K'il Kun Airport Haida Pronunciation Recording
About the airport
The K’il Kun Xidgwangs Daanaay (formerly Sandspit) Airport (CYZP) is located on Haida Gwaii, off the northwest coast of British Columbia. The airport was built by the Royal Canadian Air Force and operated as Royal Canadian Air Force Station Sandspit during World War II. Today, the airport is owned and operated by Transport Canada.
Sandspit is the largest community in Moresby Island and is accessible only by air and sea. The community sits within Canada’s most remote archipelago, which attracts tourists from around the world. Haida Gwaii has a well-preserved cultural heritage, diverse wildlife, and a raw landscape in northern B.C.
Airport renaming
Image of flags from Canada, British Columbia, Council Haida Nation, Royal Canadian Air Force and Transport Canada.
On March 27, 2024, Sandspit Airport was renamed to K’il Kun Xidgwangs Daanaay Airport, which translates to “Sandspit flying place.” In collaboration with the Council of the Haida Nation, the renaming was celebrated through a ceremony and the raising of the Council of the Haida Nation flag. K’il Kun Xidgwangs Daanaay was selected by the Skidegate Haida Immersion Program, a committee of Elders and Knowledge Keepers who work to preserve and revitalize the Skidegate dialect of the Haida language. The renaming follows our commitment to reconciliation and to honour Indigenous languages and cultures.
The event was the first time Transport Canada has renamed an airport we own to an Indigenous name. Restoring Indigenous names to places and spaces aligns with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action. It is also listed in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as an important step to reconciliation.
The airport code designation (CYZP), operations, boarding passes, airside signage, and Sandspit community name remain the same.
Location: 53° 15' 15" N / 131° 48' 50" W
IATA: YZP / ICAO: CYZP
Hours of operations
Terminal building: Open 7 days a week from 8 am to 4:30 pm
Administration office: Monday to Friday (except statutory holidays) from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Accessibility
We want to make sure people with disabilities have equal access to the federal transportation network. See our accessibility plan for full details and commitments.
The K'il Kun Xidgwangs Daanaay Airport has accessible signage and amenities including:
- wheelchair service in the terminal
- a drop off/loading zone in front of the terminal
- automatic doors
- accessible parking stalls
- accessible universal washrooms with change tables
If you’ve experienced a barrier to accessibility or would like to help improve our accessible services for this airport, submit your feedback directly to Transport Canada.
If your experience is with or suggestion is for a service provider that operates out of this airport, you must contact them directly.
Food
The terminal building has a café across from the airline check-in counters and before the passenger security screening area. Water is available past security screening.
Sandspit weather
Please see Environment Canada's website for the Sandspit weather forecast.
Advertising and business opportunities
The airport leases land to businesses to build facilities that support aviation. All leases are occupancy agreements that are unique to the airport and follow our real property management practices.
Please contact us for more information on advertising or leasing opportunities.
Flight information
Contact air carriers for information on the destinations they serve, flight schedules or to book tickets.
Air carriers
Air Canada
- Telephone: 1-888-247-2262
- Website: Air Canada
Helicopters
Helijet (charter services)
- Telephone: 1-877-569-4354 (toll-free) or 250-637-5344
- Website: Helijet
Luggage
The baggage allowance and how much you can carry on the aircraft may differ between airlines. Contact your airline directly for this information.
Lost/Damaged Luggage
If your luggage doesn’t arrive or is damaged, please contact your airline directly.
Security and restricted Items
Before packing for your flight, check the list of prohibited items for checked and carry-on luggage on the Canadian Air Transportation Security Authority website or call 1-888-294-2202 (toll-free) or 1-833-339-1021 (Teletypewriter).
Ground transportation and parking
Ground transportation
The following companies can help you get around Sandspit and the surrounding communities:
Car rental
Budget
- Telephone: 250-637-5688
- Website: Budget
Airport shuttle
Gwaii Taxi and Tours (Bus service between Skidegate and Daajing Giids to/from Sandspit Airport)
- Telephone: 250-876-1866
- Website: Gwaii Taxi and Tours
Taxi
- There is no regular taxi service in Sandspit.
Ferry (from Graham Island to Moresby Island)
BC Ferries
- Telephone: 1-888-BC FERRY (1-888-223-3779)
- Website: BC Ferries
Parking
The airport has short and long-term parking options.
Parking rates
- Daily: $2
- 7 days: $10
- Monthly: $25
Electric vehicles
The airport doesn’t currently have vehicle charging stations.
Information for pilots
General information
Consult the Canada Flight Supplement for charts, flight procedures and other aeronautical information.
The airport has the following facilities:
- Air terminal building
- 1 paved runway (5112 feet long and 150 feet wide)
- Refueling service by Westhawk Aviation Services
- You can contact them at 250-637-2431
Useful links
Aeronautical fees
The airport charges the following aeronautical fees:
- landing fees
- general terminal charges
- aircraft parking charges
Search Transport Canada service fees for information about fees at the airport. Fees may change according to the Consumer Price Index set by Statistics Canada.
Drones
The airport is a no-fly zone for drones and unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) unless you have a Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC).
Contact information
1 Airport Road
P.O. Box 439
Sandspit, BC
V0T 1T0
Telephone: 250-637-5313
Email: robert.ells@tc.gc.ca
In case of emergency
Police: 250-559-4421
Ambulance: 1-800-461-9911
Fire: 250-637-2222
Service feedback
You can submit service feedback to Transport Canada if you have a compliment, complaint or comment about the service we provided.
