Red Bay Water Aerodrome

The primary reason for the closure was economic. The establishment of all-season road access via the Trans-Labrador Highway drastically reduced the demand for local air charter services. Floatplane operations, which are seasonal and relatively expensive, could not compete with ground transportation for moving people and goods. The closure was part of a broader shift in transportation logistics along the Labrador coast, which also saw the eventual closure of the nearby Red Bay Airport (a gravel airstrip).

The site of the former water aerodrome is the natural, sheltered harbour of Red Bay. It is no longer a registered or maintained aviation facility and has no dedicated aviation infrastructure such as a specific dock or fueling station for aircraft. The area has fully reverted to general marine use and is actively used by local fishing boats, tour boats, and private pleasure craft, particularly during the summer tourist season.

Prior to the highway, Red Bay was a remote coastal community accessible primarily by sea in the summer and by air. The Red Bay Water Aerodrome was a vital transportation link, serving as a base for floatplanes operated by regional charter companies. Its operations were crucial for:
- **Tourism:** Transporting tourists, anglers, and hunters to remote camps and lodges, and providing sightseeing flights over the historic landscape, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Red Bay Basque Whaling Station).
- **Community Access:** Providing a means for residents to travel to larger centres for medical appointments, business, and personal matters.
- **Supply Chain:** Flying in essential supplies, mail, and time-sensitive cargo.
- **Government and Industrial Support:** Supporting activities such as mineral exploration, wildlife surveys, and other government services in the region.
The aerodrome was an essential piece of infrastructure that connected Red Bay to the rest of the province and supported its economy.

There are no known plans or prospects for reopening the Red Bay Water Aerodrome. The transportation needs of the community are now fully and more economically met by the Trans-Labrador Highway. Regional air access is consolidated at the Blanc-Sablon Airport (CYBX) in Quebec, located approximately a one-hour drive from Red Bay, which offers scheduled passenger flights. Given the robust road infrastructure and the availability of a nearby regional airport, there is no economic or logistical justification for re-establishing a commercial water aerodrome at this location.