Yellowknife Airport (YZF) is proud to announce a significant milestone with an 18% increase in passenger traffic recorded for 2024 compared to the previous year. This growth reaffirms its status as the primary hub for the Northwest Territories and the North.

In 2024, YZF welcomed 604,000 passengers. This growth was driven by increased regional travel, expanded airline routes, more flight frequencies, and heightened interest in tourism and business opportunities in the area.

Looking ahead, YZF remains committed to supporting the Territories' economic growth by enhancing connectivity and improving its infrastructure. Future plans include launching upgrades to airport facilities that improve convenience and comfort, new website, redesign of the terminal parking lot, upgrading terminal washrooms, expansion and modernization of preboard screening and continuing to develop the YZF strategic plan.
 

Quotes

“We are thrilled to see such remarkable growth in passenger traffic at YZF. This achievement reflects the dedication of the airport team, the strength of our partnerships with airlines and stakeholders, and the increasing appeal of the Northwest Territories as a destination. It underscores the vital role of air travel in supporting tourism, economic growth, and new opportunities for Northerners. YZF will continue to be a gateway to exploration, business, and connection across the North.”

- Caroline Wawzonek, Minister of Infrastructure

“Northwest Territories Tourism is pleased to see an increase in total passengers travelling through YZF Airport in 2024.The increased numbers are a testament to the work the YZF Airport, our many partners, and our organization, does not only to market the Spectacular NWT across the world, but they are also a reminder to our airline partners of the crucial role aviation plays in the success of the tourism industry, and consequently to the growth of each of our 33 communities across the NWT. It has been rewarding to see increased regional travel, expanded airline routes, and more interest in tourism and business opportunities across all regions of the NWT.

 We wish to thank all NWT tourism businesses for sharing the beauty of our territory and working tirelessly to ensure each guest has a memorable experience. Also, thank you to our partners in the aviation industry for hearing our industry’s concerns over the importance of flight frequency, capacity, and scheduling.

As we continue to market this unique and increasingly sought-after destination, we look forward to welcoming even more visitors in the years ahead and supporting a successful and thriving tourism industry in the Spectacular Northwest Territories.” 

- Donna Lee Demarcke, Chief Executive Officer Northwest Territories Tourism

Quick facts

• 2019 is the record year with 646,030 passengers.
• Between 2022 and 2023, passengers numbers increased 14.60%

Related links

• Yellowknife Airport https://www.inf.gov.nt.ca/en/services/airports/yellowknife-airport
• Northwest Territories Tourism https://spectacularnwt.com/ 

For media requests, please contact:

INF Communications
Department of Infrastructure
Government of the Northwest Territories
INF_Communications@gov.nt.ca