โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
25
minutes
Domestic โ International
55
minutes
Interline Connections
85
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Downsview Airport (YZD/CYZD) permanently closed April 2024 following 95 years as Canada's aerospace manufacturing heartland where de Havilland opened the airfield in 1929 on 70 acres of farmland, revolutionizing Canadian aviation through iconic aircraft including Beaver, Twin Otter, and Dash 8 before Bombardier's 1992 acquisition transformed the site into global jet manufacturing center producing Q400 turboprops and assembling Global Express business jets until March 23, 2024, when the final Global 7500 departed marking the end of Toronto's aerospace manufacturing era. Located in North York where wartime expansion as RCAF Station Downsview supported Allied aircraft production during WWII before becoming CFB Toronto until 1996, the 370-acre site now undergoes $22 billion transformation by Northcrest Developments creating North America's largest urban community project featuring 28 million square feet residential space, 7 million square feet commercial property, and 74 acres of parks by 2054 with net-zero carbon targets by 2040.
Historic aerospace infrastructure that never supported commercial passenger service required prior Bombardier Emergency Services permission for all visiting aircraft, featuring twelve hangars in the southwest corner where Dash 8 assembly lines operated alongside Global Express final assembly following 1993 program launch, establishing Downsview as Bombardier's primary Q400 manufacturing site serving Air Canada Express and WestJet Encore fleets. The facility's closure followed 2018 sale to Public Sector Pension Investment Board subsidiary Northcrest, with Bombardier relocating to new 770,000-square-foot Pearson Airport facility opened May 1, 2024, dedicated to Global 7500 and 6500 private jet manufacturing.
Operational legacy encompasses testing grounds for Canada's most significant aircraft where de Havilland's DHC-2 Beaver first flew August 16, 1947, revolutionizing bush flying worldwide, followed by DHC-6 Twin Otter establishing STOL transport standards, and Dash 8 becoming world's best-selling turboprop through Downsview production lines that assembled over 1,000 aircraft before closure. The site witnessed aerospace milestones including Avro Canada CF-105 Arrow component testing during Canada's supersonic fighter program and Global Express development establishing Bombardier's business jet leadership through Downsview flight test operations.
Strategic transformation from aerospace heritage to urban development preserves YZD identity through Northcrest's August 17, 2024 rebranding honoring aviation legacy while creating sustainable community accommodating 55,000 residents and 23,000 jobs, demonstrating successful industrial site conversion where nearly century-long aerospace manufacturing tradition yields to contemporary urban needs. The closure marks Canada's aerospace industry consolidation at Pearson while Downsview's transformation represents Toronto's largest development opportunity, converting former test flights and assembly halls into residential neighborhoods preserving aerospace memory through YZD designation maintaining connection to aviation heritage that shaped Canadian aerospace leadership from de Havilland's pioneering bush planes through Bombardier's global jet revolution.
๐ Connection Tips
Downsview Airport permanently closed as of April 2024 following 95 years of aviation operations dating from 1929. The YZD identifier has been repurposed by Northcrest as the new community brand. Construction begins 2026 with net-zero carbon targets by 2040. Northcrest Developments now controls the site for redevelopment into North America's largest urban community project, valued at $22 billion over 30 years.
The 370-acre site required prior permission and security clearance through Bombardier Emergency Services for all visiting aircraft. Originally de Havilland Airfield, it served as RCAF Station Downsview during WWII and later CFB Toronto until 1996. Historical significance includes testing sites for famous Canadian aircraft including Beaver, Twin Otter, Dash 8, Global Express, and Global 5000. For current aviation needs in Toronto area, passengers must use Pearson International (YYZ) for commercial flights, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) for regional services, or Buttonville (YKZ) for general aviation until its closure.
The transformation will create 28 million square feet of residential space, 7 million square feet of commercial property, and 74 acres of parks by 2054. No commercial passenger service ever operated - access was restricted to aerospace manufacturing, flight testing, and authorized general aviation with advance coordination. From 1994-2024, Bombardier Aerospace operated the facility as their primary Q400 manufacturing and flight test center, with the final aircraft departing March 23, 2024. The airport's closure marks the end of Toronto's aerospace manufacturing era at this location.
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
Great Bear Lake Airport (DAS) is a private aviation facility on the remote Dease Arm of Great Bear Lake, Canada. It is primarily operated by Plummerโs Great Bear Lake Lodge, and there are no scheduled public commercial services; all arrivals are part of fly-in fishing and wilderness packages. Your primary connection point will almost always be Yellowknife Airport (YZF), from where the lodge coordinates charters using regional turboprops or bush planes like the Turbine Otter. A critical tip: guests are usually required to arrive in Yellowknife at least one day before their flight to the lodge to account for Arctic weather delays.
Upon landing at the 5,200-foot gravel runway at DAS, you will be met by lodge staff and transported by boat or light vehicle to the clubhouse. There is no public terminal, car rentals, or taxis; all transport is provided by the lodge. For more remote outposts, the airport serves as a base for floatplane transfers. Packing is restricted; use soft-sided duffel bags to fit in small aircraft cargo pods.
Weather is the most significant factor; fog, high winds, and early-season ice can lead to multi-day delays, so building a flexible 'buffer' into your return travel from Yellowknife is essential. While the lodge provides satellite internet, mobile coverage is non-existent at the airstrip. Self-sufficiency for personal needs is required once you leave Yellowknife.
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