โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Airport serving Portage la Prairie.
๐ Connection Tips
Portage la Prairie Southport Airport operates as a major commercial-industrial aviation center in Manitoba, built on the foundation of the former Canadian Forces Base Portage la Prairie. The facility features four runways (2/20, 9/27, 13L/31R, and 13R/31L) with Runway 09/27 weight-restricted to 15,500 pounds, providing versatility for various aircraft operations. Southport Aerospace Centre Inc. manages the airport with operational hours 14-24Z excluding holidays, offering overtime service by NOTAM. The airport serves at 884 feet elevation within the Winnipeg Flight Information Region, requiring coordination with Winnipeg Center for traffic management. Weather planning relies on Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport METAR, located 40 nautical miles away, due to the absence of local weather reporting. Specific apron management requires careful attention: no itinerant aircraft on Apron I, with itinerant aircraft parking south of Hangar 5 on Apron II, while jet and large aircraft use the concrete pad on Apron II's south side. Light aircraft utilize tie-downs on Apron II's north side. The facility's transition from military to civilian use maintains sophisticated infrastructure supporting flight training, cargo operations, and general aviation activities. Ground transportation to Portage la Prairie requires advance planning, with rental cars and taxi services available but limited on weekends. The airport's strategic location between Winnipeg and Saskatchewan makes it ideal for fuel stops and training operations. Industrial tenants provide maintenance, avionics, and specialized aviation services. Winter operations require careful planning due to Manitoba's harsh conditions, with snow removal prioritized on active runways based on operational requirements.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
30
minutes
Domestic โ International
60
minutes
Interline Connections
90
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Great Bear Lake Airport (DAS), also identified by its ICAO code CFF4, is a specialized private aviation facility located on the remote shores of Great Bear Lake in the Northwest Territories, Canada. Situated on the Dease Arm of the lake, the airport is primarily owned and operated by Plummer's Great Bear Lake Lodge, one of the world's premier destinations for trophy lake trout fishing. As a private facility, the airport serves as the exclusive entry point for guests arriving on all-inclusive fly-in adventures, bypassing the need for long and difficult overland travel through the Arctic wilderness.
The airport's physical infrastructure is centered around a single well-maintained gravel runway that measures approximately 1,584 meters (5,200 feet) in length. This substantial runway is capable of accommodating large regional turboprops and specialized bush planes, making it one of the most capable private strips in the northern territories. The airfield is also uniquely positioned to support amphibious operations, frequently serving as a base for Turbine Otter float planes that transport guests to even more remote fishing outposts across the vast expanse of the lake.
While the airport does not feature a traditional public passenger terminal, the 'arrival experience' is seamlessly integrated into the operations of Plummer's Lodge. Arriving guests are typically met on the runway by lodge staff and transported a short distance to the main clubhouse, which functions as the central hub for check-in, dining, and guest services. The lodge facilities provide a high level of comfort in a rugged environment, including a gift shop, internet access, and professional lounge areas, offering a stark contrast to the surrounding Arctic tundra.
Strategically, DAS is an essential node for the high-end tourism industry in the Northwest Territories. It facilitates the transport of specialized technical equipment, fresh gourmet supplies, and international travelers from around the globe. The approach to the runway offers spectacular views of the crystal-clear waters of Great Bear Lake and the surrounding pristine wilderness. Due to its private and remote status, all flight operations must be coordinated directly with the lodge management, and there are no public refueling or maintenance services available for transient aircraft.
๐ Connection Tips
Allow extra time for connections; facilities may be limited.
โ Back to Portage-la-Prairie / Southport Airport