Kashechewan Airport (ZKE)

Kashechewan Airport (IATA: ZKE, ICAO: CZKE) is a small public airport that serves as a vital transportation link for the remote Kashechewan First Nation in northern Ontario, Canada. Located on the northern shore of the Albany River, the airport is not a tourist destination but a critical piece of infrastructure for the fly-in community. It provides the primary means of year-round access for residents, enabling the transport of essential goods like food and mail, facilitating medical evacuations, and connecting the community to regional centers. The airport is operated by the Government of Ontario and plays a crucial role in the region's social and economic stability.

The airport’s most significant role is logistical, particularly during emergencies. Kashechewan is prone to severe flooding during the annual spring thaw of the Albany River, which often necessitates the complete evacuation of the community’s residents. During these events, Kashechewan Airport becomes the central hub for airlifting hundreds of people to safety in other Ontario cities, a complex operation coordinated by federal and provincial authorities. This recurring situation underscores the airport’s importance as a lifeline that directly ensures the safety and well-being of the population.

Operations at Kashechewan Airport are entirely domestic, with no international flights. Scheduled passenger and charter services connect the community to destinations such as Timmins, Moosonee, and Fort Albany. The primary airline serving the airport is Air Creebec, with other carriers like Thunder Airlines also providing charter and cargo services. Passenger volume consists almost exclusively of local residents, government employees, and essential service workers, rather than leisure travelers. All flights are conducted using aircraft suited for short, gravel runways.

Reflecting its functional role, the airport’s facilities are basic. It consists of a single, small terminal building that houses a check-in counter, a waiting area, and restrooms. There are no restaurants, shops, or passenger lounges available on-site. The airport is located approximately 1.3 kilometers west of the main community, and travelers typically reach it via a pre-arranged ride, a local taxi service, or by walking. There are no rental car services or public transit options available.

Travelers using Kashechewan Airport should plan accordingly. It is recommended to arrive at least 90 minutes prior to departure to allow sufficient time for check-in. Given the region's harsh weather, especially in winter, flight delays and cancellations can occur, so building flexibility into travel plans is advisable. All necessary amenities, such as food, banking, and supplies, should be secured in the community before heading to the airport, as no such services are available in the terminal.