Aéroport de Kuujjuarapik (YGW)

Kuujjuarapik Airport (IATA: YGW / ICAO: CYGW) is a regional airport located in the village of Kuujjuarapik, within the Nord-du-Québec region in Canada. Nestled on the eastern shore of Hudson Bay, Kuujjuarapik serves as a crucial transportation hub for the primarily Indigenous community, which includes both Inuit and Cree populations.

Historically, the airport has been pivotal in connecting this remote region to other parts of Quebec and Canada, facilitating not only passenger travel but also the transport of goods and essential services. Established to cater to the needs of the local population, Kuujjuarapik Airport has grown in importance over the years, adapting its facilities and services to meet the evolving demands of the community it serves.

The airport's operations are predominantly domestic, focusing on regional connections. While it does not handle a large volume of flights compared to major international airports, Kuujjuarapik Airport is crucial for maintaining the lifeline between the isolated northern communities and larger urban centers. On average, the airport handles a modest number of flights annually, serving several thousand passengers. The airport’s carriers primarily include small regional airlines that offer scheduled flights, charter services, and cargo transport.

Despite its size, the airport plays a vital role in the daily lives of Kuujjuarapik's residents, supporting medical evacuations, mail delivery, and other critical services. Its existence underlines the significant role that regional airports play in bridging vast distances in Canada's sparsely populated northern regions.