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Cranbrook, BC (July 24, 2024) – Significant growth in passenger numbers, and an expected increase in available seats from WestJet later this year highlight what has been a busy start to 2024 at the Canadian Rockies International Airport (YXC).

Passenger numbers reported have surpassed numbers from June 2023 by an impressive 32%, with some fall seat sales expected from both Air Canada and WestJet which will only further drive passenger numbers upward through the rest of 2024 and into 2025.

Coming in late October 2024, WestJet Link is to be replaced by WestJet Encore, with the current Saab 34 being replaced by the Q400 aircraft, which is twice the size and will increase the availability of seats for passengers. 

“With continuing passenger increases, we will be developing some terminal upgrade designs into 2025, with the first phase to include improvements to the washrooms followed by an expansion of the hold room,” says Tristen Chernove, Airport Manager at the Canadian Rockies International Airport.

After much anticipation, Delightfull will be joining the YXC family and is targeting opening by the end of July. Airport administration have been given an exclusive sneak peek at their menu and know they will be a huge hit with both passengers and employees.

Over the first half of the year, some notable aircraft have also graced our runway, including the RCAF Hercules, and a recent Boeing 737 delivering our young athletes to and from the BC Summer Games in Maple Ridge in July.  

Wildfire suppression activity in the region has also been keeping the runway at the Canadian Rockies International Airport extremely busy. We are grateful to have them here and working hard to fight the wildfires around the region, and we are proud to be able to help support their efforts.

For more information about our airport, flight arrivals and departures, passenger services and more, visit https://flyyxc.com.