August 28, 2026 Team Contributor
Six airports across British Columbia are getting a combined $23.5 million federal investment, with upgrades planned for everything from runways and drainage to airport lighting and electrical systems.
For travellers, the announcement comes as a ray of hope as it does mean some of the regional airports that connect smaller and remote communities across the province will undergo major construction work.
Transport Canada announced the funding on August 26 through its Airports Capital Assistance Program, describing local and regional airports as important links to health care, emergency services, businesses and essential travel.
Six B.C. airports will share more than $23.5 million
Six airports in Canada will receive the funding, though one location receives the lion’s share of the total investment.
Masset Airport is getting the highest investment, $10.85 million, to improve airfield pavement and drainage.
Prince Rupert Airport will receive $3.76 million for airfield lighting, while Smithers Airport is getting $3.62 million to rehabilitate electrical equipment.
Bella Coola Airport will receive $3.40 million for work on its runway, taxiway and apron.
Kamloops Airport is receiving $1.35 million to upgrade and replace electrical infrastructure, while Northern Rockies Regional Airport in Fort Nelson will receive $552,600 to replace runway approach lighting.
The projects largely focus on airport infrastructure, such as runway lighting, pavement, drainage, electrical systems, and other equipment that helps airports operate safely.
Why the investment matters for travellers
Regional airports often remain overlooked. But in northern and remote parts of B.C., they can be much more than a convenient alternative to driving.
Transport Canada says the airports receiving funding help connect communities with jobs, services, businesses and other parts of the country.
The Honourable Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons is of the view, “Local and regional airports are lifelines for many communities across British Columbia. These investments will help maintain safe and efficient airport operations, improve the movement of people and goods, and strengthen the transportation links that connect British Columbians to jobs, services, and the rest of the country. By investing in our airports, we are building a stronger and more resilient Canada.”
And for travellers, that can mean more reliable connections to and from destinations where air travel is important for travelling around the part of B.C.
It also comes at a time when airport infrastructure has become an integral part of the travel experience. Canadian travellers have already seen how airport problems can quickly become personal. Earlier this month, several Canadian passengers were reportedly denied boarding for a flight from Houston after an immigration-status verification issue.
And at Montréal-Trudeau, a fatal ground accident involving an airport worker recently highlighted the risks faced behind the scenes at busy airports.
No new flights have been announced
One important update for travellers: the $23.5 million announcement is only about airport infrastructure. No new flight schedule has been announced as part of the investment.
Transport Canada says the projects are intended to improve safety, reliability and the condition of ageing infrastructure. This funding includes no announcement of new routes or additional airline service.
For now, travellers can expect the money to go toward the less visible side of air travel – the runways, lights, drainage and electrical systems that help keep regional airports operating.
Since 1995, the federal Airports Capital Assistance Program has committed more than $1.3 billion to 1,288 projects at 201 local and regional airports across Canada.
For B.C. travellers, the latest investment is another reminder that reaching the destination starts long before the plane leaves the runway.
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