Goose Bay Airport (YYR)

Goose Bay Airport operates as Canadian Forces Base Goose Bay, a dual-use military-civilian facility serving central Labrador from Happy Valley-Goose Bay municipality. Built in 1941 during WWII with three 7,000-foot runways constructed in just 79 days, it became the world's busiest airport during wartime handling 24,000 aircraft. PAL Airlines provides scheduled service to five destinations: Blanc-Sablon, Churchill Falls, Deer Lake, St. John's (YYT), and Wabush, with connections typically routing through St. John's or Halifax (YHZ) for broader network access. The facility maintains historical significance as a transatlantic refueling stop - Trans-Canada Air Lines operated Montreal-Goose Bay-Glasgow-London service with Canadair North Stars until jet aircraft eliminated fuel stop requirements. Today it serves emergency transatlantic diversions, particularly during strong jet stream conditions affecting fuel consumption. Military operations include NATO low-level tactical training utilizing Labrador's 294,000 km2 sparse terrain similar to former Soviet territories. Prior Permission Required (PPR) applies to all military/state aircraft via [email protected] through 5 Wing Operations Centre. Civilian passengers should expect occasional airspace restrictions during military exercises and allow additional security screening time. The base hosted permanent detachments from RAF, Luftwaffe, Italian Air Force, and Royal Netherlands Air Force during the 1980s Cold War period. Airport elevation of 160 feet MSL with coordinates N53°19.15'/W60°25.55' supports large aircraft operations. Ground transportation limited in remote Labrador location requiring advance coordination. Weather conditions can be severe with rapid changes typical of subarctic maritime climate affecting flight schedules year-round.

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