Coral Harbour Airport

Coral Harbour Airport (YZS) is not just a runway, but a true aerial gateway to the heart of the Canadian Arctic. Located in the Kivalliq region of Nunavut, it is a vital artery connecting the isolated Inuit community of Coral Harbour with the rest of the world. For travelers, it is the starting point into a world of pristine nature, unique culture, and unforgettable adventures in the vast expanses of Canada, on the shores of Hudson Bay.

The main feature of Coral Harbour Airport lies in its critical importance to the region. It is not a huge transport hub with shops and restaurants, but a compact and functional terminal, fully focused on the needs of local residents and the few tourists. The airport ensures the delivery of mail, groceries, and medicines, serving as the only year-round way to reach the "mainland."

For the traveler, this means a unique experience. Taking off and landing on a gravel runway with views of the endless tundra is an adventure in itself. The airport is the starting point for expeditions to observe polar bears, walruses, and belugas, as well as to learn about the daily life and art of the Inuit. There is no unnecessary bustle here — only the pure anticipation of exploring one of the wildest and most beautiful corners of the planet.

There are several ways to contact representatives of Coral Harbour Airport (YZS). It is important to remember that this is a small regional airport, so some services familiar to major hubs may be unavailable or managed directly by the airlines.

• Official Website: Coral Harbour Airport does not have its own website. Management is carried out by the Government of Nunavut, and general information is available on their official resources.
• Inquiry Service Phone: +1 867-925-9721.
• Airport Address: Coral Harbour Airport, Coral Harbour, Nunavut, X0C 0C0, Canada.
• Email: There is no specialized email address for general inquiries. It is recommended to use the phone for communication.
• Social Media: The airport does not maintain official pages on social networks.
• Lost Luggage Information: For all questions related to searching for lost or damaged luggage, you must contact the airline you traveled with directly.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For assistance with tickets, check-in, and special services, please contact your airline.

Getting to Coral Harbour Airport (YZS) from the settlement of the same name is not a difficult task, but it requires prior preparation. It is important to understand that Coral Harbour is a small and remote settlement in northern Canada, and the transport infrastructure here differs significantly from major cities. The airport is located approximately 11 km from the village, and the trip by car takes about 10-15 minutes.

Taxis and Transfers are the main and most reliable way to get to the airport. Taxi services in the usual sense are absent here; however, local residents and hotels provide transfer services using SUVs, trucks, or, depending on the season, snowmobiles and ATVs. It is highly recommended to arrange a ride in advance, ideally through your place of accommodation (hotel or guest house) when booking. The cost of the trip will be higher than in the southern regions of the country due to remoteness and high operating costs.

Public Transport and Car Rental are absent in Coral Harbour. There are no regular bus routes, railways, or metro systems here. You will also not find branches of major car rental companies such as Hertz or Avis. Movement around the village and surrounding areas is carried out mainly by private transport. Some local entrepreneurs may unofficially offer ATV or snowmobile rentals, but this is not a standard service for tourists arriving at the airport.

Parking at the Airport is available but represents a simple lot rather than a multi-level parking garage. It is intended for those dropping off or picking up passengers, as well as for short-term parking of local residents' vehicles. If you plan to leave your transport for a long period, it is worth clarifying the conditions on-site, but usually, there is no need for this, as most travelers use transfer services.

Key Recommendations:

• Book your transfer in advance. This is the most important piece of advice. Contact your hotel or guide to organize a meeting at the airport.
• Be prepared for the specifics of the North. Transport may be atypical (for example, a ride in the back of a pickup truck or on a snowmobile), and the weather can be unpredictable.
• Budget for higher transport costs compared to other regions of Canada.

Coral Harbour Airport (YZS) is a small regional airport serving the settlement of the same name in Nunavut, Canada. Its structure is extremely simple and functional, which is typical for aerial gateways in remote northern regions. There is only one passenger terminal operating here, which handles all operations — from check-in to baggage claim.

The terminal building is a compact single-story structure where it is practically impossible to get lost. The airport layout is intuitive: upon entering, you will immediately see the check-in counters. Departure and arrival zones are not separated into large complexes as in major hubs. Essentially, it is one common space. The departure zone includes several counters for check-in and a small waiting area for passengers who have passed security. The arrival zone is the place where passengers enter immediately after disembarking from the aircraft and where the baggage claim belt (or area) is located.

Since there is only one terminal, the question of transfers between them is irrelevant, which significantly simplifies navigation. All procedures, including flight check-in and security screening, proceed very quickly due to the small passenger flow. As a rule, flights are serviced one by one. It is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 60-90 minutes before departure to complete all formalities without rushing. Boarding the aircraft is done by walking across the airfield.

The main advice for navigating Coral Harbour Airport is not to worry. The entire process from entering the building to boarding the plane takes place in one small room where everything is within walking distance. The airport is designed with a focus on efficiency and convenience for residents and guests of this Arctic region, so your journey will begin or end without unnecessary stress.

The history of Coral Harbour Airport (YZS) is not a tale of giant terminals and millions of passengers, but rather a chronicle of the development of the Canadian North and the sustenance of an isolated community. Its importance to the region is difficult to overestimate, as for many decades it has been the only year-round connecting thread between the residents of Southampton Island and the rest of the world.

The airport was built in the mid-20th century, in an era when the government of Canada was actively developing infrastructure in the Arctic. Like many other northern airfields, its appearance was partly linked to Cold War-era projects requiring the creation of a network of runways at strategically important points. Initially, it was a simple gravel strip, but its creation became a turning point for the settlement, ensuring the possibility for emergency medical evacuation and the delivery of urgent cargo.

Over time, the airport underwent several key stages of modernization. The runway was improved and equipped with modern lighting systems, allowing flights to be received in the difficult weather conditions of the polar night. The old terminal building was replaced with a more modern and functional one, offering basic comfort for passengers awaiting their flights in the harsh Arctic climate. With the creation of the Nunavut territory in 1999, management of the airport passed to the local government, highlighting its key role in the life of the region.

Coral Harbour Airport cannot boast records for passenger traffic or the number of take-offs and landings. Its main achievement is uninterrupted operation in extreme conditions. It is a true "lifeline" for the community, especially in winter when the frozen Hudson Bay makes maritime communication impossible. It is through this air hub that mail, fresh produce, and other vital goods arrive in the settlement, and residents gain access to medical services on the "mainland." Thus, the history of airport YZS is a history of resilience, engineering thought, and the indispensable role of aviation in mastering the Far North.

Coral Harbour Airport (YZS) is a small regional airport serving the settlement of the same name in Nunavut, Canada. Given its remote location and compact size, the range of services here is focused on meeting the basic needs of passengers. The terminal is a simple building with a waiting area and basic amenities, such as restrooms.

There are no restaurants, cafes, or shops in the airport building. Passengers are advised to carry snacks and water with them, especially if there is a wait for a flight. Wi-Fi access and specialized stations for charging electronic devices are generally not provided, so it is worth taking care of this in advance. VIP lounges or business lounges are not available at the airport.

Basic accessibility conditions are ensured for passengers with disabilities. However, to receive special assistance, for example, when boarding the aircraft, it is necessary to contact your airline in advance. Specialized services for passengers with children, such as play areas or nursing rooms, are absent. ATMs, currency exchange points, and medical rooms do not operate on the airport territory.

There are no hotels directly at the airport. Accommodation options can be found in the Coral Harbour settlement itself, which must be reached by transport. Facilities for holding business meetings, such as conference rooms or business centers, are also not offered at the airport.

When planning a departure from Coral Harbour Airport (YZS), it is important to consider that this is a small regional airport serving a remote settlement in Canada. In this regard, dining options on its premises are extremely limited and not comparable to major aviation hubs.

In the airport building, you will not find restaurants, cafes, or bars with a full menu. As a rule, only vending machines with drinks (water, soda) and basic snacks (chips, chocolate bars) are available to passengers. Specialized offerings, such as vegetarian, gluten-free, or Halal dishes, are not provided here.

Given this feature, it is strongly recommended to eat in advance in the settlement of Coral Harbour before traveling to the airport. It would also be a wise decision to bring your own snacks and drinks, especially if you face a long wait for a flight or transfer. Such an approach will allow you to avoid inconvenience and make your journey more comfortable.

Traveling through Coral Harbour Airport (YZS) is an experience that differs from flying through major international hubs. To ensure your trip to this unique corner of Canada goes smoothly, use our tips that take into account the specifics of this small Arctic airport.

Arrival at the Airport and Check-in. Despite the modest size of the airport, it is recommended to arrive at least 90 minutes before departure. Airlines serving northern routes strictly observe check-in deadlines. Check-in and screening procedures here are faster than in metropolises, but having all documents (passport, ticket) at hand will speed up the process. Security screening complies with standard Canadian rules, so be prepared for a check of your carry-on luggage.

Hand Luggage and Seat Selection. Rules for carrying liquids (up to 100 ml in a transparent bag) and prohibited items are standard. However, regional airlines may have stricter restrictions on the weight and size of hand luggage, so be sure to clarify this information on your carrier's website. If possible, choose a window seat — the views of the Arctic landscapes during takeoff and landing are truly unforgettable.

Transfers and Customs. Coral Harbour Airport serves only domestic flights. If you are flying from another country, you will pass through customs and immigration control at the first Canadian airport of arrival (for example, in Winnipeg or Ottawa). When planning a route with transfers, allow sufficient time between flights. Weather conditions in the Arctic are unpredictable and can cause delays, so a layover of 3-4 hours in a major hub would be a reasonable precaution.

Economy and Contingencies. To save money, book tickets and accommodation in advance, as last-minute options are limited and expensive. There are practically no shops at the airport, so bring light snacks and drinks purchased after security at your departure airport. The most frequent problem here is flight delays due to weather. In case of a delay, remain calm and follow the instructions of airline representatives. Always keep essential items in your hand luggage: medicines, a phone charger, a warm sweater, and a book.