Kangiqsujuaq (Wakeham Bay) Airport (YWB)

Kangiqsujuaq (Wakeham Bay) Airport (IATA: YWB, ICAO: CYKG) is a small public airport that serves as the essential lifeline for the remote Inuit village of Kangiqsujuaq in the Nunavik region of northern Quebec, Canada. Lacking road access to the rest of the province, the airport provides the community with year-round transportation for passengers, cargo, mail, and critical medical services. It is a vital piece of infrastructure, ensuring the community remains connected for both personal travel and the supply of essential goods. The airport is operated by the Kativik Regional Government.

The airport’s development is tied to the modernization of infrastructure across Nunavik. Its establishment provided the isolated community of Kangiqsujuaq with reliable, year-round access for the first time, fundamentally changing its relationship with the outside world. It replaced less dependable methods of travel and transport, such as seasonal sea lifts, solidifying its role as an indispensable hub for regional mobility and economic stability.

Located approximately 1.9 kilometers southwest of the village, the airport is easily accessible. Given the small size of the community, travel between the village and the terminal is typically managed by local taxi or a pre-arranged shuttle service. There are no public transit systems, ride-sharing services, or car rental agencies available at the airport. The short distance also makes walking a potential option for some residents, depending on weather conditions.

Operations at Kangiqsujuaq Airport are exclusively domestic. Air Inuit is the sole airline providing scheduled passenger service, connecting the community to other villages in the Nunavik region, including Salluit, Quaqtaq, and the regional hub of Kuujjuaq (YVP). From Kuujjuaq, passengers can connect to flights to southern destinations like Montreal. The airport also accommodates charter flights and cargo aircraft, which are crucial for transporting food, construction materials, and other supplies.

Facilities at the airport are basic and functional, designed to meet the essential needs of travelers in a remote environment. The airport consists of a single small terminal building with a check-in counter, a modest waiting area for departing passengers, and washrooms. Travelers should not expect amenities such as restaurants, cafes, shops, or dedicated lounges. The focus is on providing a safe and efficient point of transit.

For those traveling through Kangiqsujuaq Airport, it is advisable to arrive at least 90 minutes before a scheduled departure. All ground transportation from the airport into the village must be arranged in advance. The most critical tip for travelers is to monitor flight schedules closely, as the harsh and unpredictable Arctic weather can cause significant delays or cancellations with little notice. Packing for potential disruptions is a practical measure.