PRINCE GEORGE – Reaching nearly half a million passengers, the Prince George Airport (YXS) served a record 499,125 enplaning and deplaning passengers in 2017.
“This was our biggest year on record. The Prince George Airport Authority (PGAA) attributes the growth to a continued stable, diversified economy as well as the wildfire activity experienced across the province last summer” says PGAA President and CEO John Gibson.
“Although the summer wildfires forced significant traffic off the road and into the air, we saw an increase in majority of the months compared to 2016.”
The month with the highest increase in passenger traffic took place in August which saw a 21 per cent increase compared to the same month in 2016, followed by July at 18 per cent, and April and October at 9 per cent.
In terms of new routes for passengers, Central Mountain Air (CMA) added non-stop service to both Edmonton and Dawson Creek in July. CMA also increased their passenger activity at YXS by creating a hub for the northern network.
Overall, the 2017 passenger numbers were up 8 per cent compared to year end 2016.
Passenger numbers at a glance:
| YEAR | PASSENGERS | YEAR | PASSENGERS |
| 2017 | 499,125 | 2013 | 426,709 |
| 2016 | 462,007 | 2012 | 418,589 |
| 2015 | 470,849 | 2011 | 402,438 |
| 2014 | 445,929 | 2010 | 390,340 |
