Main runway at Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport scheduled for completion in 2025

Press Release

March 3, 2025

Subject to legislative approval, the Government of Yukon is investing $7.5 million as part of Budget 2025–26 to complete the final phase of the Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport main runway reconstruction. This critical investment will ensure long-term reliability and safety at one of the territory’s most vital transportation hubs.

The multi-year runway reconstruction project began in summer 2023 and has remained on schedule. The final phase of work is scheduled to begin in spring 2025, with completion expected in fall 2025. This year, crews will reconstruct the south half of the main runway, following the successful reconstruction of the north half in 2024.

Careful planning and mitigation efforts have minimized disruptions throughout construction, allowing the airport to continue operating efficiently. Runway reconstruction has supported an increase in passenger traffic at Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport, which increased 22.5 per cent in 2024 compared to 2023. This surpassed the pre-pandemic peak of 2019 by 7.7 per cent and marked a record year of arrivals.

In addition, planning work is underway for the airport maintenance facility replacement, which is critical to the airport’s operation. The new facility is proposed for the east side of the airport, optimizing space for commercial aviation operators. This year, construction will focus on upgrading utilities to support future development in the airport’s east section.

The Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport is essential to Yukoners’ way of life. Not only does it keep communities connected, it also provides critical support for medical services, helps ensure the delivery of goods and services, empowers tourism and contributes to Arctic security efforts.

In addition to runway reconstruction, other recent airport upgrades that have benefitted passengers include the opening of a new airport restaurant, in partnership with Air North, Yukon’s Airline and new signage acknowledging the Traditional Territories of the Ta’an Kwäch’än Council and Kwanlin Dün First Nation.

The main runway reconstruction project at the Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport, now in its final year, is a key part of our government’s strategic investment to maintain a vital connection between the Yukon and the world. This project will bring long-term benefits to the Yukon’s aviation network by enhancing the reliability, safety and resilience of the airport’s infrastructure, ensuring that visitors and Yukoners alike can continue to rely upon the airport for their travel plans and safety.

Minister of Highways and Public Works Nils Clarke

Ensuring a smooth and welcoming experience for visitors choosing to explore the territory is critical for Yukon tourism and that’s why these upgrades are so important. With passenger arrivals reaching new heights, we’re committed to working with our partners to enhance capacity, efficiency and connectivity. These improvements aren’t just about infrastructure – they’re about supporting local businesses, creating jobs and strengthening the Yukon’s position as a must-visit destination.

Minister of Tourism and Culture John Streicker

Quick facts

• This work is part of broader program to improve Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport, including reconstructing the main runway, replacing the maintenance facility, upgrading taxiways and improving the runway lighting.
• Approximately 67 per cent of the Government of Yukon’s investment will be recoverable through Transport Canada’s National Trade Corridor fund.
• The federal government is contributing $186 million through the National Trade Corridors Fund. During the reconstruction of the main runway, the parallel runway will be used as the primary runway.
• 155,607 passenger arrivals were recorded from January to August of 2024, a 22.5 per cent increase for the same period in 2023 (126,999), and a 7.7 per cent increase from the previous peak of 2019 (144,446).

Media contact

Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
laura.seeley@yukon.ca

Kalah Klassen
Communications, Highways and Public Works
867-332-3595
kalah.klassen@yukon.ca

Cameron Webber
Communications, Tourism and Culture
867-332-0400
cameron.webber@yukon.ca

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