Qikiqtarjuaq Airport (YVM)

Qikiqtarjuaq Airport (IATA: YVM, ICAO: CYVM) is the sole air transportation link for the remote Inuit hamlet of Qikiqtarjuaq, Nunavut, Canada. Located on Broughton Island just off the east coast of Baffin Island, the airport is a critical lifeline, providing the community with year-round access to essential services, passenger travel, cargo, mail, and medical evacuations. Without a permanent road connection to any other community, air travel is fundamental to the daily life and connectivity of its residents.

The airport’s history is rooted in the Cold War. It was constructed in 1957 as part of the Distant Early Warning (DEW) Line, a system of radar stations designed to detect incoming Soviet bombers. The facility, originally known as Broughton Island Airport, supported the BAF-4 DEW Line site. After the military significance of the DEW Line diminished, the airfield was transitioned to civilian use and is now operated by the Government of Nunavut. Its single gravel runway was built to accommodate military transport aircraft of the era and continues to serve the community’s modern needs.

Qikiqtarjuaq Airport is situated approximately 1.9 kilometers southwest of the hamlet. Given the community's small size, access is straightforward. Most travelers reach the airport via a short walk, snowmobile, or all-terrain vehicle. Local hotels and outfitters typically provide transportation for their guests, but there are no formal taxi or public transit services available.

Operations at YVM are exclusively domestic. Canadian North is the only airline offering regularly scheduled passenger flights, primarily connecting Qikiqtarjuaq with Iqaluit (YFB), the territorial capital. Flights often operate as multi-stop "milk runs," with intermediate stops in other Baffin region communities such as Pangnirtung. These routes are serviced by rugged turboprop aircraft, like the ATR 42, which are well-suited for the airport’s gravel runway.

The airport consists of a small, single-story terminal building with basic facilities. Travelers will find a check-in counter, a modest waiting area, and washrooms. There are no restaurants, gift shops, or passenger lounges. For travelers, it is advisable to arrive at least 90 minutes before departure, as check-in times are strictly enforced. Due to the unpredictable and often harsh Arctic weather, flight delays and cancellations are common. It is crucial to have flexible travel plans and to pack essential items like medication in carry-on luggage. All ground transportation to and from the airport must be arranged in advance.