Seasonal service aims to strengthen northern travel ties
The Yukon-based airline Air North has announced a new seasonal flight that will connect Whitehorse with Kamloops and Vancouver, with operations scheduled to begin next May. The carrier says the route will be flown with a 122-seat Boeing 737-500, marking the return of jet service to Kamloops after a short-lived expansion by another carrier in 2023.
The airline positions the route as an investment in northern connectivity, signalling potential benefits for tourism operators, sports teams, business travellers and families who regularly move between Yukon and the B.C. Interior. Air North has previously operated charter flights to Kamloops for May long weekends; the new seasonal schedule moves beyond periodic charters to establish a regular, predictable link.
What Air North is using and why it matters
Air North will deploy a Boeing 737-500 for the Vancouver–Kamloops–Whitehorse rotation. In media comments included with the announcement, the airline contrasted the 737-500’s capacity with other jets used by carriers in recent years, and highlighted its existing fleet of turboprops that serve regional schedules.
- Aircraft for the new route: Boeing 737-500 (122 seats)
- Previous larger jets mentioned: 189-seat Boeing 737s used by other carriers
- Other regional equipment in Air North fleet: Q400 turboprops and Beech 1900s
“Every new route we launch is an investment in the North, supporting local economies, encouraging tourism, strengthening business ties and making it easier for people to connect with family, friends and new experiences,”
The airline says the jet will allow longer-range connections and make it easier for visitors to travel directly between the Interior and Whitehorse. Company spokespeople also noted the importance of the route for amateur sports teams, competitors and others who regularly travel between the two cities.
Regional partnership backing the service
Support for the announcement came from a multi-stakeholder partnership called YKA LINK, which brings together Kamloops Airport with tourism, business and government organisations. That group says combined advocacy demonstrated market strength and the opportunities the region offers, helping to secure the new seasonal flights.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Route | Whitehorse – Vancouver – Kamloops |
| Aircraft | Boeing 737-500 (122 seats) |
| Start | Next May (seasonal) |
For Whitehorse residents and businesses, the new service could mean more options for direct travel to the B.C. Interior and Metro Vancouver during the season it operates. Tourism operators in the Yukon often point to reliable, scheduled routes when planning international and domestic marketing; added capacity can help support guided trips, events and team travel without relying solely on charters.
At the same time, seasonal services have limits—capacity and schedules will not match year-round connections—and the announcement does not specify frequency, fares or the full calendar of operations. Residents seeking the most up-to-date details should watch for schedules and booking information from Air North and notices from Whitehorse’s Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport.
As the North continues to market itself to visitors and as residents travel for business, sport and family reasons, the return of a jet-served connection to the B.C. Interior is likely to be welcomed. How much it changes travel patterns will depend on fares, timing, and whether the seasonal flights are expanded or made permanent in future seasons.
