Nemiscau Airport (YNS)

Nemiscau Airport (IATA: YNS, ICAO: CYHH) is a regional airport located in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay region of Quebec, Canada. It serves as a vital transportation hub for the Cree Nation of Nemaska, providing essential year-round access for residents, workers, and the delivery of goods to this remote northern community. The airport is crucial for connecting the region to southern Quebec and supports local administrative, health, and economic activities, including those related to the extensive Hydro-Québec facilities in the area.

Established in 1980, the airport's history is directly linked to the monumental James Bay Project of the 1970s. Its construction was part of the infrastructure development required to support the massive hydroelectric project and facilitate the relocation of the Nemaska community from its original site on Champion Lake to its current location. Owned and operated by the Société de développement de la Baie-James, the airport remains a critical piece of infrastructure born from one of Canada's most significant industrial undertakings.

Nemiscau Airport is situated approximately 13 kilometers (8 miles) southwest of the village of Nemaska. It is accessible via a local access road that connects to the Route du Nord, a key regional highway. Travelers typically reach the airport using pre-arranged transportation, such as a local taxi service or shuttle, as on-demand services are not readily available. There is no public transit connecting the village to the airport.

Operations at CYHH are exclusively domestic, consisting primarily of scheduled passenger flights, charter services, and cargo transport. Air Creebec is the main airline, offering regular flights that connect Nemiscau with other Cree communities as well as regional hubs like Val-d'Or and larger cities such as Montréal. The airport also handles flights for medical evacuations and supports corporate and general aviation. While it is an airport of entry, it can only handle general aviation aircraft and requires advance permission from the Canada Border Services Agency.

The airport's facilities are functional and reflect its role as a small, regional air terminal. The single building includes a check-in area, a passenger waiting lounge, and basic restroom amenities. Travelers should not expect to find restaurants, retail shops, or car rental agencies on-site. The focus is on providing the essential services required for departures and arrivals. For any travel needs, it is advisable for passengers to arrive with everything they require.

For those traveling through Nemiscau Airport, it is recommended to book ground transportation well in advance. Arriving at least 90 minutes before a scheduled departure is advisable to allow sufficient time for check-in procedures with regional carriers. Due to the northern climate, weather can cause flight delays or cancellations, so checking the flight status directly with the airline before heading to the airport is a practical step. Any connections to onward destinations will typically be made through larger southern airports.