An aviation legend in the North has been put out to pasture but no one seems to mind. The iconic yellow terminal building at Iqaluit Airport ceased operations on Wednesday to make way for a $150 million replacement terminal. “Everything is actually working the way it’s supposed to and we’re hoping it’s going to be a big success,” John Hawkins, director of the Iqaluit International Airport told the CBC.
The new terminal is eight times the size of the stoic old structure, which will continue to be used for office space. The airport serves the government seat of Nunavut and will do so for at least the next 50 years. Another $150 million was spent on runway and ramp improvements, bringing Iqaluit into line with southern airports in terms of facilities. There are also retail outlets and a cafe in the new building.