Abbotsford Airport (YXX) Flights & Flight Status

As a frequent flyer, I favor simplicity, convenience, and an affordable price point, and on those scores, Abbotsford International Airport (YXX) has a lot to recommend it. It’s the second-largest airport in Metro Vancouver after Vancouver International Airport (YVR), and sits southeast of downtown Vancouver. Especially for residents of the Fraser Valley, it offers an efficient way to travel to Alberta, Ontario, or a vacation in Mexico.

YXX is pleasingly modern, functional, and laidback with short security lineups. Surrounded by Coast Mountain views and bucolic farmland, the airport – known for offering lower-cost flights – has one terminal with five gates. Currently, YXX, whose latest major expansion occurred in 2019, serves more than a million passengers a year and remains in growth mode.

Airlines that serve Abbotsford International Airport

The Abbotsford airport leans on its relationships with two Canadian airlines: the ultra-low-cost carrier Flair and WestJet, which offers some low-cost flights as Canada’s second-biggest airline after Air Canada.

When my schedule is flexible, I like that it’s often possible to score double-digit fares – either one way or round-trip – to Calgary or Edmonton. Flair also serves Ontario destinations like Toronto (YYZ) and Kitchener-Waterloo (YKF). WestJet offers seasonal service to Puerto Vallarta (PVR) in the winter.

The best ways to get to and from Abbotsford International Airport

Hopping in your car is an easy way to reach YXX, located just off the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1). It’s about an hour’s drive from downtown Vancouver, 45 minutes from Surrey or Maple Ridge, and less than half an hour from Langley or Mission. Factor in potential delays due to accidents, highway construction, or rush hour from about 3 pm to 6 pm.

Limousines, rideshares (Uber), and shuttles are also available. On a recent YXX trip, I opted for a handy combo of public transportation and shuttle service. After riding the SkyTrain from downtown Vancouver to Surrey’s King George Station, I boarded a pre-booked Ace Charters shuttle – an air-conditioned Ford Explorer – to YXX. Each leg took around 40 minutes. You can also take Ebus to YXX from Pacific Central Station, Vancouver’s main railway station. Or book a Valley Airporter shuttle from anywhere in Metro Vancouver.

Parking at Abbotsford International Airport

There is ample surface parking outside the Abbotsford airport terminal. Parking rates are very affordable. No parking reservations are taken – or needed. Just park and walk straight in.

Rental cars at the Abbotsford airport

You’ll find rental car services with competitive pricing inside the terminal. Avis and Budget share one counter, Hertz and Thrifty another, and Enterprise and National a third. Hours vary, but you should be able to rent a vehicle from at least one of these outlets between 8 am and 12:30 am. Rental car pick-up and drop-off is directly across the road from the terminal.

Navigating security and customs lineups at YXX

Typically, you can go from curbside to post-security in less than 10 minutes, especially if you’ve checked in online beforehand and have carry-on luggage. There are no NEXUS or expedited security lineups, as they’d almost always be superfluous.

An expanded Canadian customs and immigration area was slated for opening at the end of 2024. And of note for pet owners, there is a service pet relief area post-security.

Services and amenities at Abbotsford International Airport

The Abbotsford airport is designed to minimize the time between your arrival on-site and departure, so there aren’t a lot of bells and whistles in terms of services and amenities.

Ravens Bar & Grill – with outlets on both sides of security – offers decent if unspectacular food and beverages from 7 am to 7 pm daily, from hash browns and chicken wings to egg salad sandwiches and veggie wraps. At the gift shop, you can stock up on Abbotsford and Vancouver sweatshirts and hoodies or buy Bluetooth headphones or maple syrup.

A large selection of printed visitor guides to Metro Vancouver destinations is also available.

Accessibility at Abbotsford International Airport

As someone with older relatives who are experiencing mobility issues and friends with newly born babies, I always appreciate it when airports are conscientious and diligent about prioritizing accessibility. Abbotsford International Airport certainly fits the bill. For starters, the airport itself is as flat and spacious as can be, much like the Abbotsford landscape.

But that’s not all. There’s plenty of accessible seating and accessible washrooms. It’s easy to find wheelchairs inside the doors or at check-in counters. Curbside assistance can be arranged for those who need help with wheelchairs or baggage. Having covered walkways around both the short-term and long-term parking areas is another nice touch.

Things to do during a layover

Long layovers are unlikely since YXX is a departure and destination airport. But if there is a sudden flight cancellation (for instance), downtown Vancouver’s attractions – Stanley Park, Chinatown, the Vancouver Art Gallery – are just an hour’s drive away.

Other Metro Vancouver communities offer varied options. In Surrey, check out the Historic Stewart Farm, feast at one of the delicious Indian restaurants in Surrey’s city centre, and learn more about Indigenous and settler history at the recently revamped Museum of Surrey. New Westminster is home to bridal boutiques and thrift stores galore, and Burnaby attracts avid shoppers with Metropolis at Metrotown, the largest shopping mall in British Columbia.

Looking to stay even closer to the airport? I also enjoy touring award-winning Langley wineries like Domaine de Chaberton or Township 7. Castle Fun Park is an appealing Abbotsford option for families with kids, featuring bowling, bumper cars, an arcade, and more. If you get hungry, Abbotsford is home to some 200 restaurants, many clustered around South Fraser Way and Essendene Avenue.

Note that there are no storage facilities or lockers for personal belongings at the Abbotsford airport.

Hotels close to YXX

Brand-name hotels within 10 minutes or less of YXX include the Sandman Hotel Abbotsford Airport, the Ramada by Wyndham, and the Best Western Plus Regency Inn & Conference Centre. All three offer free breakfast and wifi, a fitness centre and pool, and similar amenities.

Other airports located near Abbotsford International Airport

Besides Vancouver International Airport (YVR), there is daily harbor-to-harbor service between Vancouver’s Coal Harbour and downtown Victoria on Vancouver Island via Harbour Air’s float planes and Helijet’s helicopters. Bellingham (BLI) is located just across the nearby U.S. border, with a heavy emphasis on sending travellers to sunny destinations like Las Vegas, Palm Springs, and San Diego.

Additional features of Abbotsford International Airport

YXX is a convenient portal for travellers attending a consumer trade show or other event at the on-site Tradex exhibition centre, which features 120,000 square feet of exhibition space. Home to several flying schools, the Abbotsford airport also hosts the Abbotsford International Airshow – Canada’s largest airshow – each August.

Eye-catching installations at YXX include a retired CF-101 Voodoo fighter plane at the main gate and an elaborate water clock on the airport concourse before security. Views of Mount Baker across the nearby U.S. border – the area’s answer to Japan’s Mount Fuji – add to the relaxing vibe.

History at Abbotsford International Airport

For a smaller airport that’s relatively out of the way, Abbotsford International Airport boasts quite an interesting history. I feel like knowing about that history enhances my appreciation whenever I pass through.

The airport was originally constructed back in 1942 for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) during World War II. Post-war, it was closed and served multiple purposes, hosting cattle, drag racing, and refugees. By 1961, though, the air traffic control tower was in full operation. A gliding school and aerial forest fighting compay, among other businesses, were opened on site in the following years.

Expansion continued over time and accelerated in 1997, when the city of Abbotsford assumed control of YXX. A new era for jet passengers began with Westjet’s first flight out of YXX that very same year.