Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a massive federal plan to improve northern infrastructure on March 12, 2026, which includes significant runway and terminal upgrades to the airport in Rankin Inlet, Nunavut.
The Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that a total of $294 million will be spent on Arctic airports to help them handle larger planes. In Rankin Inlet, this money will be used to repave the runway, which is currently nearing the end of its useful life.
According to the Government of Nunavut, the community of about 3,379 people relies on the airport as a main hub for travel and supplies. Improvements to the terminal are already happening and were designed by Prairie Architects Inc. to help the facility grow.
The airport will also serve as a support site for the Canadian military to help them move quickly across the region if needed. These changes are meant to ensure that residents and local mining businesses can depend on the airport all year round, regardless of the weather.
