Cat Lake Airport (YAC)

Cat Lake Airport (IATA: YAC, ICAO: CYAC) serves as an essential transportation link for the remote community of Cat Lake First Nation in Northern Ontario, Canada. It is a small public aerodrome that provides vital, year-round access for residents, connecting them to larger regional hubs for medical services, education, supplies, and travel. The airport's primary function is not tourism but to facilitate the movement of people and crucial cargo, including food and mail, to a community that is otherwise isolated, especially outside of the winter road season.

Operated by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, the airport is a critical piece of infrastructure in the region. It is situated approximately 3 kilometers northwest of the Cat Lake community, and access is typically via a local gravel road. Travelers arriving at or departing from the airport must pre-arrange transportation with local contacts, as there are no public transit, taxi services, or car rental agencies available on-site. The airport consists of a single gravel runway and a very basic air terminal building designed to shelter passengers from the elements during arrivals and departures.

Operations at Cat Lake Airport are exclusively domestic. Flights are provided by regional airlines, with Wasaya Airways and North Star Air being the primary carriers offering scheduled passenger and cargo services. These flights connect Cat Lake primarily with Sioux Lookout (YXL) and Thunder Bay (YQT), which serve as the main gateways to the rest of the provincial and national transportation network. The airport also supports charter flights and air ambulance services, which are critical for medical emergencies. There are no international flights, and passenger volume is modest, reflecting the small population of the community it serves.

Travelers should be aware that the facilities at Cat Lake Airport are minimal. The terminal is a simple shelter with a waiting area and basic washrooms. It does not contain any restaurants, cafes, retail shops, or passenger lounges. Furthermore, there are no baggage carousels or extensive security screening areas typical of larger airports. For those traveling from Cat Lake, it is advisable to confirm check-in times directly with the airline. Due to the remote location and the potential for severe weather, flight delays and cancellations can occur, so building flexibility into travel plans is highly recommended. Passengers with connections in Sioux Lookout or Thunder Bay should allow ample time between flights.