Key Highlights
Here’s a quick look at what you need to know about flying into Whitehorse:
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The main airport for the city is Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport (YXY).
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This international airport is a big part of travel in Yukon. It takes care of flights in and out of the country.
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Air North, Yukon’s Airline, is one of the main airlines here. It gives people many flight options.
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YXY has important services you may need. The Canada Border Services Agency is here to help with customs.
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You can get downtown from the airport with a taxi or a rental car. There are good ways to get where you want to go.
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The Whitehorse area has more places for small planes and seaplanes, not just the main international airport.
Introduction
Welcome to your 2026 travel guide for airports in Whitehorse. If you will be going to the Yukon, you will most likely arrive through the Whitehorse airport. This guide will help you get all the important facts about coming to this northern capital. You will find details on the main international airport, called Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport (YXY). We also talk about other smaller airfields close by. With this, you can know what to do for a good and stress-free trip to Whitehorse.
Overview of Airports in Whitehorse
When you fly into Yukon’s capital, you will most likely land at the Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport (YXY/CYXY). This international airport is the main airport in the area. It can handle many types of flights, both big and small, and it helps people who are going to other places inside Canada or coming from outside the country.
Besides this big international airport, there are also a few smaller airfields close by. These places include smaller airports, a seaplane base, and some private spots for planes. They help smaller towns and offer choices for those with special planes or needs. Now, let’s look at the whitehorse international airport and what other options there are nearby.
Main International Airport Serving Whitehorse
The main airport for Whitehorse and all of Yukon is the Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport. This is the airport you will use if you are flying into the area on a regular commercial flight. The airport can handle lots of travellers each year. It helps connect Yukon with other places in Canada and around the world.
NAV CANADA has marked it as an airport of entry. There is a Canada Border Services Agency office here, too. This means the airport can take care of people coming in on international flights. This makes the Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport an important international airport in the north. Its airport code is YXY, and you should know this when booking your flight.
This international airport is only about 8 km away from downtown Whitehorse. Because of this, you can get to your hotel, city sights, or business meetings very fast after landing. The short distance can help make your trip through the airport quick and easy.
Other Nearby Airports and Aerodromes
While YXY is the main hub, there are more airfields in the area around Whitehorse. These include airports and aerodromes that help connect people who live and work in Yukon, British Columbia, and Alaska. You will see some places for seaplanes, small planes, and other flights here.
These small airfields play a big role in keeping the region moving. People use them for travel, tourism, and work in the resource industries. A seaplane base can help people get to remote lodges. Maybe one of the local aerodromes has flights for emergencies or charter planes. Most big passenger flights do not use these airfields, but they are needed for the area’s daily life and work.
Some of the airfields close to Whitehorse are:
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Haines Junction Airport (YHT): A local airport, about 153 km from Whitehorse.
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Skagway Airport (SGY): In Alaska, close to 175 km away.
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Teslin Airport (YZW): This Yukon aerodrome sits about 179 km from the city.
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Excursion Inlet Seaplane Base (EXI): A seaplane base in Alaska serving the nearby coast.
Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport (YXY)
Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport goes by the airport code YXY. People in the Yukon often call it Whitehorse airport. It is an important spot for air travel in Canada’s north. For families living here and people visiting the area, whitehorse international airport is the main way to fly in and out. It links Yukon to many places across Canada. There are even flights from the international airport to some other countries.
This is the biggest and busiest airport in the Yukon. YXY is not just a place for planes to land and take off. Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport is an important part of life here. In the next part, we will talk about the official name of the whitehorse airport. There is also more to share about where you can find it and the story of how it got its name.
Official Name, Location in the City, and Airport Code
The official name of the main Whitehorse airport is Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport. It operates under the internationally recognized IATA airport code YXY and the ICAO code CYXY. These codes are essential for flight booking, air traffic control, and pilot navigation.
Situated just a short distance from the heart of the city, the airport is located at 150 Condor Road, Whitehorse, Yukon, Y1A 0M7. This prime location, only 8 kilometres from downtown Whitehorse, ensures that travellers can quickly and easily get to their accommodations or meetings upon arrival.
Here’s a quick summary of the airport’s key identifiers:
|
Detail |
Information |
|---|---|
|
Official Name |
Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport |
|
IATA Code |
YXY |
|
ICAO Code |
CYXY |
|
Location |
8 km from downtown Whitehorse |
Brief History and Significance of the Airport’s Name
The airport sits in a spot that has always mattered. It was first built as part of the northwest staging route during World War II. This was a group of airfields used to fly planes and supplies up to Alaska. Because of this, Whitehorse became an important place for flights in the north of Canada. Today, it’s still an airport of entry and a main part of travel in the Yukon.
In December 2008, the airport got a new name to honour Erik Nielsen. He spent many years working for the Yukon as a Member of Parliament. He was also a well-known Royal Canadian Air Force pilot in the war and later worked as Deputy Prime Minister of Canada. He cared a lot about flying and Yukon, so his name suits the airport well.
The new name shines a light on someone who did a lot for Canada and Yukon. It brings together the airport’s long story with Erik Nielsen’s memory. This also keeps Whitehorse’s place in Canadian history strong, showing its part of the northwest staging route and the role it played in how the country grew.
Airlines, Destinations, and Flight Options
When you plan a trip to or from Whitehorse International Airport, you will see there are many airlines and places to go. The airport has flights all year and some just for part of the year. You can take a direct flight to a big city in Canada, or pick an international flight, mostly to the United States or to Europe.
Air North is Yukon’s own airline and is a big name at YXY, but there are other Canadian and global airlines at this international airport too. You can fly for work, for fun, or just to check out new places. There are different options, so you can find the best way to get to your destination. Here are the airlines that be at Whitehorse International Airport and where you can go from YXY.
Airlines Operating at Whitehorse International Airport
Many airlines run regular flights from Whitehorse International Airport. This gives people living in the Yukon and visitors a key way to get in and out. You will find big Canadian airlines at this international airport, as well as air north, a favourite in the Yukon. This helps make sure there is a good mix of choices for any traveller.
Air North, Yukon’s Airline, is the main one you will see. It is based right at YXY. The airline puts on a lot of flights in the Yukon and down south in Canada. Besides the flights on a set schedule, whitehorse international airport has flights that people can charter and it also supports general flying. NAV CANADA is in charge of the air traffic. They make this all work in a safe way.
At YXY, these are the main airlines that fly direct flights:
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Air North: The biggest one. They fly all through the year to many places.
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Air Canada: They link whitehorse to Canada and to other countries.
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WestJet: They have flights at certain times of the year to big cities out west in Canada.
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Condor: This is a German airline. They put on direct flights in certain seasons to Frankfurt.
Domestic and International Destinations Served
From Whitehorse, you can catch domestic flights to several key Canadian cities, making connections to the rest of the country straightforward. Vancouver is the most frequently served destination, acting as a major hub for further travel. Other Canadian cities also have direct links, particularly during peak seasons, to accommodate the flow of passenger traffic.
While domestic routes are the most common, YXY also offers some exciting international flight options. These include seasonal services to Germany and flights connecting the Yukon with its neighbour, Alaska, in the United States. These routes are a fantastic way to experience the north from different parts of the world.
Here is a sample of destinations you can reach directly from Whitehorse:
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Destination |
Country |
Type |
|---|---|---|
|
Vancouver |
Canada |
Domestic |
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Calgary |
Canada |
Domestic |
|
Edmonton |
Canada |
Domestic |
|
Kelowna |
Canada |
Domestic |
|
Victoria |
Canada |
Domestic |
|
Dawson City |
Canada |
Domestic |
|
Old Crow |
Canada |
Domestic |
|
Inuvik |
Canada |
Domestic |
|
Frankfurt |
Germany |
International (Seasonal) |
Facilities, Services, and Traveller Amenities
The terminal at Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport is made to be easy and nice for everyone. On the airport grounds, you can find many things to help you when you travel. It does not matter if you are just arriving, leaving, or waiting to go to your next flight.
There are useful things like the Canada Border Services Agency for when you come to Canada on an international flight. The terminal also has things for travellers, like places to eat and shop. The airport at Whitehorse will help you feel good during your time there. Let’s look at some of the comforts and facilities you can use inside the terminal.
On-Site Facilities, Shops, and Passenger Comforts
Inside the main terminal building at YXY, you will find many things that make your trip better. The airport is smaller than some big city airports. Still, it has what you need for a good trip. There are places to get food, shop for Yukon souvenirs, or just sit and relax before you get on your flight.
The airport grounds are easy to get around. You can walk anywhere inside the terminal without any trouble. Nearly all services for people are right inside, so you do not have to go far. These things make it easy and nice for people who come through YXY.
Key facilities and shops you will see include:
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Restaurant and Lounge: Get a meal or drink, and you can look out at the runway while you sit.
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Gift Shop: You can buy local art, books, or things made in Yukon.
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Car Rental Kiosks: It is easy to get a car for your trip right after you arrive.
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Free Wi-Fi: You can use the internet anywhere inside the terminal.
Ground Transportation and Access to Downtown Whitehorse
Getting from Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport (YXY) to downtown Whitehorse is easy. There are many ground transportation options. You can use a taxi, book a rental car, or use public transit if you want to save some money. Each option gets you to the city centre in about 10 to 15 minutes.
The international airport is not far from downtown. This means you will not spend a lot of time on the road. You can start to see Whitehorse or go to your hotel soon after you land. Here, let’s look at what public transit, ride-sharing, taxi, and rental car options you can use at the Whitehorse International Airport.
Public Transit, Ride-Sharing, and Taxi Services
If you want to save money, you can use Whitehorse Transit. This public bus goes between the whitehorse airport and many areas in the city, including downtown. The bus is not expensive. Make sure you check the bus times before you travel. The schedule can change, especially on weekends or holidays.
You can also find taxis right outside the arrivals at the whitehorse airport. Taking a taxi is one of the fastest ways to get to your hotel or place to stay downtown. Many people use them because they are easy and quick. In whitehorse, some people use ride-sharing. But ride-share cars may not always be available, so it is smart to have another way in mind.
Here are your main options for getting downtown:
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Taxi: The most easy and direct way to get there.
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Airport Shuttle: Some hotels have shuttles that can pick you up.
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Public Transit: A good and cheap way if your time is flexible.
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Ride-Sharing: There might be some cars, but check your app when you arrive.
Car Rentals and Parking Options
Renting a car is a good option for people who want the freedom to see Whitehorse and other places in Yukon on their own time. There are several rental car companies inside the terminal at Whitehorse International Airport. This lets you get your keys and head out right when you arrive.
If you drive your own car to Whitehorse International Airport or pick someone up, there is easy parking on the airport grounds. The short-term and long-term parking lots are near the terminal. Your car will be safe and close by.
Key points for car rentals and parking:
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Car Rental Agencies: Major companies are set up right inside the international airport terminal.
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Parking: There are both short-term and long-term parking lots for anyone travelling.
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Booking a Rental Car: It is a good idea to book a rental car ahead of time. This is very important in the busy summer months.
General Aviation and Private Charters in Whitehorse
Besides the big airlines, the Whitehorse airport is a busy spot for private planes and general flying. Many flights that are not for big companies come and go here. These flights at whitehorse airport include small private planes and special charters. Some go to far places in the Yukon. These trips can help people and local groups who work or live in remote areas.
Fixed Base Operators (FBOs) are always at YXY. They offer important help for people who fly their own plane. Crews can also get services if they are using private air trips. If you are flying your plane or want to book a charter for a fun trip, this airport has what you need. The whitehorse airport and YXY have the right setup. In the next part, we will go over the FBO services at whitehorse and the different companies who offer charters there.
FBOs (Fixed Base Operators) and Private Aviation Services
Yes, the Whitehorse airport has many services for private flights, all handled by its Fixed Base Operator (FBO). Air North, which is Yukon’s airline, runs the FBO at YXY. The team gives support to both small planes and their crews. Passengers also get the help they need. So, this airport is a good place for private pilots and charter groups to come in and out.
The FBO is right on the airport grounds in Whitehorse. They take care of aircraft fuelling, de-icing, as well as ground handling and even maintenance. With these airport services, your private aircraft will always be ready to use the runway. Crews also get the support they need. This makes sure everything goes well for both short stops or when people need to stay longer in Whitehorse.
No matter if you are coming to Yukon for work or to have fun, the private flight services at YXY aim to be quick and friendly. The FBO group at the Whitehorse airport can help with ramp space, aircraft cleaning, and even office or admin help. Their goal is for you to have a good trip every time—from the time you arrive to when you leave.
Charter Flight Providers and Booking Information
If you want to see more of the Yukon, get to far work places, or have your own flying trip, you can use a charter flight from a company in Whitehorse. These flights are private, and they give you a lot of choice. You can plan your own time and go to places where there is no regular airline.
Most people book a charter flight straight with the company. You just tell them where you want to go, how many people are flying, and the days you want. They will let you know the price and help you set up the trip. The companies have different planes, from small planes good for seeing views to bigger ones for groups or moving stuff.
Some companies you can try in Whitehorse for charter flights are:
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Air North: They have charter flights as well as their main flight service.
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Alkan Air: They have been a Yukon team for years and can do many different types of charters.
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Alpine Aviation: They take people to far places in the Yukon for fun and for work.
These services help you get to more places in the Yukon with air north and other options from Whitehorse.
Conclusion
To sum up, getting around the airports in Whitehorse can feel easy if you know what to expect and plan ahead. From the busy Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport to different ways to get around on the ground, learning about their services can make your trip better. You may be flying inside the country, or maybe you have an international airport trip coming up. If you learn about the airport before you go, you can make better plans.
Don’t forget to check out what is near the airport or ways to get around town. These things can help your travel be less stressful and more fun. When you are ready to buy your flight ticket, or need some help with your plans, it’s a good idea to ask for a free talk with an expert. They can help you look at options and plan the best way to go.
whitehorse international airport
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find cheap flights departing from Whitehorse?
To get cheap flights from Whitehorse airport (YXY), try to book your tickets early. It helps to be open about when you can travel. Check ticket prices with different airlines like Air North. You can sign up for their newsletters to get updates on seat sales. Flying in the middle of the week can also give you lower prices.
Are there private lounges or special amenities for business travellers at YXY?
Right now, Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport (YXY) does not have a private lounge for travellers in the terminal. But, the airport gives you a nice spot to sit, a restaurant and lounge, and free Wi-Fi. These things help make the space good for business people to work or just relax before flying out of the Whitehorse International Airport.
What is the best way to get from Whitehorse airport to downtown hotels?
The best way to get from the Whitehorse airport to downtown hotels depends on what you want. You can take a taxi. It is the fastest and goes straight to your hotel. Some hotels give a free shuttle, and this can save you time. You can also use ride-sharing or public transit. These cost less money and are good choices for people on a budget.