Canada invests $49.5 million to modernize Inuvik Airport

The Government of Canada is investing up to $49.5 million through the Arctic Infrastructure Fund to upgrade the runway and access road at the Inuvik (Mike Zubko) Airport.

Minister of Crown‑Indigenous Relations Rebecca Alty announced the funding on behalf of transport minister Steven MacKinnon, alongside emergency management and community resilience minister Eleanor Olszewski.

The federal government said the airport is essential for connecting Northern communities, supporting cargo and resupply operations and maintaining operational readiness in the Western Arctic.

“Inuvik Airport plays a vital role in supporting communities across the Western Arctic and contributes to Canada’s broader transportation and northern priorities. This investment will strengthen the airport’s capacity to serve the region, support operational readiness and advance Canada’s defence, security and sovereignty objectives in the North,” transport minister Steven MacKinnon said.

The territorial government said the airport supports supply chains, community access and economic development across the Northwest Territories.

“Reliable airport infrastructure is essential to keeping northern communities connected and supporting economic growth across the Northwest Territories. This investment will enhance safety, strengthen supply chains and improve the movement of people and goods,” Northwest Territories infrastructure minister Vince McKay said.

The upgrades build on a $230 million Department of National Defence investment to extend and modernize the runway and support dual‑use operations, including the airport’s role as a Forward Operating Location for the Royal Canadian Air Force and NORAD. The Arctic Infrastructure Fund is a $1 billion program introduced in Budget 2025 to strengthen year‑round transportation connectivity for Northern and Arctic communities.