Natuashish Airport

Natuashish Airport (YNP) is not merely a transport hub, but a true "lifeline" for the settlement of the same name in the rugged and beautiful Labrador. Located far from bustling metropolises and highways, this small air terminal serves as the main gateway for local residents and explorers of the wild northern nature. There is none of the usual hustle and bustle of giant hubs here; instead, one feels the authentic spirit of the Canadian North, where every arriving aircraft is a significant event connecting the community with the outside world.

Features and Advantages of the Airport:

The main feature of Natuashish Airport is its critical importance to the region. Since it is impossible to reach the settlement by land via car, the air harbour ensures the delivery of food, medicines, and mail, and is also the only fast method of passenger transport to major centres such as Goose Bay.

The airport features a gravel runway approximately 760 metres long, which allows it to accommodate only small turboprop aircraft specially adapted to difficult northern conditions. Passengers should note that the airport's operation depends heavily on the changeable Labrador weather: fog and snowfall often lead to adjustments in the flight schedule.

As Natuashish Airport (YNP) is a small regional landing strip in a remote area, it does not possess the usual infrastructure of a large airport (such as its own call centre, marketing department, or separate website). Primary information support for passengers is provided by the air carrier.

• Official Airport Website: The airport does not have its own website. Current flight schedules and flight status information must be checked on the official website of the main carrier — Air Borealis (www.airborealis.ca).
• Inquiry Service Phone: The direct line to the terminal is often unavailable to passengers. For inquiries, booking, and confirming departure times, use the unified number for Air Borealis / PAL Airlines: +1 800-563-2800 (calls from Canada and USA) or +1 709-576-1300 (international).
• Airport Address: Natuashish Airport, Natuashish, Newfoundland and Labrador, A0P 1A0, Canada. (The airport is located approximately 3 km west of the settlement).
• Email: There is no public email for passenger inquiries. It is recommended to use the feedback form on the airline's website.
• Airport Social Media: Official accounts are absent. Regional news is sometimes published on the "Mushuau Innu First Nation" community pages.
• Lost Luggage Information: The airline handles the search for belongings. Please contact an Air Borealis representative immediately upon arrival (in the airport building) or call the carrier's baggage claim department at +1 709-576-3093.
• Passenger Support Contacts: Support is provided by airline staff at the check-in counter before departure or upon flight arrival.

When planning a trip to Natuashish Airport, it is important to understand the specifics of this region. Natuashish is an isolated community lacking the transport infrastructure typical of large cities. There is no rail service, metro, or regular bus routes here. The road network is local and limited to the settlement itself and the approach to the airport; it is impossible to drive here from other regions of Canada.

The distance from the settlement centre to the terminal is only about 3 kilometres. The journey takes no more than 10–15 minutes, however, the time may increase depending on weather conditions and the state of the gravel road, especially during winter or the thaw season.

Transfer and Taxi Options:

In Natuashish, there are no official taxi services with meters or apps like Uber. Transport connections rely on private arrangements:

• Host Transfer: This is the most reliable method. If you are flying to Natuashish for work or as a guest, be sure to arrange in advance for someone to meet you or take you to your flight. Locals typically use pickup trucks and SUVs.
• Seasonal Transport: In winter, snowmobiles often become the main means of transport, and in summer — quad bikes (ATVs). Be prepared that the trip to the plane may become a genuine open-air adventure.
• Private Rides: On-site, you can try to arrange a ride with local residents for cash, but there are no fixed tariffs. The cost of the trip is usually symbolic or negotiable (approximately 10–20 CAD).

Public Transport and Car Rental:

Classic public transport (buses) is absent in the village. Car rental agencies (such as Hertz or Avis) are also not represented here. If you need a vehicle to move around the community, this issue must be resolved individually through local contacts or the settlement administration.

Parking:

Near the small terminal building, there is an open area serving as a car park. It is unguarded and unmarked. Parking fees are generally not charged. When leaving a vehicle (snowmobile or car), ensure it does not obstruct the passage of equipment maintaining the runway.

Nearest Airports and Transport Hubs:

Since Natuashish has no ground connection to the "mainland", connection with the outside world is maintained through regional hubs and neighbouring settlements. The main transfer hub for most travellers is Goose Bay Airport (Happy Valley-Goose Bay), located approximately 290 km to the south. It is from there that most regular flights to remote corners of Labrador originate.

Air transport also connects Natuashish with other settlements in the region:

• Nain (about 77 km) — the northernmost settlement of Labrador, often the next destination for flights departing from Natuashish.
• Rigolet (about 260 km) — another remote community accessible by air.
• To the west, at a significant distance, lie hubs such as Schefferville Airport (377 km) and the major mining centre Wabush Airport (about 496 km), although direct flights there may not be available.

The terminal complex of Natuashish Airport (YNP) is designed to be maximally simple and functional, fully consistent with the status of a small regional airport in a remote area. You will not find confusing corridors, multiple floors, or complex navigation systems typical of international hubs here.

Terminal Structure

The airport possesses only one passenger terminal. It is a small single-storey building compactly housing all necessary services for passenger processing and cargo handling. The terminal serves both arriving and departing domestic flights (primarily Air Borealis flights).

Zoning and Navigation

Navigation inside the terminal is intuitive, and it is impossible to get lost. The internal space is divided into several main functional zones:

• Check-in Zone: Located immediately at the entrance. Here you will find counters for ticketing and baggage acceptance. Given the low passenger flow, queues rarely form, and airline staff often know frequent flyers by sight.
• Waiting Hall: A small room with seating where passengers await boarding. This zone is common for all flights.
• Baggage Claim Area: There are no separate baggage belts or "carousels" in Natuashish. Luggage is unloaded manually by airport staff and handed to passengers either in a designated sector inside the building or directly at the aircraft side/on a cart near the entrance, depending on the weather.

Transfers and Boarding

The airport lacks jet bridges or buses to transport passengers to the aircraft. Boarding takes place directly from the waiting hall onto the apron.

Important Feature: Passengers face a short walk from the terminal building to the aircraft in the open air. Given the harsh climate of Labrador, in winter, as well as spring and autumn, it is necessary to dress appropriately for the weather. The apron surface can be slippery or snow-covered, so comfortable flat shoes are recommended.

Check-in and Security Procedures

Despite the intimate nature of the airport, federal Canadian aviation security regulations apply here. However, procedures are much faster than in large cities.

• Arrival Time: It is recommended to arrive at the airport 45–60 minutes before the departure time indicated on the ticket. Although the building is small, airlines strictly close flight manifests 30 minutes before departure to calculate the aircraft's weight and balance.
• Security Check: The security check procedure is simplified compared to international flights, but passengers and hand luggage are still subject to inspection.

Recommendations for Passengers

Infrastructure inside the terminal is minimal. There are no cafes, restaurants, ATMs, or Duty-Free shops. Toilets are available, but their number is limited. If you have a wait before your flight, it is recommended to arrange for snacks and water in advance, as well as fully charge your gadgets, as the number of power outlets in the waiting hall may be limited.

The history of Natuashish Airport is unique in that, unlike many other air harbours in the world that developed over decades, it appeared on maps relatively recently. Its fate is inextricably linked with one of the most large-scale and complex logistical projects in the modern history of the Canadian North — the founding of a new settlement for the Innu community.

Foundation and Opening

The airport was designed and built in the early 2000s. Its opening coincided with the official relocation of residents from the old village of Davis Inlet (Utshimassits) to the new location — Natuashish. Full operation of the runway began in 2002–2003, when the main phase of the community's move started. The airport became the first and most critical infrastructure object ensuring the transfer of people and necessary cargo to the undeveloped territory.

Comparison with Predecessor

Before the appearance of this airport, air communication was carried out via the old strip in Davis Inlet. It had a notorious reputation as one of the most difficult in the region due to poor location, short length, and frequent flooding. The construction of Natuashish Airport (YNP) was a significant step forward in terms of safety: the new strip was laid on a more suitable site, taking into account wind patterns and terrain features.

Development and Modernisation

Since the airport was originally built considering modern requirements for regional aviation (albeit small-scale), it has not undergone radical reconstruction typical of older airfields. The main stages of its development are related to maintaining functionality in harsh climatic conditions:

• Safety Infrastructure: Shortly after opening, the airport was equipped with navigational lighting equipment, allowing flights to be performed in conditions of polar twilight and low light, which is critical for air ambulance services.
• Surface Improvement: Regular work on compacting and levelling the gravel surface is conducted annually. In northern conditions, the ground is subject to heaving due to permafrost, so "modernisation" here is a continuous process of battling nature for a level runway.

Interesting Facts from Airport History:

• Airport as the City's Foundation: In fact, the settlement of Natuashish was built "around" the capabilities of this airport. Without a reliable air bridge, the construction of residential houses, a school, and a clinic in this isolated area would have been impossible.
• Absence of Asphalt: Throughout its history, the strip has never been paved with asphalt. A gravel surface is considered easier to repair and more reliable for local conditions, where temperature fluctuations can quickly destroy a hard surface.
• Role in Medicine: Since opening, the airport has become a key link in the emergency medical care system. Historically, this location sees the highest number of air ambulance (Medevac) flights per capita in the region, saving lives in emergency situations.

Services and facilities at Natuashish Airport (YNP) correspond to its status as a remote northern airfield. Infrastructure here is reduced to the absolute minimum necessary for the safe departure and arrival of passengers. Travellers should be prepared for spartan conditions and arrange in advance for many things that are taken for granted in large international hubs.

Dining and Shops

The terminal building lacks cafes, restaurants, coffee shops, and vending machines. There are also no duty-free shops or newsstands. If you have a flight, it is strongly recommended to buy water and food in the settlement beforehand or bring a snack with you. The nearest grocery store is located only in Natuashish itself, 3 kilometres from the airstrip.

Connectivity and Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi for passengers in the terminal is usually absent or works unstably. Mobile coverage in the airport area is available, but signal quality and mobile internet speed may depend on your operator and weather conditions. Charging stations for phones and laptops are not provided, and the number of free power outlets in the waiting hall is extremely limited, so it is worth carrying a fully charged power bank.

Business Lounges and VIP Services

There is no division into service classes at Natuashish Airport. There are no VIP halls, business lounges, or separate meeting rooms. All passengers await departure in a single common hall. Conference services are not provided on the airport territory.

Financial Services

ATMs, currency exchange points, and bank branches are absent in the terminal. Since card payments in remote areas may be unavailable due to connection interruptions, travellers are strongly advised to carry a sufficient supply of cash (Canadian Dollars) before arriving at the airport.

Medical Aid and Services for Children

There is no pharmacy or stationary medical point in the building. First aid is provided by airport or airline staff who have basic training, until medics arrive from the village. Mother and child rooms or play areas are not provided in the terminal.

Passengers with Reduced Mobility

Despite the simplicity of the building (absence of stairs and lifts facilitates movement), infrastructure for passengers with reduced mobility is limited. The main difficulty is boarding the aircraft, which is done from the street via stairs. Air Borealis staff are always ready to provide physical assistance with boarding and disembarking, however, the carrier must be notified of the need for such assistance at least 48 hours before departure.

Hotels and Accommodation

There are no hotels on the airport territory or within walking distance. The only accommodation option for travellers is the Natuashish Hotel, located directly in the settlement. The number of rooms in this small hotel is limited, so accommodation must be booked well in advance. Transfers to the hotel must be organised independently or by arrangement with the hosting party.

Given the remoteness and specification of Natuashish Airport (YNP), the issue of dining stands apart here. Passengers need to adjust their expectations in advance: this is not an airport where you can have a cup of coffee before departure or dine in a restaurant overlooking the runway.

Restaurants and Cafes

The sole passenger terminal of the airport completely lacks public catering establishments. There are no:

• Cafes, lounges, or restaurants;
• Coffee points;
• Vending machines with snacks or drinks.

The departure and arrival zones are in one small room, and it is impossible to buy food in any part of the building (neither in the general area nor in the boarding waiting area).

Dining Recommendations ("Bring Your Own" Strategy)

Since food cannot be purchased on-site, travellers must take care of provisions themselves. The best option is to bring food with you.

• For a quick snack: It is recommended to carry granola bars, nuts, dates, crackers, or chocolate — items that have a long shelf life and do not require special temperature conditions.
• For a full meal: If you face a long wait or a flight with transfers, prepare sandwiches or a container of food in advance while still in the Natuashish settlement or at your point of departure (e.g., in Goose Bay). Remember that there will be nowhere to heat food in the terminal.

Where to Buy Food Nearby?

The nearest point where groceries can be purchased is the General Store (Natuashish Community Store), located in the settlement itself, approximately 3 km from the airport. The assortment there is basic, and prices may be higher than in large cities due to complex delivery logistics. If you have already arrived at the airport, returning to the store on foot will be problematic, so purchases must be made before the transfer.

Special Dietary Requirements (Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-Free)

Given the absence of any food service, passengers with special dietary needs (vegans, those with allergies, or those observing religious norms such as Halal) should be especially attentive. The chance of finding specialized products (gluten-free or specific Halal items) even in the local village store is slim. It is strongly recommended to purchase all necessary specific products in major hub centres (for example, before flying from Montreal, St. John's, or Goose Bay) and carry them with you.

Drinks and Water

There are no drinking fountains in the terminal. The quality of tap water in the restrooms may not be suitable for drinking. Be sure to bring a supply of bottled water, especially if travelling with children, as there will be nowhere to buy it after passing check-in.

Travelling through Natuashish Airport is a unique experience, vastly different from flights through major international hubs. Unspoken rules prevail here, dictated by the harsh climate and the specifics of small aviation. To ensure your flight is as comfortable as possible, we have compiled several useful tips.

Arrival Time and Check-in

Despite the miniature size of the terminal, do not arrive right at departure time. The optimal arrival time is 60 minutes before departure. This is not due to queues, but strictly due to loading rules for small aircraft. Airlines close check-in and hand over manifests to pilots for weight and balance calculations 30–45 minutes before engine start. Being late by even 5 minutes can result in denied boarding.

Security and Screening Features

The screening procedure here is more relaxed but vigilant. Since body scanners may be absent, screening is often conducted visually or using handheld metal detectors. Be prepared to present identification (passport or Canadian ID) to the staff at the counter. Liquids in hand luggage usually do not cause the same issues as in large airports, but rules regarding dangerous items (knives, weapons, flammable substances) are strictly enforced.

Seat Selection and Views

On flights operated by small aircraft like the Twin Otter or Dash 8, an open seating rule often applies — seats are not assigned on the boarding pass.

• For best views: Take a window seat. The flight over Labrador reveals stunning panoramas of the tundra, lakes, and rocky coastline.
• For comfort: If you are prone to motion sickness, choose seats closer to the wing (the aircraft's centre of gravity), where turbulence is felt less.
• Noise: Turboprop planes are quite noisy, so having noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs will be a big plus.

Hand Luggage: What to Consider

Overhead bins in local aviation cabins are tiny or non-existent. A standard "cabin size" suitcase will definitely not fit.

• Take only soft backpacks or small bags into the cabin that can be stowed under the seat in front.
• Use the Valet Service (SkyCheck): you leave large hand luggage on a cart right at the aircraft stairs before boarding and collect it at the same spot immediately after landing.

Tips for Transit Passengers

Most travellers fly through the hub airport of Goose Bay (Happy Valley-Goose Bay). If you have a connection with a major airline flight (e.g., Air Canada) to the "mainland", allow at least 3–4 hours for the transfer, or better yet, plan an overnight stay in Goose Bay. Weather in Natuashish is unpredictable, and a flight delay of several hours is common. Luggage on a single ticket with Air Borealis / PAL Airlines is usually checked through to the final destination, but always confirm this at the counter.

Customs Control

Natuashish Airport handles only domestic flights. There is no customs or border control here. If you are an international tourist, you will complete all formalities at the first major airport of arrival in Canada (e.g., in Montreal, Toronto, or Halifax) before heading north.

Economy and Life Hacks

• Weight matters: Baggage allowances on small flights are stricter, and excess weight is expensive. Weigh your bags in advance.
• Wear your clothes: Wear your heaviest and bulkiest set of clothes (winter parka, boots) during boarding to save weight in your luggage.
• Cash: Always carry cash Canadian Dollars. If the baggage payment terminal "freezes" due to poor connection, cash will save the situation.

Actions During Flight Delays

In Natuashish, the weather dictates the schedule. Fog or blizzards can stop flights for a day or more.

• Monitor the forecast: If the forecast predicts bad weather, contact the airline in advance.
• Don't go far: If the flight is delayed, stay within reach. As soon as a "weather window" appears, boarding can be announced very quickly.
• Backup plan: Have contacts for a local hotel or acquaintances in the settlement in case the flight is rescheduled for the next day. Airlines often do not provide accommodation for weather-related cancellations.