Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador facts for kids

Gander is a town in the middle of Newfoundland, Canada. About 10,000 people live there. Gander is famous for its Gander International Airport, which was once a very important stop for aircraft to refuel during long flights across the Atlantic Ocean.

Many streets in Gander are named after famous aviators (people who fly planes). These include Amelia Earhart, Alcock and Brown, Charles Lindbergh, Eddie Rickenbacker, Marc Garneau and Chuck Yeager.

Gander's Famous Airport

Gander International Airport has a long and interesting history. It was built in the late 1930s, just before World War II. Its location in Newfoundland made it a perfect spot for planes flying between North America and Europe to stop and refuel.

A Stop for Planes

During World War II, the airport became very busy. Thousands of military planes used it as a refueling point. After the war, it continued to be a vital stop for commercial flights. Before planes could fly long distances without stopping, Gander was like a busy gas station for airplanes!

Over the years, as planes became more advanced and could fly further without needing to refuel, Gander Airport became less busy. However, it still plays an important role, especially for emergency landings or for smaller planes.

A Place of Kindness

Gander Airport is also known for a special event that happened on September 11, 2001. When planes were not allowed to fly over the United States, many flights had to land unexpectedly. Thirty-eight planes carrying about 6,700 passengers and crew landed in Gander. The people of Gander welcomed all these unexpected visitors with open arms, providing them with food, shelter, and comfort. This act of kindness is remembered around the world.

Streets Named After Heroes

Walking through Gander, you might notice many streets have unique names. This is because the town decided to honor famous aviators by naming its streets after them. It's a way to remember the brave men and women who pushed the limits of flight.

• Amelia Earhart: A brave American pilot who was the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean.
• Alcock and Brown: Two British pilots who made the first non-stop flight across the Atlantic in 1919.
• Charles Lindbergh: An American pilot who made the first solo non-stop flight across the Atlantic in 1927.
• Marc Garneau: The first Canadian in space.
• Chuck Yeager: An American pilot who was the first to break the sound barrier.

Where is Gander?

Gander is located in the central part of the island of Newfoundland. Newfoundland is an island off the east coast of Canada. The town is surrounded by forests and lakes, making it a beautiful place to live and visit. The weather in Gander can change a lot, with cold, snowy winters and mild summers.

What is Gander Like Today?

Today, Gander is a modern town with schools, shops, and services for its residents. While the airport is not as busy as it once was, it remains a key part of the town's identity and history. Gander is a friendly community that remembers its past while looking towards the future.

See also

In Spanish: Gander para niños