Deer Lake Regional Airport (IATA: YDF, ICAO: CYDF) is located 3 nautical miles (5.6 km; 3.5 mi) north northeast of Deer Lake, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. It is currently run by the Deer Lake Regional Airport Authority and is the closest airport to Gros Morne National Park and Corner Brook. It is the second busiest airport on Newfoundland after St. John's International Airport serving 300,000 passengers annually. Deer Lake Airport serves a large[quantify] area of Newfoundland, from the Great Northern Peninsula to Channel-Port aux Basques.
Deer Lake Airport dates back to 1953. Construction began in 1953 and by the autumn of 1955 a 4,000 ft (1,200 m) gravel strip was in operation. In 1959 the strip was extended to 5,000 ft (1,500 m) and thereafter paved in 1963. EPA began jet service using Boeing 737-200 aircraft in July 1969. In 1989 it was decided that a new terminal building be constructed to replace the old one; in 1990 construction began with the brand new terminal opening a year after in 1991. Deer Lake Regional Airport now sports a modern terminal and boasts a 8,005 ft (2,440 m) runway capable of handling daily service of Beechcraft 1900, Bombardier Dash 8, Bombardier CRJ200, Airbus A319, Airbus A321, and Boeing 737 Next Generation aircraft.
In 2020, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the airport suffered notable cuts to its airline routes.
Deer Lake Regional Airport has a modern terminal, which opened in 1991 and is equipped with many amenities (restaurant, gift shop, etc.). A large long-term parking lot is located on-site.
The airport is equipped with seven aircraft gates which are able to stand aircraft from the Beech 1900 to the Airbus widebody aircraft. Throughout the year the airport is equipped with...
Read moreThe Deer Lake Regional Airport provides all the necessities of a big airport in a small location. From lots of seating for waiting for your flight or your friends and family to the ample parking options, there is a bit for everyone albeit the limited food options.
For food and beverage options, there are two Robin's booth placed before and after the security checkpoint. The pre-security Robin's outlet has an array of delectable offerings, including sandwiches, muffins, and a selection of cold beverages. On the other hand, the post-security Robin's is a compact express booth that serves snacks and hot coffee, accompanied by a cold fridge stocked with an assortment of beverages. Recommended to eat before security if needed.
For attractions at the airport, there are artworks and sign that you can view and take photos at. Inside the airport there are two artworks by Diana Dabinett, titled "Land" and "Sea" which were both created in 2010. Outside the airport, located close to the far arrivals doors, there is an "I heart/love NL" sign that people can take a picture at. Also, visitors can take an "I kissed a cod at YDF" photo by the gift shop.
The airport has a variety of conveniences, including a well-stocked gift shop, a tourist information center to assist travelers, and pay parking machines for paying in the building instead of outside machines. Additionally, there is a Canada Post drop-off bin if you want to drop off a...
Read morePretty good for a small airport in a somewhat remote area in Canada. It’s clean, organized, friendly security personnel, a small Robins donut and snack area, outlets for plugging in your phone can be found on some posts, and a huge window to see the planes and staff in operation.
They have art in the airport too - from sculpture to murals.
One of the best features for me was the Flybrary - a small section with gently used books encouraging travellers to take a book and return them when they fly back or replace with another book. Organized by the Newfoundland and Labrador Library. This is such a neat and brilliant idea, I wish all the airports in Canada did the same.
There’s a little box compete with a red fire hydrant where pets can do their toilet...
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