Medicine Hat Regional Airport

Medicine Hat Airport (YXH) is not merely an air gateway to the southeastern part of Alberta, but a place with a rich history. During the Second World War, it served as a pilot training base under the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, and today, this compact and efficient airport continues to play a key role in the region's transport system. Serving as a starting point for journeys across Canada, it connects Medicine Hat with the country's major aviation hubs. Its modern terminal offers passengers everything necessary for a comfortable start or end to their trip.

The main advantage of Medicine Hat Airport is its compactness and convenience. Located just a few kilometres from the city centre, it allows you to reach your destination quickly. The airport serves both scheduled passenger flights and private charters, offering key services for travellers. Thanks to having just one terminal, navigating the airport is intuitive and hassle-free, making it an excellent choice for those who value their time and prefer to avoid the bustle of major aviation hubs.

To contact the administration of Medicine Hat Airport, obtain general information, or resolve any issues, you may use the following contact details:

• Official Website: mhat.ca
• Help Desk Phone: +1 403-527-4842
• Airport Address: 49 Viscount Ave SW, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 5G4, Canada
• Email: For quick communication, it is recommended to use the contact form available on the airport's official website.
• Social Media: Follow news and updates on the airport's official social media pages, such as Facebook.
• Lost Luggage: For issues related to lost, delayed, or damaged luggage, please contact the representative of the airline you flew with directly.
• Passenger Support: For general information, flight schedules, and assistance, you can call the main help desk number.

Getting to Medicine Hat Airport (YXH) from the city centre is quite simple, as it is located just a few kilometres southwest of Medicine Hat. The journey usually takes no more than 10-15 minutes by car, making the transfer fast and convenient. Travellers can choose from several methods to reach the terminal, depending on their budget and preferences.

Taxis and Private Transfers are the most popular and convenient way to get to the airport. Several local taxi services operate in the city, which can be called by phone or found at designated stands. A trip from the centre will cost a reasonable amount, and the exact travel time rarely exceeds 15 minutes. This is an ideal option for those travelling with luggage or who value comfort and speed.

For those who prefer independence, car rental is an excellent solution. This is particularly convenient if you plan to explore the picturesque surroundings of the city and the southern part of Alberta province. Major rental companies have representatives in Medicine Hat. You can pick up a car in the city and leave it at the airport parking lot before departure.

If you are arriving at the airport in your own or a rented vehicle, convenient parking is at your disposal. Both short-term and long-term parking spaces are available on the Medicine Hat Airport grounds, located in immediate proximity to the terminal. This eliminates the need for long walks with luggage and makes the boarding process as comfortable as possible.

Regarding public transport, direct bus routes to the airport may be limited. It is recommended to check the Medicine Hat Transit schedule and routes in advance to see if such an option with transfers is feasible. However, for tourists with luggage, this method may not be the most convenient compared to a taxi or car rental.

Medicine Hat Airport (YXH) is a small regional airport distinguished by a simple and clear structure. Thanks to its compact dimensions, orienting oneself here is very easy, making it convenient for passengers.

Structure and Navigation

The airport operates one main terminal, which serves all domestic flights — both departures and arrivals. The terminal building has a simple linear layout. Upon entering, you immediately find yourself in the main hall, where airline check-in counters and baggage drop-off points are located. Since there is only one terminal, there is no need for transfers between buildings.

Departure and Arrival Zones

The departure and arrival zones are in the same building but are logically separated. After checking in for a flight, passengers pass through a single security screening point, which leads to a small waiting hall (departure zone). There are comfortable seats here for passengers awaiting boarding. The arrival zone is located in another part of the main hall, where arriving passengers enter immediately after disembarking the aircraft. The baggage claim belt is located right here, next to the exit and car rental counters.

Processing Time and Recommendations

Due to the small size of the airport and moderate passenger traffic, passing through registration and screening usually takes very little time. On average, all pre-flight formalities can be completed in 15–20 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 60-90 minutes before departure to check luggage and pass through security without haste. Navigation in the terminal is intuitive, and all key zones — from registration to the boarding gate — are just a few steps away from each other, making the journey through Medicine Hat Airport maximally comfortable.

The Medicine Hat Airport (YXH) is not just a transport hub, but a place with a rich and significant history. Its story began at the height of the Second World War. The airport was founded in March 1941 as part of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan (BCATP). Initially, it functioned as No. 34 Service Flying Training School and played a key role in training pilots for allied forces within Canada.

During the war years, the airfield bustled with life. Thousands of future pilots from the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and other Commonwealth countries trained here. They honed their skills on twin-engine training aircraft, such as the Airspeed Oxford, preparing for combat missions in Europe. The school's contribution to the overall victory was immense, and its legacy remains a subject of pride for the city.

After the war ended, military activity at the base gradually ceased. The facility was transferred to the Ministry of Transport and began its transformation into a civil airport. Over time, management of the airport passed to the City of Medicine Hat, which today remains responsible for its operation and development, ensuring air connectivity for the entire region.

In subsequent decades, the airport constantly evolved to meet the growing needs of passengers. Regular commercial flights were launched, linking Medicine Hat with major Canadian cities. One of the most significant stages of modernisation was the large-scale reconstruction and expansion of the terminal, completed in 2017. As a result, a new, more spacious, and modern passenger complex was built with improved waiting areas and baggage handling facilities.

An interesting fact: Medicine Hat Airport has preserved part of its historical appearance. Several original hangars from the Second World War era still stand on the grounds and are even in use, serving as a living reminder of the military past. Thus, every trip through YXH is not just a flight, but a small touch of an important page in aviation history.

Medicine Hat Airport (YXH), despite its compact size, offers passengers a set of essential services for a comfortable wait before departure. A café operates in the terminal where you can have a snack, drink coffee, or purchase light refreshments and beverages for the road. For those who need to stay connected or work, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, and charging outlets for electronic devices are provided in the waiting lounges.

For the convenience of travellers, ATMs are available at the airport. Passengers with small children can use the nursing rooms (mother and child rooms), equipped with changing tables. The airport is fully adapted to serve passengers with reduced mobility: there are ramps, specially equipped restrooms, and staff assistance is provided. To receive such service, it is recommended to notify your airline in advance. In case of necessity, airport staff are ready to provide first aid.

Although there are no business lounges or hotels within the airport itself, many accommodation options can be found in the city of Medicine Hat, which is just a few minutes' drive away. Conference halls and business centres for meetings are also located there. YXH Airport is focused on providing fast and efficient service, offering key amenities for travellers arriving in or departing from this region of Canada.

Medicine Hat Airport (YXH) is a regional air hub, so the selection of dining establishments here corresponds to its size and passenger traffic. The main opportunities for a snack or lunch are concentrated in one location, designed for the convenience of passengers awaiting their flights.

The main and, effectively, the only establishment is a café located in the main terminal building before the security zone (landside). This means it can be used by both departing passengers and those seeing them off. Here, travellers are offered a menu in classic Canadian style: sandwiches, soups, salads, pastries, and, of course, coffee. This place is excellent for both a quick bite and a more relaxed lunch before departure. One should not expect gourmet dishes or signature local delicacies here — the emphasis is on simple, hearty, and convenient food for travellers.

The café's operating hours are usually tied to the flight schedule; it opens before the first departures and closes after the last ones depart. Prices can be described as moderate, standard for a small airport. Regarding special dietary needs, the selection may be limited. Although vegetarian options (e.g., a vegetable sandwich or salad) may be on the menu, travellers with strict restrictions (vegan, gluten-free, or Halal) are advised to verify the availability of suitable dishes on-site or bring their own snacks.

Travelling through the airport of Medicine Hat is an excellent example of how convenient regional air hubs can be. There is no hustle and long queues typical of major hubs, making pre-flight procedures significantly faster and calmer. Nevertheless, for complete comfort, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before your flight's departure. This time will be sufficient to check in, drop off luggage, and pass through security without haste.

To save time, use online check-in for your flight, which most airlines open 24 hours before departure. The security screening procedure here usually goes faster, but the rules remain standard. Ensure that all liquids in your carry-on luggage are in containers of no more than 100 ml and packed in a single transparent bag. Electronic devices, such as laptops, will need to be removed from your bag. The full list of permitted and prohibited items can always be checked on the official website of the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA).

When choosing a seat on the plane, be guided by your preferences: a window seat will offer you picturesque views during takeoff and landing, while an aisle seat provides more legroom and the ability to stand up without disturbing neighbours. To save a little money, bring an empty reusable water bottle with you — it can be filled after passing through security. Also, a portable charger for gadgets is useful to keep your devices charged en route.

In the event of a flight delay or cancellation, the first thing to do is contact your airline representative for current information and instructions. In Canada, Air Passenger Protection Regulations apply, which, depending on the reason and duration of the delay, may provide for compensation, provision of meal vouchers, or even hotel accommodation. Remain calm and use this time to rest or work while waiting for your flight.