Salluit Airport (YZG)

Salluit Airport (IATA: YZG, ICAO: CYZG) is the essential aviation gateway for the remote Inuit community of Salluit, located in the Nunavik region of northern Quebec. As the village is inaccessible by road, the airport serves as a critical lifeline, facilitating the transport of passengers, mail, cargo, and essential supplies. It is owned and operated by the Kativik Regional Government. The airport is situated approximately 3.5 kilometers southwest of the village, a short journey over a gravel road. Access between the town and the terminal is typically via local taxi services, snowmobiles, or ATVs, depending on the season, and should be arranged in advance.

Established to connect the isolated community, the airport's operations are tailored to the challenging Arctic environment. The sole airline serving Salluit with scheduled passenger flights is Air Inuit, which connects the community to other Nunavik hubs such as Kuujjuaq and Puvirnituq. From these larger airports, travelers can connect to flights to southern Canada. All flights are domestic. Operations rely on rugged aircraft like the Dash 8, which are capable of landing on the airport’s single gravel runway. The airport also handles charter and medical evacuation flights, underscoring its importance to regional health and safety.

The facilities at Salluit Airport are basic and designed for functionality. The single terminal building houses an Air Inuit check-in counter, a modest passenger waiting area, and public restrooms. Travelers should not expect amenities such as restaurants, shops, or dedicated lounges. Wi-Fi service is generally not available. All necessary services, including food and lodging, are located within the village of Salluit itself, and visitors should plan to acquire any necessities before heading to the airport for their departure.

For a smooth travel experience, passengers are advised to arrive at least 90 minutes prior to their flight's scheduled departure time. Air travel in Nunavik is highly susceptible to weather disruptions, including fog, high winds, and blizzards, which can cause significant delays or cancellations. It is crucial to confirm the flight status directly with Air Inuit before traveling to the airport. Baggage allowances on regional aircraft are often stricter than on major carriers, so it is wise to verify weight and size limits beforehand. Given the lack of a formal taxi queue, pre-booking transportation to and from the airport is highly recommended.