Old Crow Airport (YOC)

Old Crow Airport (IATA: YOC, ICAO: CYOC) is the essential air link for Old Crow, a remote Vuntut Gwitchin First Nation community in northern Yukon, Canada. As the only community in Yukon without road access, Old Crow is reachable exclusively by air, making the airport a critical lifeline for its residents. The facility is indispensable for the transport of all passengers, food, mail, and essential supplies, and it serves as the primary gateway for visitors exploring the Vuntut National Park and the region's unique culture and environment.

The airport's history is rooted in World War II. It was constructed as a gravel airstrip by the United States Army and opened in 1943 as part of the Northwest Staging Route, a chain of airfields used to ferry aircraft and supplies to Alaska. After the war, its role transitioned from military to civilian, becoming fundamental to the permanent settlement and sustainability of the community. Today, its significance lies in connecting this isolated community to the rest of Canada for medical, social, and economic purposes, enabling a quality of life that would otherwise be impossible.

Situated immediately adjacent to the settlement on the north bank of the Porcupine River, the airport is exceptionally accessible. Most destinations within the small community are within a short walking distance from the terminal. Travelers arriving or departing typically walk or use local transportation like ATVs in the summer or snowmobiles in the winter. There are no taxi services or public transit systems.

Operations at Old Crow Airport are entirely domestic. Air North, Yukon's Airline, is the sole carrier offering year-round scheduled passenger service, connecting Old Crow primarily with Whitehorse and Inuvik, Northwest Territories. These flights are operated several times a week using turboprop aircraft appropriate for the airport’s single gravel runway. The airport also handles charter flights for tourism and industry, as well as general aviation traffic.

Reflecting its functional role, the airport’s facilities are modest. A small, modern terminal building houses an Air North check-in counter, a waiting area, washrooms, and a simple baggage claim area. There are no restaurants, retail shops, or rental car agencies. Travelers are advised to arrive 60-90 minutes prior to departure. Given the unpredictable nature of arctic weather, flights can be delayed or cancelled, so flexibility in travel plans is recommended. All accommodations and local arrangements should be confirmed well in advance due to limited availability in the community.