Image: Pattison Media / For the second year in a row, Abbotsford International Airport (YXX), roughly a 30-minute drive for many Chilliwack residents, has surpassed the one million passenger mark for the second year in a row – a first in the airport’s history.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Abbotsford International Airport

Abbotsford Int’l Airport surpasses million passenger mark for 2nd year in a row – without charging exorbitant fees

Jan 22, 2025 | 12:31 PM

ABBOTSFORD — The nearest airport in the Fraser Valley hasn’t just emerged as a viable alternative to YVR for Chilliwack-area residents who prefer cheaper parking rates and a quicker connection to Calgary and other Canadian destinations.

For the second year in a row, Abbotsford International Airport (YXX), roughly a 30-minute drive for many Chilliwack residents, has surpassed the one million passenger mark for the second year in a row – a first in the airport’s history.

In a statement Wednesday (Jan. 22), the City of Abbotsford says the milestone signifies the airport’s continual growth and underscores YXX’s role as a key transportation hub and economic driver, supporting the quickly expanding Fraser Valley and Metro Vancouver regions while enhancing connections for residents and visitors alike.

The City of Abbotsford attributes the airport’s success in recent years to several key factors, including its commitment to innovation, strategic partnerships, and a focus on affordability. YXX’s decision not to charge an Airport Improvement Fee has enabled airlines to expand capacity and offer lower fares, making air travel more accessible and affordable for Canadians. These efforts, coupled with support from the airport’s two national airline partners, WestJet and Flair Airlines, have accelerated significant increases in passenger demand.

“From our supportive airline partners to our hardworking staff and our vibrant aerospace community, this milestone is a testament to the dedication of everyone involved in making YXX a world-class facility,” said Ross Siemens, Mayor of Abbotsford. “By keeping costs low, we’ve allowed our airline partners to deliver affordable flights, benefiting residents and visitors. This achievement highlights YXX’s strength as a key asset for our city, and our region and we look forward to its continued growth.”

Child on kick scooter collides with car

8-year-old boy on kick scooter struck by passing car, transported to hospital: Mission RCMP

59m ago

Police incident

Police presence surrounds Hope residence Sunday night

2h ago

Overnight detours on Highway 1

Highway 1 detours through Langley for the next 3 weeks will begin this Tuesday: B.C. govt.

3h ago

Looking ahead at 2025, the City of Abbotsford says YXX is uniquely positioned for further growth and achievement, with passenger forecasts already expected to exceed 2024 levels. Significant investments and development are on the horizon, including a $6 million modernization of terminal facilities and the construction of new hangars and a gas station on airport lands. The gas station project will include two fast food outlets and a convenience store, enhancing services for visitors and the airfield’s 2,000 employees. These improvements are funded through strategic partnerships and without taxation to Abbotsford residents.

The airport charges $9/day to park in its on-site terminal parking, a far cry from what YVR charges ($153.50 long-term parking, or $27.50/day, or $65/day in its parkade near the terminal).

YXX is home to a flourishing aerospace community, bringing global opportunities to the City of Abbotsford, the province of British Columbia, and Canada as a whole. As one of Canada’s only ultra-low-cost airports, the City of Abbotsford says YXX is reinforcing its position as an international leader and a hub for world-class aviation.