[6][9] The industrial development of Kitimat and the construction of the aluminum smelter brought increased demand for regional air transport, leading to infrastructure upgrades, including night-flight lighting systems in 1956.

[1] It was later replaced in 2015 with the support of federal government money after a series of failures resulted in the delay and cancellation of flights to and from the airport.

[20][21][22][23][24] As of December 2024, passenger airlines Air Canada Express, and WestJet Encore operate at Northwest Regional Airport Terrace-Kitimat.

[31] The airport serves as a vital hub for cargo, supporting industries such as mining, forestry, and liquefied natural gas (LNG) development.

On 14 January 1977, a de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter operated by Northern Thunderbird Air crashed into a mountain during its approach to runway 32 in a snowstorm.

[44] On 26 September 1989, Skylink Flight 070 (operated by Aztec Aviation[47]), a Swearingen SA227-AC Metro III, was destroyed during a missed approach at Terrace.

[49] During the missed approach, the aircraft began an uncontrolled descent and struck trees near runway 15 before coming to rest outside the airport perimeter.

[51][52] The aircraft initially touched down approximately 10 ft (3.0 m) left of the centreline due to variable winds and reduced visual cues.

[51][52] The Transportation Safety Board of Canada investigation identified several causes and contributing factors: The aircraft was ferried to Kelowna for repairs and returned to service in June 2020.