Makkovik Airport

Makkovik Airport sits on a gravel ridge overlooking the Labrador Sea, serving an Inuit community of around 400 people with no road connection to the rest of North America. The airport is the only practical year-round link to the outside world, handling a handful of weekly flights operated by Air Borealis from Goose Bay and other coastal settlements. The single runway, measuring roughly 1,200 metres, was paved only in the early 2000s. Before that, aircraft landed on gravel. The terminal building is small, utilitarian, and functional. There is no jetway, no baggage carousel, and no café. What the airport lacks in amenities it makes up for in reliability. In a region where winter storms can shut down travel for days, Makkovik Airport keeps a schedule that, while flexible, gets people where they need to go.

Getting There

Makkovik is reachable only by air or sea. There is no road into the community. The nearest town with road access is Happy Valley-Goose Bay, 180 kilometres southwest as the crow flies. By air, it is a 50-minute flight on a Twin Otter or Dash 8 operated by Air Borealis. The flight from Goose Bay departs once or twice daily depending on the day, with reduced schedules on weekends and public holidays. The airport is closed some days, so check ahead. From the landing strip, it is a short walk or a five-minute ride into the settlement — local taxis are available by pre-arrangement, or a ride can be arranged through the inn or guesthouse where you are staying. If you are arriving in winter, be prepared for the cold: temperatures routinely drop below minus 20 degrees Celsius, and the wind off the ocean can be biting. There is no covered walkway from the aircraft to the terminal. Dress warmly and have your layers ready.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal at Makkovik Airport is a single-storey building that handles both arrivals and departures. On entering, you are met by a small waiting room with seating for about 20 people. The check-in counter is a simple desk with a computer and a scale. There is a public announcement system but it is rarely used; the staff typically call out departure information by voice. The confirmed facilities include a wheelchair-accessible entrance — a ramp with handrails — and a car park directly in front of the building that can hold perhaps a dozen vehicles. There is one toilet, which is wheelchair-accessible, and a separate accessible toilet. There is no security screening beyond a basic check of identification and baggage. The atmosphere is calm, unhurried, and professional. Families see off travellers, hunters check their gear, and the occasional tourist arrives brightly dressed in new gear that will soon be stained with Labrador mud. The terminal does not have Wi-Fi or a charging station, so bring a fully charged phone. There is no food or drink available in the terminal; the nearest place to buy supplies is a convenience store a few minutes' walk into the village. If you have a long wait, it is worth walking over.

Makkovik Airport and Makkovik

Makkovik is a community defined by its isolation and its resilience. The settlement was established in the 19th century by Inuit families and Moravian missionaries. The name comes from the Inuktitut word for "two small islands" visible offshore. To this day, the community maintains a strong Inuit identity, with traditional practices such as seal hunting, fishing, and craftsmanship still central to local life. The landscape around Makkovik is stark and beautiful: rocky hills, tundra, and deep fjords. The coastline is dotted with small islands and sheltered coves that are best explored by boat. For visitors, the main attractions are the natural environment and the opportunity to experience Inuit culture first-hand. There is a small museum that displays artefacts from the Moravian mission era and traditional tools. During the summer, the Kaipokok River offers excellent salmon fishing. In winter, snowmobiling and ice fishing replace the summer activities. The community is small enough that everyone knows everyone, and visitors are treated with a polite curiosity. There is one restaurant and a handful of guesthouses. The only way in and out is by air or by seasonal barge service, which runs in late summer. For most travellers, the airport is the first and last experience of Makkovik. It is a calm, efficient place that does not pretend to be more than what it is — a vital link for a community that depends on the sky.

Practical Information

Makkovik Airport (YMN) is operated by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. The facility is open only on certain days; based on busiest times, it appears flights operate Monday through Thursday, though this can change with weather and demand. The official website for Air Borealis, the primary carrier, is https://www.airborealis.ca/en/. Phone enquiries can be directed to their Goose Bay office at 1-800-563-2800. There is no ATM inside the airport, so bring Canadian cash if you need it. The community has a Co-op store that accepts debit and credit cards. If you are flying out, arrive at least 30 minutes before departure — the terminal is small and check-in is quick, but flights sometimes leave early if everyone is aboard. One concrete piece of advice: always call ahead to confirm your flight, especially in winter. The airport has no public phone; the best number to use is the Air Borealis reservation line. If the flight is cancelled due to weather, the next opportunity might be days away. Plan your trip with a buffer, and pack a book.