The Kangiqsujuaq (Wakeham Bay) Airport (IATA: YWB, ICAO: CYWP) is a public airport located approximately 0.7 nautical miles (1.3 km; 0.81 mi) west of Kangiqsujuaq, a small Inuit village in the Nord-du-Québec region of Quebec, Canada. It serves as a vital transportation hub for the remote community, providing essential air links for passengers, cargo, and services.
Overview
Operated by the Kativik Regional Government, the airport plays a crucial role in connecting Kangiqsujuaq to other northern communities and southern regions of Quebec. Due to its remote Arctic location, air travel is often the primary, if not only, viable means of year-round transportation for residents and goods. The airport's designation reflects both the traditional Inuit name of the community, Kangiqsujuaq, and its former name, Wakeham Bay.
Facilities
The airport features a single runway, typically gravel, suitable for regional turboprop aircraft. Facilities are generally limited to a small terminal building designed to handle the volume of traffic typical for a remote northern community. Weather conditions in the Arctic can significantly impact operations, leading to potential delays or cancellations.
Airlines and Destinations
The primary airline serving Kangiqsujuaq (Wakeham Bay) Airport is Air Inuit, which provides scheduled passenger and cargo services. Connections are typically available to other communities in Nunavik, such as Kuujjuaq, and potentially to larger urban centers like Montreal (via connecting flights). These services are essential for delivering supplies, medical services, and allowing residents to travel for various purposes.