Inuvik's Mike Zubko Airport to receive $279.5M in upgrades starting this fall, Transport Canada says
Why It MattersThe funding signals growing federal investment in dual-use Arctic airport infrastructure, positioning Northern Canadian gateways for expanded civilian and military capacity.
Modernization of Inuvik's Mike Zubko Airport is set to begin this fall, Transport Canada announced. The airport will receive $49.5 million from the Arctic Infrastructure Fund (AIF), on top of a previously announced $230 million from Canada's Department of National Defence to extend the airport's runway, bringing total planned investment to $279.5 million.
The Inuvik Airport upgrades will be the first investment made through the AIF, a $1-billion fund established under Budget 2025 to support dual-use infrastructure projects — those serving both civilian and military purposes — in Canada's Arctic regions. Eligible project types include airports, highways, ports, railways and digital infrastructure.
NWT Member of Parliament and Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Rebecca Alty said Northern airports are critical gateways that connect communities, support economic development and strengthen Canada's presence in the Arctic. Transport Canada stated the upgrades are intended to strengthen Canada's presence in the North.
