Gateway to Canada's Yukon wilderness and northern adventures.
Opened
1920
Location
Whitehorse, Canada
Whitehorse / Erik Nielsen International Airport (IATA: YXY, ICAO: CYXY) is the primary commercial airport serving Whitehorse, the capital of Canada's Yukon territory. Named in honor of Erik Nielsen, a prominent Yukon politician and former Deputy Prime Minister of Canada, the airport plays a vital role in connecting this remote northern region to southern Canada and beyond.
The airport handles scheduled passenger services as well as cargo, charter, and general aviation operations. It serves as a critical transportation hub for the Yukon, supporting tourism, resource industries, and essential services for remote communities. The facility has undergone various upgrades over the years to accommodate growing passenger numbers and modern aircraft.
Due to its northern location, the airport is equipped to operate in extreme cold-weather conditions. It also serves as a technical stop and alternate airport for trans-Pacific flights crossing the polar routes.
Terminals
The airport features a single passenger terminal building that handles both domestic and international arrivals and departures.
Getting to & from
Ground transportation options between the airport and downtown Whitehorse include taxis, rental cars, and shuttle services, as the airport is located approximately 3 km from the city center.
Airlines here
Major airlines serving YXY include Air Canada and Air North, Yukon's Airline, with seasonal charter service provided by additional carriers.
Notable facts
- ›Named after Erik Nielsen, a Yukon MP and former Deputy Prime Minister of Canada.
- ›One of the northernmost international airports in Canada.
- ›Operates year-round despite extreme sub-arctic winter temperatures.
- ›Serves as an alternate and technical stop airport for trans-polar flight routes.
- ›Air North, Yukon's Airline, is headquartered at Whitehorse and operates its hub here.
This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.
