Gander Water Aerodrome

Gander, CA 🇨🇦 Closed Airport

ICAO

CA-0897

IATA

-

Elevation

95 ft

Region

CA-NL

Local Time

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Airport Information

GPS Code: Not available

Local Code: Not available

Location: 48.905° N, -54.59° E

Continent: NA

Type: Closed Airport

Keywords: CA5

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 25, 2025
Closure Date

The aerodrome was officially decommissioned as a military base shortly after World War II (circa 1945-1946). It continued to see some civilian use but was eventually de-registered as an official water aerodrome due to declining traffic. While the exact date of its final removal from the Canada Flight Supplement is not readily available, it has been officially closed for several decades.

Reason for Closure

The primary reason for closure was military decommissioning. The base's strategic purpose as a home for anti-submarine patrol aircraft ended with the conclusion of World War II. Subsequent civilian operations were not substantial enough to sustain it as a registered aerodrome, leading to its eventual closure for economic reasons and lack of demand.

Current Status

The site, located on the northern shore of Gander Lake, is now a public recreational area. While the original military hangars and barracks have been removed, a large concrete ramp extending into the lake, a remnant of the original base, still exists. This ramp is now used as a public boat launch. The area is known locally as the 'Old Seaplane Base' and is popular for recreational boating and fishing. The Gander Rod and Gun Club is also located nearby.

Historical Significance

The Gander Water Aerodrome was of immense historical importance during World War II as a key Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) facility. It was the operating base for long-range amphibious aircraft, most notably the Consolidated PBY Canso (flown by squadrons such as No. 116 Squadron RCAF). These aircraft flew crucial anti-submarine patrols deep into the North Atlantic, protecting vital Allied convoys from German U-boats during the Battle of the Atlantic. The water base was an integral part of the massive Gander military complex, which included the adjacent land-based airport. After the war, the base was used by civilian charter and bush pilot operations for access to the interior of Newfoundland for fishing, hunting, forestry, and mineral exploration.

Reopening Prospects

There are no known plans or prospects to reopen a registered water aerodrome at this location. The demand for a formal, registered facility is considered non-existent, especially given the proximity of the Gander International Airport (CYQX). While Gander Lake can still be used by private floatplanes in accordance with Canadian aviation regulations, there is no commercial or logistical driver for re-establishing an official aerodrome.

Nearby Airports

Gander International Airport / CFB Gander
YQX • CYQX
Gander, CA
Medium Airport Scheduled Service
~4 km away
Exploits Valley Botwood Airport
CCP2
Exploits Valley, CA
Small Airport
~65 km away
Grand Falls-Windsor Heliport
CFW8
Grand Falls, CA
Heliport
~78 km away
Thorburn Lake Seaplane Base
CCW5
Thorburn Lake, CA
Seaplane Base
~78 km away
Burnt Point Lighthouse Helipad
CA-0751
Seldom, CA
Heliport
~84 km away
Distances are approximate and calculated as straight-line distances.

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