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Baie-Comeau Airport

About the Airport

Baie-Comeau Airport. Source: Kupi.com Binoculars

Baie-Comeau Airport is not merely a transport hub, but a true gateway to the rugged and majestic Manicouagan region. Located amidst dense forests on the banks of the Saint Lawrence River, it immerses travellers in the atmosphere of the Canadian North from the very first minute. This cosy air terminal perfectly combines provincial hospitality with modern efficiency, ensuring a reliable connection between the Côte-Nord region and the major metropolises of the province of Quebec.

IATA Code YBC
ICAO Code CYBC
City Baie-Comeau
Distance to Centre ~11 km
Status Regional
Annual Passengers About 30,000
Schedule See the official airport website

Features and Advantages of the Airport

Despite its modest size, Baie-Comeau Airport plays a critically important role in the life of the region. It serves as a key access point for tourists heading to the famous Manic-5 dam and the Manicouagan-Uapishka World Biosphere Reserve. The terminal underwent a major renovation in 2008, allowing passengers to await their flights in a modern and bright facility.

The main advantage for travellers is the speed of service. There are no long queues here typical of major hubs: the journey from the terminal entrance to the boarding gate often takes no more than 15 minutes. The airport is also renowned for its friendly staff and convenient navigation, making the start or end of a journey through Côte-Nord as calm and comfortable as possible.

Contact Information

For the latest information on the operation of Baie-Comeau Airport (YBC), flight schedules, and available services, you can use the following contact details:

  • Official Airport Website: www.aeroportbaiecomeau.com
  • Information Desk Phone: +1 418-296-8191
  • Airport Address: 101 Avenue de l'Aéroport, Pointe-Lebel, QC G0H 1N0, Canada
  • Email: info@aeroportbaiecomeau.com
  • Social Media: The airport has an official Facebook page where operational news and flight status updates are published.
  • Lost Luggage Information: For issues regarding lost or damaged luggage, please contact the representative of the airline you flew with directly.
  • Passenger Support Contacts: For general inquiries and consultations, it is recommended to use the main airport telephone number.

How to Get to the Airport

Getting to Baie-Comeau Airport (YBC), which serves the city of Baie-Comeau and its surroundings in Canada, is quite simple despite its regional status. The airport is located approximately 11 kilometres east of the city centre, and a trip by car usually takes about 15-20 minutes. The choice of transport depends on your budget, time, and preferences.

Taxis and Transfers are the most popular and convenient way to reach the airport. You can order a taxi from one of the local services or use a pre-booked shuttle. This is the fastest option, delivering you from door to door. The cost of a taxi ride from downtown Baie-Comeau will vary, but it is generally a more expensive option compared to others.

Car Rental is an excellent choice for those who plan not only to get to the airport but also to travel around the picturesque Côte-Nord region. Several rental companies operate at the airport and in the city itself. Having your own vehicle provides maximum freedom of movement. The road to the airport is well signposted, and navigation will not cause difficulties.

For travellers arriving in their own vehicle, convenient parking is provided on the territory of Baie-Comeau Airport. There are both short-term and long-term parking spaces located in immediate proximity to the terminal. This is a safe and reliable way to leave your car during your absence.

As for public transport, options for travelling to the airport may be limited. Direct bus routes from the city centre to the airport may be unavailable or run on an irregular schedule. It is strongly recommended to check the latest information on the local transport authority's website in advance to plan your route.

Terminals and Map

Baie-Comeau Airport (YBC) is a small regional airport characterised by a simple and clear structure. It consists of one compact terminal serving all domestic flights. Thanks to its modest size, the airport is extremely convenient for passengers, and navigating it presents no difficulty whatsoever.

The terminal layout is intuitive. Upon entering the building, you immediately find yourself in the general area where airline check-in counters are located. After checking in and dropping off luggage, passengers proceed to the single security screening point. Immediately behind it is a small waiting lounge with the boarding gate. The departure and arrival zones are located in the same building and are in close proximity to each other, so transfers between them are not required.

Check-in and security procedures at Baie-Comeau usually proceed very quickly due to the low passenger traffic. typically, all formalities take no more than 20-30 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 60-90 minutes before departure to go through all stages without rushing and await boarding.

Navigation within the terminal is extremely simple: all key zones — from check-in to the waiting lounge and baggage claim — are within sight. It is practically impossible to get lost here, making travel through this airport as comfortable as possible and eliminating the stress typical of large aviation hubs.

Airport History

Baie-Comeau Airport (YBC), located in the province of Quebec, Canada, has a rich history closely tied to the development of the Côte-Nord region. It opened in 1960 under the auspices of Transport Canada. From the very beginning of its existence, the air harbour played a strategic role, ensuring reliable communication for residents and businesses of this remote but industrially important area. The airport became a key link connecting Baie-Comeau with major cities such as Quebec City and Montreal.

A key stage in the modernisation of the airport was 1996, when management was transferred to the local non-profit organisation "Corporation de gestion de l'aéroport de Baie-Comeau". This allowed for a more flexible response to the region's needs. The most significant reconstruction took place in 2008: a new, spacious, and modern terminal building was grandly opened. Its area significantly exceeded the old terminal, allowing for increased passenger comfort and compliance with modern safety and service standards. In subsequent years, work was also carried out to update the runway and navigation equipment.

Throughout its history, Baie-Comeau Airport has not set records for passenger traffic on a national scale, but its main achievement is the uninterrupted provision of vital functions for the entire region. It plays an invaluable role in transporting workers for major industrial projects, as well as in emergency medical evacuations. An interesting fact: although the airport serves the city of Baie-Comeau, it is physically located in the neighbouring municipality of Pointe-Lebel. Today, it continues to be an important transport hub, supporting the economy and quality of life on the north shore of the Saint Lawrence River.

Services and Amenities

The Baie-Comeau Airport (YBC) is a compact regional air terminal serving the city of the same name and its surroundings in Canada. Given its size, the range of services here is focused on providing basic comfort for passengers awaiting their flight. One should not expect the infrastructure of a large international hub here, but everything necessary for a short stay is available.

In the airport terminal, you will find a limited selection of food outlets, typically a small café or vending machines with drinks and snacks. Shops, including Duty Free, are absent here. For passenger convenience, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, as well as zones for charging electronic devices. Specialised waiting lounges or VIP lounges are not provided at Baie-Comeau Airport.

The airport is equipped to receive passengers with reduced mobility: there are accessible restrooms and ramps. To receive assistance with boarding or moving around the terminal, it is recommended to contact your airline in advance. For travellers with small children, there are changing tables in the restrooms, but there are no separate play areas.

Financial services at the airport are minimal. An ATM may be installed, but currency exchange points are absent, so it is recommended to arrange currency exchange in the city beforehand. There are no specialised medical points, business centres, or conference halls within the terminal. The nearest hotels are located directly in the city of Baie-Comeau, which can be reached by taxi or rental car.

Dining

When planning a flight through Baie-Comeau Airport (YBC), it is important to consider that this is a small regional terminal, and the choice of dining establishments here is quite limited. Passengers should not expect a variety of restaurants and cafés as found in major international airports.

Typically, one small snack bar or cafeteria operates within the terminal. It offers a basic selection for a quick bite: ready-made sandwiches, pastries, crisps, chocolate, as well as hot and cold beverages such as coffee, tea, and soft drinks. This is the only option for those wishing to have a snack immediately before departure. The opening hours of this establishment are usually tied to the flight schedule — it opens shortly before departure and closes after the last plane has left.

Finding a full-service restaurant with hot meals or local cuisine specialties at the airport is, unfortunately, not possible. Additionally, specialized options for vegetarians, vegans, or those observing Halal or gluten-free diets are generally unavailable. If you have specific dietary requirements, it is strongly recommended to bring food with you.

For those counting on a hearty lunch or dinner, the best solution would be to eat at one of the establishments in the city of Baie-Comeau before arriving at the airport. Prices in the airport cafeteria correspond to the average level for similar establishments in airports across Canada, meaning they may be slightly higher than in the city.

Travel Tips

Travelling through Baie-Comeau Airport can be simple and convenient if you know a few nuances. To ensure your flight from this regional airport in Canada goes smoothly, make use of our tips.

Arrival Time: For domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 90 minutes to 2 hours before departure. This time is usually sufficient for check-in, baggage drop, and passing through security control without unnecessary haste, considering the small size of the airport.

Check-in and Security: To save time, use online check-in on your airline's website. Security checkpoints in regional airports often work faster than in large hubs, but the rules are standard: be ready to present your boarding pass and ID, and remove electronics and liquids from your hand luggage.

Seat Selection: If you want to enjoy views of the Saint Lawrence River and the picturesque landscapes of Quebec, choose a window seat. If freedom of movement and the ability to leave the cabin quickly after landing are more important to you, choose an aisle seat.

Hand Luggage: Remember the standard restriction on carrying liquids: all containers must be no more than 100 ml in volume and packed in a single transparent bag. Check your airline's weight and dimension limits for hand luggage in advance, as regional carriers may have stricter rules.

Connecting Passengers: If you have a connecting flight, clarify at check-in whether your luggage will be checked through automatically to the final destination. Plan enough time for the transfer at the major airport, especially if you have to go through border control.

Customs Control: Since most flights from Baie-Comeau are domestic, you will undergo customs and immigration control at the first airport of arrival in the country or at the last airport before departing Canada.

Saving Time and Money: Book tickets in advance, especially during peak seasons. Travelling with only hand luggage will save you baggage fees and waiting time at the carousel. Bring an empty water bottle to fill after security, and a light snack, as the selection in a small airport may be limited.

Flight Delays: In case of a delay, remain calm. Contact your airline representative for the latest information and to clarify your rights (for example, regarding meals or accommodation). In a small airport like Baie-Comeau, information is often communicated to passengers more promptly.

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