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YLE · small airport

Whatì Airport

Whatì, Canada

Airports
YLEsmall airport

Whatì Airport

Whatì, Canada
Explore Whatì city guide Navigate to this airport
1
Routes out
1
Destinations
CEM3
ICAO
882 ft
Elevation
TravelerPulse profile

Remote northern gateway serving the Whatì community in Northwest Territories.

Location
Whatì, Canada
Whatì Airport (IATA: YLE, ICAO: CEM3) is a small regional airport serving the community of Whatì (formerly Rae Lakes) in the Northwest Territories of Canada. Located in the Tłı̨chǫ (Tlicho) region, the airport provides essential air access to this remote community, which has limited road connectivity for much of the year. The airport operates a gravel runway and handles small propeller-driven aircraft typical of northern Canadian bush flying operations. It serves as a vital lifeline for residents, supplying goods, mail, and passenger services to a community of several hundred people. Charter and scheduled regional services connect Whatì to Yellowknife and other nearby communities, making the airport a critical piece of infrastructure for the Tłı̨chǫ First Nation and surrounding area.
Terminals
The airport has a basic, small terminal facility suited to the low passenger volumes of a remote northern community.
Getting to & from
Ground transport within Whatì is limited, with the community accessible by seasonal ice road in winter and primarily by air during other times of the year.
Airlines here
Regional carriers such as North-Wright Airways have historically provided scheduled and charter services connecting Whatì to Yellowknife.
Notable facts
  • ›Whatì is a Tłı̨chǫ (Tlicho) First Nation community in the Northwest Territories.
  • ›The airport features a gravel runway typical of remote northern Canadian airstrips.
  • ›The community of Whatì has a population of only a few hundred people.
  • ›A seasonal winter ice road connects Whatì to the broader road network, making air access critical during other seasons.
  • ›The airport's ICAO code is CEM3, indicating it is a certified Canadian aerodrome.
Wikipedia
This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.
Gateway to the remote heart of Canada's Northwest Territories wilderness

Whatì Airport serves the small Tłı̨chǫ community of Whatì, located on the shores of Lac La Martre in the Northwest Territories of Canada. The airport functions as a vital lifeline for this remote Indigenous community, providing essential air access where no all-season road connection exists. It plays a critical role in the delivery of supplies, medical services, and passenger travel for residents of the region.

Terminals
  • Main Terminal — A small, single-room community airport terminal providing basic passenger handling and check-in services.
Ground Transport
  • Local taxi or community vehicles (pre-arranged)
  • Winter ice road access (seasonal only)
  • Private vehicle pickup by residents or organizations
Nearby Hotels
  • Community-arranged lodging (contact Whatì Band Council)
  • Government or organizational guesthouses in Whatì
Dining

There are no formal dining facilities within the airport terminal. Visitors should arrange meals through community contacts or guesthouses, as Whatì has very limited commercial food services. It is advisable to bring sufficient food and supplies when travelling to this remote location.

Traveller Tips
  • Book flights well in advance as seats on small charter or scheduled services fill quickly.
  • Contact the Tłı̨chǫ Community Services Agency before visiting to arrange accommodation and ground transport.
  • Pack extra supplies and clothing as weather delays are common in this remote northern region.
  • Winter travel may be possible via seasonal ice roads, but air remains the most reliable year-round access.

AI-assisted overview, verified against public sources.

Route map (1 destinations)

Leaflet © OpenStreetMap © CARTO

Airlines serving this airport

Air Tindi
8T

Routes

YLE → YZF8T · DHT
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List of airports in the Northwest Territories
Encyclopaedia

This is a list of airports in the Northwest Territories. It includes all Nav Canada certified and registered water and land airports, aerodromes and heliports in the Canadian territory of the Northwest Territories. Airport names in italics are part of the National Airports System.

Read full article on Wikipedia