CYCZ is the Columbia Valley’s Public Airport
The Fairmont Hot Springs Airport (CYCZ), located in the heart of British Columbia’s Columbia Valley, is a vital piece of regional infrastructure and an essential emergency response resource for the surrounding communities.
With a 6,000-foot runway capable of accommodating aircraft up to and including Boeing 737s, C-130 Hercules, CC 295 Kingfisher, the airport operates year-round and plays a critical role in supporting medical evacuations, wildfire response, search and rescue operations, and general aviation.
Medical evacuations are one of the airport’s most important functions. Its ability to provide 24-hour, full-service operations offers essential support for emergency medical flights, helping connect patients in the Columbia Valley with the care they need. In urgent situations, access to a reliable, operational airport can make a significant difference for patients, medical personnel, and emergency responders.
The airport is equally important during British Columbia’s wildfire season. As wildfires threaten communities and surrounding forests, CYCZ serves as a key operational base for aerial firefighting efforts. During peak fire season, it is common for eight to fifteen helicopters to operate from the airport daily, with many aircraft and their crews based on-site for up to two months. This sustained activity highlights the airport’s critical role in supporting wildfire suppression, protecting communities, and assisting emergency response teams throughout the region.
As the only facility between Golden and Cranbrook offering full-service airport operations 24 hours a day, Fairmont Hot Springs Airport provides a level of accessibility and support that is essential to the Columbia Valley, particularly during medical emergencies and periods of heightened wildfire activity.
What makes this service even more remarkable is that the airport is operated entirely by dedicated volunteers. Their commitment, time, and effort help keep this vital facility available to the community year-round, supporting emergency services and aviation operations when they are needed most.
Fairmont Hot Springs Airport is more than a runway. It is a community-supported lifeline that helps protect lives, supports wildfire response, and provides an essential service to the Columbia Valley and beyond.
“I’ve seen firsthand how important the Fairmont Hot Springs Airport is to our region. More than just a runway, it is a valuable community asset that supports tourism, local businesses, emergency response, and recreational aviation throughout the Columbia Valley.
The airport helps connect people to our communities and showcases the incredible opportunities that make this area such a special place to live, work, and visit. It contributes to the local economy, supports jobs, and strengthens our region’s resilience by providing important transportation infrastructure.”
Continued investment in the airport’s future will help ensure the Columbia Valley remains connected, accessible, and positioned for sustainable growth for years to come. Its value to residents, businesses, and visitors cannot be overstated.”
Scott McInnis, MLA, Columbia River–Revelstoke