Get ready to fly from a new terminal in Rankin Inlet
Elder seating and concession space planned for building as well
The new Rankin Inlet airport is fully operational and ready for passengers, says the Government of Nunavut. (File photo)
Beginning Tuesday, Rankin Inlet residents could access the hamlet’s new “fully accessible, barrier-free” airport terminal, the Government of Nunavut announced.
“I am very happy that the Rankin Inlet Air Terminal is open,” said Annie Tattuinee, MLA for Rankin Inlet South, in an email Tuesday.
Travellers throughout the Kivalliq Region will experience a more modern and comfortable space during their travels, she added.
The Rankin Inlet airport is the last of six recently announced projects to come online. In November 2024, the territory said it would build new terminals in Chesterfield Inlet, Naujaat, Whale Cove, Kugluktuk and Kimmirut, in addition to the larger Rankin Inlet project.
The $85-million price tag was split between the federal government at $63.5 million and the GN at $21.5 million.
The 2,650-square-metre facility has capacity for 508 passengers.
All operations have moved to the new building, including air traffic control, Greg Belanger, a spokesperson for Transportation and Infrastructure Nunavut, wrote Tuesday in an email.
A second phase of the project is slated to begin this summer and expected to be complete by April 2028. The almost 850-square-metres in additional space will include arrival and departure gates, concession space, an elders seating area and additional public art spaces, Belanger said.
In the meantime, the GN is advising travellers to allow for a little extra time when checking in for outbound travel.
Like a dungeon in there
Can’t see aircraft arriving
Windows are wrong side
Who want to see a garage
Engineer should be dismissed