North Bay's Airport: Does It Exist?

North Bay, a city in Ontario, Canada, is served by the North Bay/Jack Garland Airport (IATA: YYB, ICAO: CYYB), a small airport with domestic flights and some international connections. The airport is located 4.6 miles north-northeast of the city and is named after Jack Garland, a longtime Member of Parliament for North Bay's Nipissing electoral district. The airport offers modern facilities and efficient navigation for travellers, with separate terminals for domestic and international flights. It is easily accessible by car, taxi, or public transit and provides various amenities, including duty-free shopping, dining options, and business services, as well as currency exchange and a lost and found department. Passengers can also take advantage of complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi and lounges to enhance their comfort during layovers.

North Bay Airport's location and ownership

North Bay does have an airport, known as the North Bay/Jack Garland Airport, located in Ontario, Canada. The airport is situated at Hornell Heights, about 4.6 miles (7.4 km) north-northeast of the city of North Bay. It is positioned adjacent to the Canadian Forces Base North Bay, which has been operational since 1951 and previously operated as the RCAF Station North Bay until 1966. The base serves as the operational control centre for Canadian operations within the North American Aerospace Defense Command.

The North Bay/Jack Garland Airport is named in honour of Jack Garland, a dedicated Member of Parliament for the Nipissing electoral district in North Bay. The airport is classified as an "airport of entry" by Nav Canada and is staffed by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). CBSA officers at this airport are equipped to handle general aviation aircraft with no more than 15 passengers.

The airport has been under the ownership of the Corporation of the City of North Bay since 1998, following a transfer from Transport Canada. The North Bay Jack Garland Airport Corporation has been responsible for its management and operations since 2003. The airport serves as a vital connector for North Bay and other Northern Ontario communities, facilitating both national and international travel.

The North Bay/Jack Garland Airport features two terminal buildings. The first terminal was constructed in 1938, providing a small waiting area on the ground floor and a control tower on the second level. After World War II, the airport underwent upgrades, leading to the construction of the second terminal in 1963. This building now functions as the Administration Building, accommodating offices for airport administration, Nav Canada, the Canada Border Services Agency, and other entities. The current terminal was built in 2001 and underwent renovations completed in 2010 to enhance its functionality.

The airport's history and former names

The North Bay Airport, also known as the North Bay/Jack Garland Airport (IATA: YYB, ICAO: CYYB), is located in North Bay, Ontario, Canada. The airport is named in memory of Jack Garland, a longtime Member of Parliament for North Bay's Nipissing electoral district.

The history of the airport dates back to the mid-1930s when city politicians and community leaders advocated for the construction of a land-based airport in North Bay. In 1935, a federal department for civil aviation was established, and the Department of Transport became official in November 1936. Under the leadership of Minister Clarence Decatur Howe, the Department of Transport took over the development of Canada's national aviation network, the Trans-Canada Airway.

In 1937, Howe visited North Bay to assess the feasibility of building an airport in the city. After years of negotiations, the Government of Canada approved the construction of the airport in 1938. The first official landing at the airport occurred in September 1938 by Squadron Leader Robert Dodds, and regular passenger service began in 1939. The first terminal was constructed in 1938 and housed a small waiting area on the ground floor and a control tower on the second floor.

Upgrades after World War II led to the construction of the second terminal in 1963, which now serves as the Administration Building. The current terminal was built in 2001 and renovated in 2010 to accommodate additional airline offices and a larger post-screening waiting area. The airport has been owned by the Corporation of the City of North Bay since 1998 and has been operated by the North Bay Jack Garland Airport Corporation since 2003.

Facilities and services available at the airport

North Bay does have an airport, known as the North Bay/Jack Garland Airport (IATA: YYB, ICAO: CYYB). It is located at Hornell Heights, about 4.6 miles north-northeast of the city of North Bay, Ontario, Canada. The airport is named after Jack Garland, a longtime Member of Parliament for North Bay's Nipissing electoral district.

The North Bay/Jack Garland Airport offers a range of facilities and services for passengers and pilots. Here are some of the key features:

Terminal Buildings: The airport has two terminal buildings, with the current terminal being constructed in 2001 and renovated in 2010. The terminal is easily accessible, with curbside drop-off and pick-up areas and automatic doors throughout. It features a modern design, accommodating airline offices, a spacious post-security waiting area with washrooms, and other passenger amenities.

Parking: The airport provides both short-term and long-term parking options. There is an outdoor parking lot next to the terminal with approximately 200 regular parking spots and four accessible spots. Long-term parking is available in Lot B, located next to the Administration Building.

Transportation: Aside from private vehicles, passengers can access the airport via local taxis and North Bay Transit.

Accessibility: The airport is equipped with automatic doors and accessible parking spots, ensuring ease of access for all travellers.

College Campus: The airport houses the Canadore College's aviation campus, which offers various aviation programs for students interested in the field.

Assembly and Manufacturing: Bombardier Aerospace assembled the CL-415 water bomber aircraft at the airport until 2015. The final assembly of the Canadair CL-415 (Bombardier 415) aircraft was also completed at the airport until 2015.

Customs and Border Services: The airport is classified as an "airport of entry" by Nav Canada and is staffed by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). CBSA officers handle general aviation aircraft with up to 15 passengers.

Pilot Information and Services: YYB North Bay Jack Garland Airport provides essential information for pilots, including VHF omnidirectional range (VOR) and distance-measuring equipment (DME) data. Additionally, the airport offers overnight parking and custom services for special charters upon prior arrangement with CBSA and the Airport Authority.

Airlines and flight routes from the airport

North Bay Airport, also known as North Bay/Jack Garland Airport, is a small airport located in North Bay, Ontario, Canada. The airport is named in memory of Jack Garland, a longtime Member of Parliament for North Bay's Nipissing electoral district. It is owned by the Corporation of the City of North Bay and has been operated by the North Bay Jack Garland Airport Corporation since 2003.

The airport currently offers two domestic flight routes within Canada, with approximately 44 flights departing every month. The first route is a direct flight to Sudbury served by Bearskin Airlines. The second is a non-stop route to Toronto, operated by Air Canada (Star Alliance), covering 115 miles (185 km) in around 1 hour.

In addition to these direct flights, there are also popular destinations that require a stopover, such as the alternative airport of Sudbury (YSB), located within a 125-mile (200 km) range.

The airport has two terminal buildings and is easily accessible, with curbside drop-off and pick-up options and automatic doors throughout. It also provides outdoor parking spaces and long-term parking options. The current terminal was built in 2001 and renovated in 2010 to accommodate additional airline offices and a larger post-screening waiting area.

Contact information and online resources

North Bay Airport, also known as North Bay/Jack Garland Airport, is located in North Bay, Ontario, Canada. The airport is named after Jack Garland, a longtime Member of Parliament for North Bay's Nipissing electoral district. The airport is easily accessible by car, local taxis, and North Bay Transit. An outdoor parking lot next to the terminal has approximately 200 regular and four accessible spots. Long-term parking is also available next to the Administration Building (Lot B).

The North Bay/Jack Garland Airport is owned by the Corporation of the City of North Bay and has been run by the North Bay Jack Garland Airport Corporation since 2003. The airport is certified by Transport Canada and is classified as an airport of entry by Nav Canada. It is staffed by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

The airport's website is a useful resource for passengers and visitors, providing information on airport services, flight schedules, and travel guidelines. The website also offers details on the airport's history, facilities, and surrounding area.

The Administration Building, constructed in 1963, houses various offices, including those for airport administration, Nav Canada, and the Canada Border Services Agency. The current terminal, built in 2001 and renovated in 2010, accommodates additional airline offices and a spacious post-screening waiting area with washrooms.

Contact information for the airport can be found on its website, including phone numbers, email addresses, and physical addresses for the airport and its administration offices. The website also provides details on airport services, such as parking, transportation, and accessibility options.

For passengers with specific needs or inquiries, the airport's customer service team can be contacted. They can provide assistance with lost and found items, special assistance, and general airport information. Additionally, the airport's operations team can be reached for inquiries related to airport operations, security, and facility management.

The North Bay/Jack Garland Airport also maintains an online presence through social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. These channels offer timely updates on flight schedules, weather alerts, and airport events, providing an additional avenue for passengers and visitors to stay informed and connected with the airport community.

Frequently asked questions