 The airport serves as a point of call for air carriers offering scheduled passenger service; an operating base for Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources; and services both private and commercial fixed-wing aircraft and helicopter operators located on site.Commercial air service to the area began in 1926 using the waters of Howey Bay on Red Lake as a float and sea plane base.Due to the freight requirements of the gold mines developing in the area, Howey Bay was recognized as the busiest airport in the world during 1936 and 1937.