Charlottetown Water Aerodrome

Charlottetown, CA 🇨🇦 Closed Airport

ICAO

CA-0696

IATA

-

Elevation

- ft

Region

CA-PE

Local Time

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Airport Information

GPS Code: Not available

Local Code: Not available

Location: 46.217852° N, -63.138428° E

Continent: NA

Type: Closed Airport

Keywords: DR4 DR4

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 date of closure is not officially documented. However, the aerodrome was likely de-registered and ceased official operations in the mid-to-late 20th century. Its primary, scheduled use would have declined significantly following the expansion of the land-based Charlottetown Airport (CYYG) after World War II, with official de-registration likely occurring decades later.

Reason for Closure

The closure was a result of technological and infrastructural evolution in the aviation industry. The primary reasons include:
1. **Rise of Land-Based Aviation:** The establishment and continuous development of the nearby land-based Charlottetown Airport (Upton Field, now CYYG) provided a more reliable, all-weather alternative for larger and faster aircraft.
2. **Economic Obsolescence:** As airlines transitioned to more efficient landplanes, the demand for scheduled seaplane services diminished, making a dedicated water aerodrome economically unviable.
3. **Increased Harbour Congestion:** The Charlottetown Harbour became increasingly busy with commercial shipping, ferry services, fishing fleets, and recreational boating, making dedicated seaplane operations a safety and logistical challenge.

Current Status

The site of the former water aerodrome is now the central, active part of Charlottetown Harbour. The area is a busy, multi-use waterway managed by the Charlottetown Harbour Authority. The water is heavily trafficked by cruise ships, commercial cargo vessels, ferries, and a large number of fishing and recreational boats. The adjacent shoreline is highly developed and forms the city's main waterfront, featuring the PEI Convention Centre, Confederation Landing park, Peake's Quay marina, and other tourist and commercial infrastructure.

Historical Significance

The Charlottetown Water Aerodrome was historically significant as a key node in Prince Edward Island's early transportation network, particularly from the 1920s through the 1940s. Before the establishment of a fully functional land airport, the harbour served as the primary landing site for floatplanes and flying boats. These operations handled the region's first airmail services and early passenger flights, providing a vital connection to mainland Canada and other Maritime communities. It represented the dawn of commercial aviation for the island province before its role was superseded by land-based facilities.

Reopening Prospects

There are no known plans or prospects for reopening a registered water aerodrome at this specific location. Reopening is considered extremely unlikely due to insurmountable challenges. These include severe conflicts with existing high-density marine traffic, significant safety concerns related to operating in a congested harbour close to bridges and urban infrastructure, and regulatory hurdles with Transport Canada and the Charlottetown Harbour Authority. While private seaplanes may occasionally operate in the broader harbour area with special permission, the re-establishment of a permanent, official aerodrome is not feasible.

Nearby Airports

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Distances are approximate and calculated as straight-line distances.

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