions to Prince Rupert.[4] In 2018, the completion of an $18.6 million project greatly improved and expanded the check-in and departure area.[5]
