Officials from the governments of Yukon and Canada gathered today to celebrate a major milestone in the Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport (ENWIA) main runway reconstruction.
With the main runway set to reopen to aircraft later this month, this achievement marks a key phase within the larger ENWIA Improvement project, supported by a $186 million federal contribution through the National Trade Corridors Fund and $75.5 million from the Government of Yukon. The overall project aims to enhance the safety, reliability and long-term resilience of one of the territory’s most vital transportation hubs.
This milestone reflects the dedication, collaboration and hard work of many partners. Earlier phases included upgrades to the apron and parallel runway.
- In 2022, aging apron concrete was replaced and expanded, while the parallel runway received electrical upgrades and surface reconstruction, which lengthened the useable surface of the runway, enhancing safety and enabling use by larger aircraft and nighttime operations. These upgrades were essential, allowing the parallel runway to operate safely as the primary runway during summer closures of the main runway in 2024 and 2025.
- Main runway work started in summer 2023 with site preparation, including ground clearing, service road construction and utility tie-ins.
The main runway itself was rebuilt in two stages: the north half in 2024 and the south half in 2025. Additional improvements included the reconstruction of taxiways A and E and the construction of a new taxiway F. Significant drainage and electrical upgrades were also completed. Aging drainage systems were replaced with climate-resilient infrastructure, including 11,000 metres of storm drainage pipe to protect the runway surface from groundwater and precipitation impacts. Lighting systems, including runway edge lighting and lighted signage, were modernized with energy-efficient LED fixtures, improving visibility and lifespan.
To complete this phase of the Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport Improvement project, some finishing work still remains and will be ongoing until the end of October. The remaining work includes completion of the airside service road, storm drainage work near the parallel runway, further hydroseeding and final grading work. The south approach lighting towers, which will stand up to 57 metres tall, will also be completed during this time. The approach lighting systems are a key component of ENWIA’s Instrument Landing System, which is used by aircraft during inclement weather or when visibility is low to guide them to a safe landing. Existing approach lighting systems no longer meet standards and are at the end of their useful life.
Thanks to careful planning and mitigation efforts, the airport remained operational throughout construction, with flights safely rerouted to the parallel runway.
The Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport plays a significant role in the Yukon’s way of life. It keeps communities connected, supports essential medical services, ensures the reliable delivery of goods, strengthens tourism and contributes to Arctic security. As broader airport improvements continue, this milestone highlights the progress being made toward a safer, modern and resilient transportation network that will serve Yukoners and visitors for decades to come.
The upgraded runway at Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport will strengthen the safety, reliability and capacity of Canada's northern transportation infrastructure and unlock economic opportunities across the Yukon and beyond. By reinforcing vital supply chains and improving access to markets, we're helping business and communities thrive and building the strongest economy in the G7.
This upgraded runway is more than an infrastructure project – it’s an investment in the people of the Yukon. Reliable and safe air service is essential for our territory, whether it’s keeping families connected, supporting tourism or ensuring local businesses can access the markets and supplies they need. I’m proud to see this project completed and grateful to everyone who worked hard to make it happen for our community.
This milestone in the Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport runway reconstruction project reflects the dedicated partnership between the governments of Yukon and Canada and the hard work of engineers, construction crews, planners and airport staff who made this achievement possible. Together, their collaboration and commitment have strengthened a vital transportation hub that connects communities, supports essential services and ensures a safer, more resilient future for all Yukoners.
The completion of the paving of the main runway at Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport is a major milestone. The runway reconstruction project will deliver lasting improvements to the territory’s aviation network by strengthening the airport’s infrastructure – enhancing its reliability, safety and resilience. This project would not have been possible without the dedicated staff, contractors, stakeholders and partner governments that have contributed throughout. Thanks to their efforts, Yukoners and visitors alike can continue to count on our airport for safe, efficient and dependable travel for years to come.
As the gateway for many visitors to the territory, Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport plays a vital role in supporting the Yukon’s tourism industry. These crucial improvements to the airport’s infrastructure enhance reliability, safety and long-term viability in keeping the Yukon connected globally. This infrastructure upgrade will serve Yukoners and visitors for many years to come.
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This work was part of a broader program to improve Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport, including replacing the maintenance facility, upgrading taxiways and improving the runway lighting.
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The federal government is contributing $186 million through the National Trade Corridors Fund. During the reconstruction of the main runway, the parallel runway was used as the primary runway.
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The Government of Yukon is investing $75.5 million as part of Budget 2025–26.
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Throughout the course of this phase of the Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport Improvement project, about 65,000 tonnes of asphalt has been used.
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Approximately 11,000 metres of storm drainage pipe is buried below and alongside the runway to prevent groundwater and precipitation from affecting the new runway surface.
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Approximately 5,000 metres of water and sewer utility piping has been installed throughout the project.
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New lights – approximately 100 runway edge lights and 200 taxiway edge lights have been installed. These lights are LED and consume less energy, have a longer lifespan, require less maintenance and produce a more uniform output than their predecessors.
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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).
Laura Seeley
Cabinet Communications
867-332-7627
[email protected]
Brittany Cross
Communications, Highways and Public Works
867-332-4601
[email protected]