The Government of Canada invests $85.5 million to rehabilitate the Rankin Inlet Airport and strengthen Arctic and northern connectivity

Northern and Arctic communities, including Indigenous communities, rely on safe and reliable transportation infrastructure to support daily life, economic activity, and access to essential goods and services.

September 28, 2026            Rankin Inlet, Nunavut             Transport Canada

Northern and Arctic communities, including Indigenous communities, rely on safe and reliable transportation infrastructure to support daily life, economic activity, and access to essential goods and services. As climate change puts increasing pressure on northern transportation systems, investments in all-season infrastructure are helping communities stay connected, while strengthening supply chains and supporting Canada’s security and sovereignty in the Arctic.

Today, the Honourable Rebecca Chartrand, Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, on behalf of the Honourable Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, celebrated the grand opening of the Rankin Inlet air terminal building and announced federal funding of $85.5 million through the Arctic Infrastructure Fund (AIF) to support the Rankin Inlet Airfield Rehabilitation Project.

This investment builds on a previously announced investment from National Trade Corridors Fund (NTCF) which funded the Rankin Inlet air terminal building. It will help the full rehabilitation of the airport’s runaway which will enhance the reliability and safety of air transportation in the Kivalliq region. As a critical gateway for northern communities, the airport plays an essential role in moving passengers, cargo, and vital supplies and services, including food and medical equipment.