For the second straight year, the Abbotsford International Airport (YXX) has topped one million passengers – a notable accomplishment considering that WestJet closed Swoop in late-2023.
The City of Abbotsford reported 1,000,839 passengers for 2024, which is a 24.1 per cent decrease from the 1,275,484 the previous year. 2023 had the highest passenger number in the history of the airport
YXX just missed out on the one million passenger mark in 2022, with 992,712. The pandemic years saw significant drops, but 2024 is about even with the 2019 totals of 1,008,176.
"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,” stated 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.”
YXX general manager Parm Sidhu said that low-cost options have helped create passenger demand. He noted that there are many great deals to be had on flights out of Abbotsford. Sidhu said that earlier in 2024 he was unclear if the one million mark would be achieved, but the airport's partners helped make that a possibility.
Both Sidhu and the City believe that 2025 will see an increase.
The City stated in a press release that they think YXX is poised for further growth and achievement, with significant investments and development on the horizon. Some of those 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.
"Congratulations to YXX for once again exceeding the one million passenger milestone in 2024," stated John Weatherill, WestJet's vice-president and chief commercial officer. "With YXX's commitment to air travel affordability and ease of use for guests, the partnership with WestJet will continue to grow in 2025 and beyond."
"We extend our heartfelt congratulations to YXX on surpassing 1 million passengers flown in 2024—a remarkable milestone that underscores YXX’s growing importance to the Lower Mainland," stated Maciej Wilk, Flair Airlines interim-CEO. "At Flair, we’re thrilled to be part of this journey, affordably connecting more travellers with expanded direct flights from YXX to Edmonton and Calgary in 2025."
For more information, visit abbotsfordairport.ca.