Kuujjuaq Water Aerodrome

Kuujjuaq, CA 🇨🇦 Closed Airport

ICAO

CA-0685

IATA

-

Elevation

3 ft

Region

CA-QC

Local Time

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Airport Information

GPS Code: Not available

Local Code: Not available

Location: 58.085° N, -68.4° E

Continent: NA

Type: Closed Airport

Keywords: SQ7 SQ7

Terminal Information Not Available
Terminal arrivals and departures are only available for airports with scheduled commercial service and IATA codes.

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Airport Information

Airport Closure Information

Last updated: Jul 24, 2025
Closure Date

The exact closure date is not officially documented. The aerodrome was a registered private facility that likely ceased formal operations gradually as air traffic and infrastructure consolidated at the main Kuujjuaq Airport (CYVP). This transition would have occurred in the latter half of the 20th century as the land-based airport was upgraded and became the primary regional hub.

Reason for Closure

The closure was a result of operational redundancy and economic factors. The nearby Kuujjuaq Airport (CYVP), originally a WWII military airfield, was developed into a modern civilian airport with long, paved runways and extensive facilities. As CYVP could handle larger, faster, and more reliable aircraft year-round, the need for a separate, seasonal water aerodrome diminished. Operations were consolidated at the land airport, which offered superior logistics, safety, and all-weather capabilities, making the waterdrome obsolete.

Current Status

The site of the former water aerodrome is now simply a section of the Koksoak River. There is no longer any dedicated aviation infrastructure, such as specific docks, ramps, or support buildings, at the coordinates. Satellite imagery shows the area is part of the natural riverbank and waterway adjacent to the town of Kuujjuaq. The location is used for general, non-aviation maritime activities like local boating.

Historical Significance

The Kuujjuaq Water Aerodrome was historically significant as a base for bush flying operations using floatplanes and seaplanes. Before the widespread construction of gravel airstrips in remote northern communities, water landings were the primary method of accessing many locations during the summer months. The aerodrome was a critical link for transporting people, mail, and supplies (such as food, medicine, and mining equipment) to and from isolated Indigenous communities, exploration camps, and tourist lodges throughout the Nunavik region. It played a vital role in the economic development and social connectivity of Northern Quebec.

Reopening Prospects

There are no known plans or prospects to reopen the Kuujjuaq Water Aerodrome as a formal, registered facility. The modern Kuujjuaq Airport (CYVP) serves as the comprehensive aviation hub for the entire region, accommodating all current and foreseen air traffic needs. Any potential seaplane operations in the area can be conducted on an ad-hoc basis from the river without the need for a formally registered aerodrome, making its reopening unnecessary and economically unviable.

Nearby Airports

Kuujjuaq Airport
YVP • CYVP
Kuujjuaq, CA
Medium Airport Scheduled Service
~2 km away
Distances are approximate and calculated as straight-line distances.

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