Berens River Airport (YBV)

Berens River Airport (IATA: YBV, ICAO: CYBV) is a small public aerodrome that serves as a vital transportation link for the remote community of Berens River First Nation, located on the eastern shore of Lake Winnipeg in Manitoba, Canada. Its primary role is to provide year-round, reliable access for residents, essential services, and cargo, particularly during seasons when the region's winter road system is impassable. The airport is situated approximately 1 nautical mile (1.9 km) south of the community, making it easily accessible for local residents.

Owned and operated by the Government of Manitoba, the airport has been a cornerstone of the community's infrastructure for decades, ensuring a consistent connection to larger urban centers for medical, social, and economic purposes. It features a single gravel runway that accommodates small, regional turboprop aircraft, which are well-suited for operations at remote and unpaved airfields. All flights at Berens River Airport are domestic, with no international services. The primary airline offering scheduled passenger service is Perimeter Aviation, which provides regular flights to and from Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport (YWG). These flights are essential for connecting passengers to the national and international air travel network.

The facilities at Berens River Airport are basic and functional, designed to meet the essential needs of regional air travel. The airport consists of a small, simple terminal building that houses a check-in counter, a modest waiting area for departing passengers, and washrooms. Travelers should not expect amenities such as restaurants, cafes, retail shops, or car rental agencies within the terminal. The focus is purely on the efficient processing of passengers and light cargo for a small number of daily flights.

For those traveling through Berens River Airport, advance planning is key. It is recommended to arrive 60 to 90 minutes before your scheduled departure, but always confirm specific check-in times directly with the airline. Ground transportation is not readily available upon arrival; all transportation to and from the airport must be pre-arranged privately or through local contacts within the community. Any traveler planning to connect to another flight from Winnipeg should ensure they leave ample time for transit, check-in, and security screening at the much larger international airport.