Pigeon River Airport

Replacement and obsolescence. The Pigeon River airstrip was a basic, likely unpaved or gravel strip with limited capabilities. It was decommissioned after being replaced by the new Poplar River Airport (CZNG), which was built as part of the Manitoba government's Northern Airports Program. The new airport features a longer, wider, all-weather runway (3,521 ft) and superior infrastructure capable of handling larger, heavier aircraft required for reliable, scheduled passenger and cargo services.

The airport is fully abandoned and decommissioned. Satellite imagery of the coordinates (52.21261, -96.95954) shows a clearly defined but heavily overgrown former runway. The surface is returning to a natural state and is completely unusable for aviation. The site is not maintained and there is no remaining infrastructure.

This airstrip was the original and vital air link for the remote Poplar River First Nation. Before the construction of the new airport, it was the sole facility for air transport, essential for medical evacuations, mail delivery, transportation of essential supplies, and general travel. Operations were primarily conducted by small bush planes (e.g., Cessna, Beaver, Otter). Its name suggests it was also used by the Manitoba Department of Natural Resources for supporting activities like forest fire suppression, wildlife surveys, and accessing remote work camps.

None. There are no known plans or prospects for reopening this airstrip. The community's aviation needs are met more safely and effectively by the nearby Poplar River Airport (CZNG), which is actively maintained by the Government of Manitoba. Reopening this obsolete and substandard strip would be redundant and economically unfeasible.