Kimmirut Airport (YLC)

Kimmirut Airport (IATA: YLC, ICAO: CYLC) is a public-use airport that serves as the essential air transportation link for the remote Inuit hamlet of Kimmirut, Nunavut, Canada. As the community is inaccessible by road, the airport is a critical lifeline, facilitating the movement of passengers, mail, cargo, and medical services year-round. Operated by the Government of Nunavut, it provides the only reliable connection to Iqaluit and, by extension, the rest of Canada, making it indispensable to the social and economic well-being of the region. Formerly known as Lake Harbour Airport, its history is tied directly to the development of the community it serves.

The airport is located on a gravel plateau approximately 1.5 kilometers north of the hamlet. Given the community’s small size, the airport is within walking distance for some residents. However, travelers typically reach the terminal via pre-arranged transportation, which often consists of a local taxi service utilizing ATVs in the summer and snowmobiles in the winter. The single gravel runway, Runway 16/34, is suited for specialized turboprop aircraft designed for short, unpaved landing strips common in the Canadian Arctic.

Operations at Kimmirut Airport are exclusively domestic. Canadian North is the primary airline providing scheduled passenger service, with regular flights to and from Iqaluit Airport (YFB). These flights are the main artery for residents, government workers, and the small number of tourists visiting the area. The airport does not support international flights, and its passenger volume is low, consistent with the population of the community it serves. All air travel is subject to the challenging and often unpredictable Arctic weather, and delays or cancellations can occur.

Facilities at the airport are basic and functional. A small, single-story terminal building contains a check-in counter, a modest waiting area, and washrooms. There are no restaurants, shops, car rental agencies, or passenger lounges. Travelers are advised to arrive 60 to 90 minutes prior to their scheduled departure and should confirm timings with their airline. It is highly recommended to arrange any necessary ground transport in advance. As all connections are made through Iqaluit, passengers should plan for significant layover times to accommodate potential weather delays. Visitors should also bring their own snacks and water, as no food or beverage services are available at the terminal.