Holman

Imagine an airport where the runway seems to dissolve into the endless Arctic tundra, and the silence is broken only by the hum of propellers and the wind carrying the scents of the polar sea. Holman Airport (now known as Ulukhaktok) is not just a point on a map, but a true gateway to the heart of the Canadian North, located on the remote Victoria Island. Here, amidst severe beauty and permafrost, every aircraft arrival becomes a small celebration, connecting the local community and rare travellers with the "mainland".

Airport Features and Highlights:

Ulukhaktok Airport possesses a unique northern charm. Its gravel runway requires special skill from pilots, turning every flight here into an exciting adventure. Although the airport terminal is modest in size, it is famous for its warm welcome—everyone knows everyone here, and the staff are always ready to assist travellers finding themselves above the Arctic Circle for the first time.

An important feature is its location: the airport serves as a key access point to one of the northernmost golf courses in the world, which hosts the famous Billy Joss Open tournament. In summer, when the sun practically never sets below the horizon, the airport operates in "Midnight Sun" mode, ensuring the delivery of cargo, mail, and tourists wishing to experience the authentic Inuit culture and see muskoxen in their natural habitat.

• Official Airport Website: Department of Infrastructure of the Northwest Territories (the airport does not have a separate website).
• Help Desk Phone: +1 867-396-3063 (Local Operations Office / Cargo Department), +1 800 267 1247 (Canadian North General Line).
• Airport Address: Ulukhaktok Airport, Ulukhaktok, NT X0E 0S0, Canada (approximately 3 km from the settlement centre).
• Email: yhiops@canadiannorth.com (Airport Operations), contact@canadiannorth.com (General Enquiries).
• Airport Social Media: None (it is recommended to follow news on the official pages of the Canadian North airline).
• Lost Luggage Information: Contact the air carrier (Canadian North) directly by phone at +1 403-537-5744 or at the check-in counter.
• Passenger Support Contacts: +1 800 661 3591 (Canadian North Central Office).

Transport connections between Holman Airport and the settlement of Ulukhaktok have unique specifics dictated by Arctic conditions. Since the airport is located just 3 kilometres from the community centre, the journey takes very little time but requires advance planning due to the lack of typical urban infrastructure.

Public Transport

There is no conventional public transport system in Ulukhaktok. You will not find scheduled buses, trains, or a metro here. Given the compactness of the settlement and the harsh climate, locals travel by private transport, and organised passenger transport is arranged on an individual basis.

Taxi and Transfer

This is the most reliable way to reach your destination. Since mobile coverage may be intermittent and services like Uber do not operate here, transfers must be organised in advance.

• Hotel Transfer: If you have booked a room at a local hotel (for example, the Ulukhaktok Arctic Hotel), be sure to contact them the day before your flight. They usually provide a free or low-cost transfer for their guests, meeting flights directly at the terminal exit.
• Local Taxi: Private carriers operate in the settlement. These are not classic taxis with signs, but local residents driving SUVs or pickup trucks. The cost of a trip to the centre is usually fixed and is around 15–20 CAD. Payment is accepted in cash only.

The travel time from the airport to the village centre is approximately 5–10 minutes by car.

Car Rental

There are no international car rental agency counters in the airport building. Renting a standard car in Ulukhaktok is extremely difficult. However, depending on the season, you can arrange to rent transport more suitable for the tundra in the village: a quad bike (ATV) in summer or a snowmobile in winter. It is worth enquiring about this at the local arts centre or the hotel.

Parking

Parking in front of the terminal consists of an open gravel area. It is not guarded, but the crime rate here is practically zero. Parking is free of charge. In winter (which lasts for most of the year here), cars are often left with the engine running or plugged into heaters so they do not freeze.

Important Recommendations for Travellers:

• Always carry Canadian dollars in small denominations to pay for fares.
• Dress very warmly, even if you just need to walk from the plane to the car. The wind at the airport can be piercing.
• If no one has met you, do not hesitate to ask airport staff or other locals—mutual assistance in the North is the main law of survival.

Air Connections in the Region

Given the vast distances in the Canadian North, the "nearest" airports are hundreds of kilometres away and often serve as important transfer hubs for Arctic travel:

• Kugluktuk Airport (345 km) — an important hub for connections to the mainland part of the Nunavut territory.
• Cambridge Bay Airport (518 km) — a major regional hub on Victoria Island.
• Mike Zubko Airport (Inuvik) (668 km) — the main gateway to the Western Arctic.
• Norman Wells (716 km) — located in the Mackenzie River valley.
• Resolute Bay Airport (867 km) — one of Canada's northernmost airports, a starting point for polar expeditions.

Terminal and Airport Structure

Holman Airport (Ulukhaktok) is a classic example of aviation infrastructure in the Canadian North. Here you will not find confusing mazes, travelators, or multi-level car parks. The entire airport complex consists of one small single-storey building (Air Terminal Building), which serves both departing and arriving passengers.

Map and Navigation

Navigation at YHI airport is intuitive and does not require maps or apps. Due to the compactness of the terminal, getting lost here is virtually impossible. The building is conditionally divided into several functional zones located in immediate proximity to each other:

• Check-in Zone: The airline counter (usually Canadian North) is located right at the entrance.
• Waiting Area: A small common space with seats where passengers wait for boarding.
• Baggage Claim Zone: There are no baggage conveyor belts. Baggage claim takes place manually in a designated area inside the terminal or directly at the building entrance.

Terminal Features

The terminal at Ulukhaktok Airport functions more as a shelter from harsh weather than an entertainment centre. There are no Duty Free shops, restaurants, or business lounges. It is a functional, warm space designed for short stays.

• No Airbridges: Passenger boarding and disembarking is always done via the tarmac. The aircraft stops near the terminal building, and passengers walk to the stairs across the apron.
• Accessible Environment: The building is single-storey, which facilitates access for passengers with reduced mobility; however, boarding the aircraft may require staff assistance (special ramps or ground crew assistance are usually used).
• Sanitary Facilities: There are toilets in the terminal.

Departure and Arrival Procedures

Despite its miniature size, the airport complies with all Canadian federal aviation security regulations adapted for small airports.

Check-in and Screening:

• Recommended arrival time at the airport is 60 minutes before departure. Check-in counters usually close 30–45 minutes before the flight leaves.
• Screening of carry-on and checked luggage may be conducted at the airport. Given the small number of passengers, queues here are a rarity, and formalities proceed quickly.
• Please note: strict weight restrictions apply to luggage on small aviation flights due to the specifics of small aircraft (such as the ATR 42 or Twin Otter).

Tips for Navigation and Stay:

The main recommendation for passengers in Ulukhaktok is to dress for the weather. Since you will be walking in the open air during boarding and disembarking, keep jackets, hats, and gloves handy, even if you are flying in summer. Inside the terminal it is warm, but doors open frequently, letting in Arctic air.

As there is no cafe in the terminal, it is recommended to bring water and a light snack with you, especially if the flight is delayed due to weather conditions, which is not uncommon for this region. The airport staff typically consists of local residents who are always ready to provide information on flight status or help with luggage.

The history of Holman Airport (YHI) is inextricably linked to the exploration of the Canadian Arctic and the life of the isolated community on Victoria Island. Unlike major international hubs that emerged on the wave of commercial tourism, this airport was born out of vital necessity—to ensure a reliable connection with the outside world in conditions where other roads simply do not exist.

From Ice Strips to Permanent Infrastructure

Before the appearance of a proper airfield, aviation connections with the settlement (then known as Holman) were episodic. In the mid-20th century, legendary "bush pilots" landed their planes, equipped with skis or floats, directly on the sea ice of the bay or on open water in summer. This was risky and heavily dependent on the whims of the weather.

The official history of the modern airport began in the 1970s, when the government of the Northwest Territories launched a massive programme to create permanent aviation infrastructure in remote communities. The construction of a gravel runway became a true engineering challenge: it was necessary to create a surface resistant to permafrost and extreme temperature fluctuations.

Name Change and a New Era

A significant milestone in the history of the air harbour was 2006. It was then that the settlement of Holman officially reclaimed its traditional Inuinnaqtun name—Ulukhaktok ("the place where parts for ulu are found", referring to traditional knives). Following the town, the official name of the airport was also adjusted, although the international code YHI remained the same, preserving the historical reference to the name Holman Island.

Modernisation and Development

Over the past decades, the airport has undergone a series of important upgrades aimed at improving flight safety in harsh polar conditions:

• Improved Navigation: Modern runway lighting systems and navigation beacons were installed, allowing flights to be received during the polar night when darkness lasts 24 hours a day.
• Terminal Update: The old wooden structure that served as a shelter for passengers was replaced with a more modern and energy-efficient modular building capable of retaining heat better.
• Runway Strengthening: The gravel surface is regularly updated and levelled to accommodate turboprop aircraft like the ATR and Dash 8, which have become the "workhorses" of the North.

Interesting Facts from Airport History

• Gateway for Art: In the 1960s-80s, even before the development of infrastructure, aviation played a key role in popularising the famous prints and lithographs of Holman artists. Planes transported works by local masters to galleries in southern Canada and the world, bringing fame to the region's culture.
• Unique "Cargo": Historically, the airport received not only passengers and mail. It was through here that materials for building the local school and even equipment for the golf club, which became the northernmost in Canada, were delivered to the settlement.
• Weather Records: The airfield has repeatedly witnessed extreme weather conditions. Pilots flying here in past decades had to land machines at temperatures below -50°C, when visibility was practically zero due to ice fog.

Today, Ulukhaktok Airport remains a symbol of resilience and a vital artery, without which it is impossible to imagine the modern history of this amazing region.

Services and Facilities in the Terminal

Travellers planning a flight to Ulukhaktok should adjust their expectations in advance. Holman Airport (YHI) is not a bustling international hub with shopping galleries, but a compact and functional outpost in the Arctic. The list of services provided here is minimal and dictated by strict necessity rather than commercial gain.

Dining and Shopping

There are no cafes, restaurants, coffee shops, or stores in the terminal building. There are not even the usual vending machines with snacks or drinks. In this regard, passengers are strongly advised to:

• Stock up on drinking water and food (sandwiches, energy bars) in advance before leaving for the airport, especially if you are travelling with children.
• Do not count on buying souvenirs or essential items at the airport—this can only be done in local settlement stores (for example, at The Holman Co-op) before arriving for your flight.

Communication and Finance

• Wi-Fi and Gadget Charging: Public free Wi-Fi in the terminal is usually absent or works unsteadily. There are few power sockets for charging phones, and they may be occupied. It is recommended to fully charge devices before leaving home or carry a portable power bank.
• ATMs and Currency Exchange: There are no bank branches, currency exchange points, or ATMs at the airport. Be sure to withdraw cash Canadian dollars in the village, as cards may not be accepted by local carriers, and cash will be indispensable in case of unforeseen expenses.

Waiting Areas and Business Services

The airport has one general waiting room. It is warm, clean, and has enough seating for passengers of a single flight. There is no separation into economy and business class, and no separate VIP lounges or business centres are provided. Conference rooms are also absent from the building.

Services for Passengers with Children and Reduced Mobility

The terminal infrastructure is basic, but the lack of automation is compensated by the helpfulness of the staff.

• For Families with Children: There are no nursing rooms or play areas at the airport. Given the short waiting time, this rarely becomes a problem, but parents should bring entertainment for little ones.
• For Passengers with Reduced Mobility: The building is single-storey, ensuring barrier-free access for wheelchairs. Restrooms are adapted. Since boarding the plane takes place from outside, airline staff always provide assistance when boarding, using special ramps or physical help if necessary. It is recommended to notify the airline of your needs at least 48 hours before departure.

Medical Assistance

There is no medical station or pharmacy at the airport. Staff are trained in first aid skills, but in case of serious health problems, it is necessary to contact the Ulukhaktok Health Centre located in the settlement.

Accommodation: Hotels Near the Airport

There are no hotels on the airport territory, and sleeping in the terminal is not permitted as it closes after flight operations. The only accommodation option is located in the village itself, 3 km from the runway:

• Ulukhaktok Arctic Hotel: A small but cosy hotel offering warm rooms, meals, and transfers to the airport. This is the centre of the village's social life, where both tourists and business travellers often stay.

Dining at the Airport: The Harsh Reality of the Arctic

Passengers departing from Holman Airport (YHI) should be prepared for the fact that the usual concept of "airport dining" is completely absent here. In the single small terminal, there are no restaurants, cafes, bars, or coffee shops. You will not even find snack machines (vending machines) or water coolers here.

This is due to the remoteness of the region and low passenger traffic. The airport functions exclusively as a transport hub, so travellers must address the issue of nutrition independently and in advance, before arriving for check-in.

Where to Eat Before Departure?

Since it is impossible to buy food at the airport itself, all gastronomic needs must be met in the settlement of Ulukhaktok (3 km from the terminal). Here are the main options:

• For a Full Meal: The only place where you can order hot food is the restaurant at the Ulukhaktok Arctic Hotel. They serve home-style dishes. The menu is simple but filling: soups, sandwiches, burgers, and sometimes local delicacies. It is recommended to have a hearty lunch here before transferring to the airport.
• For a Quick Snack (To Go): Visit the local store The Holman Co-op. This is the community's main supermarket where you can buy food for the road: biscuits, chocolate, canned goods, fruit (if there is a fresh shipment), juices, and bottled water.

Local Cuisine and Delicacies

Although there are no gourmet stalls at the airport, you can bring a "taste of the Arctic" with you. If you are lucky enough to be at the hotel or visiting locals during lunch, try or take with you (if permitted for transport):

• Arctic Char: The main fish of the region, which is prepared magnificently here—smoked, dried, or fried. Dried fish is an excellent snack for the plane.
• Muskox Meat: A unique product of Victoria Island. Usually served as steaks or burgers at the hotel, but sometimes you can find dried meat (jerky).
• Bannock: Traditional Inuit fried bread. It does not spoil for a long time, is filling, and is great for a snack in the waiting room.

Dietary Requirements (Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-Free)

Finding specialised nutrition in Ulukhaktok is extremely difficult.

• Vegetarians and Vegans: Choices will be limited to the assortment of the Co-op store (nuts, canned vegetables, bread). Fresh vegetables and fruits are scarce and expensive.
• Halal and Gluten-Free Products: Specialised labelling is rare. If you follow a strict diet, it is strongly recommended to bring a food supply with you from the "mainland" (major cities) when arriving in Ulukhaktok, as the necessary products may simply not be available locally. Note that Arctic Char (fish) is widely available and permissible for Halal diets.

Price Range

Be prepared for "northern prices". Due to complex logistics, the cost of products here is 2–3 times higher than in southern Canada.

• Light snack from the store (chocolate bar + water): 10–15 CAD.
• Lunch at the hotel: 30–50 CAD per person.

Tips for Travellers

• Water: Be sure to buy a bottle of water in the village. There are no drinking fountains at the airport, and tap water in the restrooms is technical/non-potable.
• Thermos: If you have a thermos with you, fill it with hot tea or coffee at the hotel before leaving. While waiting for a flight in the cool terminal or in the wind during boarding, this will be a lifesaver.
• Trash: If you eat food you brought with you in the waiting room, please take your trash with you or use the single bin in the hall—respect for cleanliness is highly valued here.

Travelling through Ulukhaktok Airport is a unique experience that differs greatly from flying through major international hubs. The laws of the North rule here, where the weather dictates the schedule, and comfort depends on your personal preparation. To ensure your flight goes smoothly, we have collected the most important practical tips.

Arrival Time Recommendations

Despite the terminal being tiny and queues being practically non-existent, punctuality is critically important. It is recommended to arrive at the airport 60 minutes before departure. Airline check-in counters (usually Canadian North) close strictly 45 minutes before (sometimes 30, but it is better not to risk it). Remember: the plane will not wait for latecomers, as the flight schedule in the Arctic is very tight.

Check-in and Security Features

• Documents: Keep your identification (passport or ID) in an easily accessible place. Staff may know locals by face, but tourists are always asked to present documents.
• Baggage Weighing: Be prepared for the fact that not only your suitcase but also your carry-on luggage will be weighed. Small aircraft have strict take-off weight limits. Paying for excess weight is more difficult here, and sometimes excess cargo simply cannot be taken on board.
• Screening: The procedure is quick and manual. Be polite to the staff—these are residents of one small community, and friendliness here opens any door.

Seat Selection Tips

On flights operated by small turboprop aircraft (such as the Twin Otter or ATR), a rule of open seating often applies. This means that seat numbers are not assigned on the boarding pass, and you take any available seat.

• Strategy: To get the best seat, try to stand at the beginning of the boarding line (but let families with children and the elderly go first).
• Views: Be sure to sit by a window. The flight over the frozen ocean, tundra, and rocky shores of Victoria Island will provide you with some of the best shots of your life. Keep your camera ready!

Carry-on Luggage: Do's and Don'ts

The main rule for carry-on luggage in Ulukhaktok is compactness.

• Dimensions: Overhead bins in small aircraft cabins are very narrow. A standard cabin-size suitcase will not fit there. Study the SkyCheck (Valet Service) rules: large carry-on items will be taken from you right at the stairs before entering the plane and returned there immediately after landing.
• Bag Type: Use soft backpacks or sports bags—they are easier to place under the seat.
• Vital Items: Never check warm clothes (jacket, hat), vital medications, or chargers. In case of a delay or an unforeseen landing at another airfield, they must be with you.

Recommendations for Connecting Passengers

Ulukhaktok Airport is a final or intermediate point on local routes. If you are flying further to Yellowknife, Edmonton, or other major cities:

• Allow Time: Weather in the North is unpredictable. Leave at least 3–4 hours (or better yet, a day) for a connection at a hub airport (e.g., Yellowknife) if you have separate tickets.
• Single Ticket: Try to book your flight as a single reservation. In this case, the airline is obliged to take care of you (provide hotel and meals) in case of a missed connection due to weather conditions.

Customs Control

Holman Airport serves exclusively domestic flights within Canada. There is no customs or border control here. If you are arriving from abroad, you will go through all formalities at the first airport of arrival in Canada (Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, etc.) before transferring to a domestic flight.

Tips for Saving Time and Money

• Cash: Carry 20–40 CAD in cash in small notes. This will save you stress when paying for a taxi to the village, as payment terminals may not work due to connection issues.
• Food to Go: Food prices in Ulukhaktok are very high (2-3 times higher than in the south). Buy snacks and water in advance in the "big city" before flying to the North. It is impossible to buy food at the airport itself.
• Transfer: Arrange a transfer with your hotel in advance. This is often free or cheaper than calling a private driver on the spot.

What to Do in Case of Flight Delay

Delays and cancellations due to fog, blizzards, or wind are common in the Arctic.

• Stay Calm: Shouting and indignation will not improve the weather. Local staff do everything possible for your safety.
• Stay in Touch: Do not go far from the terminal if the flight is delayed "until weather improves". The situation can change in 15 minutes.
• Entertainment: There is no Wi-Fi at the airport (or it is very weak). Download movies, music, or take a paper book in advance.
• Plan "B": Keep the phone number of the Ulukhaktok Arctic Hotel handy. If the flight is cancelled completely, rooms can run out quickly, so it is better to book a room immediately after the cancellation announcement.