Beatton River Airport

Economic and logistical reasons. Beatton River Airport was a private airstrip built and operated to serve an adjacent natural gas facility. The closure was a private decision made by the facility's owner/operator. This was likely due to a shift in transportation strategy, such as relying more on ground transport via the nearby road network or using helicopters, which are more versatile for specific site access. As the need for fixed-wing aircraft to transport personnel and supplies diminished, maintaining the airstrip was no longer cost-effective.

The site is permanently closed to all air traffic. The former runway is unmaintained, overgrown with grass and shrubs, and is no longer suitable for aircraft operations. Satellite imagery shows that the strip is now used as an access road and a storage and staging area for vehicles and heavy equipment related to the ongoing operations at the adjacent gas facility. The land is private property and not accessible to the public.

The airport's significance was entirely industrial. It served as a critical transportation link for a remote natural gas plant located in the prolific Montney Formation of northeastern British Columbia. When active, it handled small charter and corporate aircraft (such as the Beechcraft King Air, de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter, or similar types) capable of operating from a short, gravel runway. These operations were essential for crew changes, transporting specialized technicians, moving light cargo, and providing emergency medical evacuation capability. It was never a public airport and had no scheduled commercial service.

There are no known plans or public prospects for reopening the Beatton River Airport. Reopening would require a significant capital investment to clear, regrade, and resurface the runway, as well as a renewed operational need from the industrial operator. Given that the site has been repurposed for ground support activities, a return to aviation use is highly unlikely.