Victoria International Airport

Revision as of 19:36, 8 August 2018 by Johnnyw3 (talk | contribs) (Regular Traffic updates)
Continent: North America Country: Canada Region: British Columbia
Victoria International Airport
Location Victoria, British Columbia
IATA code YYJ
ICAO code CYYJ
Airport type Mixed-Use Commerical
Website http://www.victoriaairport.ca
Overview map Google Maps
Communications
Tower 119.70
Ground 121.90
Clearance 126.40
Approach 133.85
Departure133.85
ATIS 118.80

A relatively quiet airport but with good facilities and opportunities for spotting/photography. Scheduled traffic is fairly limited, at least in terms of reach - Air Canada Express, WestJet/WestJet Encore, Horizon, Air Canada, Air North, Alaska, Flair, Delta, United Express and some local commuter carriers and charter airlines all visit, but mostly only domestic routes. Can be slow at times, but one of the best places to get close to Dash-8s, Canadair jets etc. as well as the larger 737s/A320s.

Official Spotting Locations

Terminal

1. Public viewing area on the 3rd floor of the terminal. Glass fronted, facing North. A few seats. Closed Oct. 1st-21st 2007

2. External viewing "mound" to the left of the terminal. A small raised area overlooking the West ramp and taxiway. Tables and seats. Photography (50-100mm) possible over or through the fence. Note: As of Oct. 2007 the area has been reopened, but is not "officially" opened for spotting.

Other Spotting Locations

East Hangars

Two left turns out of the terminal onto Canora Rd. leads to the East hangars. The main road curves right leaving a small cul-de-sac. This overlooks the helicopter base, the FBO ramp and the threshold of 27. Good spotting and photography from here, but no facilities - the locals bring their cars. A step ladder may help for photographers as the fence is quite high.

Pat Bay

A small park under the approach to runway 09. A little lower than the airport, no runways are visible here but 09 traffic passes directly overhead. A short walk along the beach gives a few opportunities for photos but nothing really outstanding. Also a small vehicle ramp access gate just south of the park offers some nice views when 09 is active, and generally no hassle from the authorities if you choose to park there, as long as you're not blocking access.

West Hangars

Turn right out of the terminal. The Forests base is located here and occasional air tankers are present in season. The Air Force has a hangar full of geriatric Sea Kings but it is firmly shut most of the time, in which case some taxiing shots of 09 traffic can be had from the parking lot.

Locations to Avoid

Air Force Parking Lot

If the Sea Kings are active, you may be approached by a military guard. Depending on his mood you may be asked to leave.

Regular Traffic

  • Air Canada Rouge: Toronto (B767 (Summer Only), A321/A319)
  • Air Canada Express: Vancouver (Q400, CRJ-705, Dash 8-300), Calgary (Q400)
  • Air North: Kelowna, Whitehorse
  • Alaska: Seattle (Q400)
  • Flair Airlines: Edmonton (B737-400)
  • Orca Airways: Vancouver (Navajo Chieftain), Abbotsford (Navajo Chieftain), Tofino (Navajo Chieftain, seasonal)
  • Pacific Coastal Airlines: Vancouver- South Terminal, Kelowna, Prince George (Saab 340, Beech 1900C/1900D)
  • United Express (SkyWest Airlines): San Fransisco (CRJ-200)
  • Delta Connection (SkyWest Airlines): Seattle (E-175)
  • WestJet: Edmonton (B737-600/700/800), Kelowna (Q400), Calgary (B737-600/700/800), Toronto (B737-700)
  • WestJet Encore: Calgary, Edmonton, Kelowna, Vancouver (Q400)
  • Sunwing Airlines (Operated By VivaAerobus): Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta (A320)

Facilities and Transportation

All terminal facilites are open to non-passengers. There is a sporadic bus service (70B) from Victoria to the ferry dock which calls at the airport and is served by BC Transit routes 79 and 83.