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Gander International Airport (YQX/CYQX) sits beside Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador, and opened in 1938 as a key transatlantic refueling stop. Its long runways and North Atlantic location made it a vital WWII ferry base and later a Cold War-era gateway, and it gained worldwide attention on 9/11 when it hosted thousands of stranded passengers during Operation Yellow Ribbon. Today it handles regional scheduled flights, charters, general aviation, and emergency diversions, with a historic 1959 terminal that is a National Historic Site.
💡 Local Tip
Visit the North Atlantic Aviation Museum and, if the terminal is open, look for the original 1959 International Lounge; it is a mid-century time capsule and a National Historic Site, and locals are often happy to share stories from Operation Yellow Ribbon.
🚖 Getting There
The airport is only a short drive from downtown Gander, so taxi or rental car is the most practical way to reach town. There is no regular public transit to the terminal, and taxi availability can be limited for late-night or delayed flights, so arrange a ride in advance if needed. By car, access is via Airport Boulevard from the Trans-Canada Highway (Route 1).
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What airlines fly to Gander International Airport?
A: Scheduled service is limited and changes seasonally; Air Canada Express and Porter Airlines have served YQX in recent years, typically connecting to Canadian hubs such as Halifax, Toronto, or St. John's. Check current schedules before booking.
Q: Does Gander still handle transatlantic flights?
A: It is no longer a routine refueling stop for most transatlantic jets, but it remains a designated emergency diversion airport and sees transatlantic diversions, charters, and military or general aviation traffic.
Q: What happened at Gander on 9/11?
A: After U.S. airspace closed, 38 flights were diverted to Gander, and about 6,600 passengers and crew were hosted by the town; the event inspired the musical Come From Away.
Q: How do I get from YQX to downtown Gander?
A: The airport is about 5 km from downtown; taxi and rental car are the main options, and the drive takes roughly 10 minutes.
AI-generated content · Generated Sep 28, 2026 · deepseek-v4.1-flash