History
Goose Bay Airport was developed in response to the outbreak of World War II, which brought many changes to Labrador – including employment opportunities and an influx of many new inhabitants.
In September 1941, work began on the airfield to serve as a landing and refueling stop for transatlantic flights, and three 7,000-foot runways were built in only 79 days. During the war, 24,000 Canadian and American aircraft passed through Goose Bay, making it the busiest airport in the world during this time. The airport continues to be used during various military operations, and was used during the Gulf War by aircraft transporting military personnel and equipment. In 1983, the Goose Bay Airfield also gained international recognition when the Boeing 747 carrying NASA’s Space Shuttle landed for refueling.
Throughout the years, the Goose Bay Airfield has been managed and used by a variety of nations and has undergone many structural changes. The airport now has two major runways, and is capable of accommodating the largest aircrafts in the world. The airfield is operated by the Goose Bay Port Corporation and also supports the tactical flight training activities for the Air Forces of Germany, the United Kingdom, Canada and Italy.