Alaska is the largest state in the United States and is famous for alluring natural sceneries, extreme weather conditions, and rugged wilderness.
The population of Alaska is spread across vast distances resulting in transportation complexity. Besides, the majority of the state is not accessible by road. That is why air travel has become a major means of transportation for many Alaskans.
If you are a resident of Alaska, or planning to visit the state, understanding Alaska’s airport system is essential for proper navigation.
To make it easy for you, we have prepared this detailed guide covering information on all major, and regional airports in Alaska with their unique features, and services. Plus, we will also discuss tips and recommendations for travelers flying to Alaska.
So, fasten your seatbelt, and get ready for a journey through Alaska’s airport system.
Table of Contents
What are the major airports in Alaska?
Air Travel is among the primary means of transportation when you are arriving in Alaska, or traveling within the state. Various commercial airlines operate regular passenger flights to and from Alaska’s critical airports including Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC), Fairbanks International Airport (FAI), and Juneau International Airport (JNU).
In addition to the key airports, there are other public-use, regional, and private airports in Alaska which we will explore in detail below.
Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC)
Ted Stevens Anchorage Int’l Airport (ICAO: PANC, IATA: ANC, FAA LID: ANC) is one of the top airports in Alaska which is owned, and operated by the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF).
Anchorage Int’l Airport has been a crucial contributor to the development of Anchorage and the entire state of Alaska for over half a century. At present, the airport’s future appears to be stimulating and dynamic, with its geographical position presenting boundless opportunities for transporting commodities and facilities that can be utilized in the international market.
Anchorage Airport is the primary hub for major U.S. carriers including Alaska Airlines, Atlas Air, FedEx Express, Northern Pacific Airways, Polar Air Cargo, Ravn Alaska, and UPS Airlines.
Some ANC Quick Facts
World’s Largest and Busiest Floatplane Base
5 Million+ Passengers served annually
Less than 9.5 hours from 90% of the industrial world
2nd in the US for the landed weight of cargo aircraft
4th Busiest Airport in the world for Cargo throughput
Responsible for 15,577+ airport & community jobs
ANC Airport Infrastructure
Anchorage Airport occupies a total area of 4,608 acres and features three runways with the designations RWY 7L/25R, RWY 7R/25L, and RWY 15/33.
The South Terminal and the North Terminal are the passenger terminals at Ted Stevens Airport. There are three Concourses in the South Terminal: Concourse A, Concourse B, and Concourse C. The North Terminal especially handles international flights.
Services offered by ANC
- Baggage Services
- Lost and Found
- Terminal Parking Facility
- 12 ATM Locations
- Free WiFi access throughout ANC Terminals
- Baggage and Freezer Storage
- Currency Exchange
- Barbershop
- Luggage Carts
- Military Support
- Nursery
- Nursery Moms
- Paging Service
- Pet Relief Area
- Designated Smoking Areas
- Vending Machines
- Wheelchair Service
- Visitor Information Center, and more.
Shopping Options – AK&CO Gourmet Market, Alaska Mercantile, Anchorage Market, Best Buy Express, Cabin Chill, Jet Sunglasses, KUHL, Moosetique, Mosquito Books/Kobuk To-Go, Rustic Market, and more.
Dining Options – Cream, Denali Pretzels, Doghaus, Hudson News Euro Cafe, Humpy’s Great Alaskan Alehouse, Mcdonalds’, Norton Sound Seafood House, Silver Gulch Brewing, and Starbucks.
Lounge – Upper 1 Lounge
Airlines operating at ANC Airport
| AIRLINES | DESTINATIONS |
| Air Canada | Vancouver, British Columbia (Seasonal Route) |
| Alaska Airlines | Chicago, Honolulu, Seattle, Portland, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Las Vegas, and Salt Lake City Seasonal Routes: Minneapolis, San Francisco, and Denver Alaskan Destinations: Adak, Barrow, Bethel, Cold Bay, Cordova, Deadhorse, Dillingham, Fairbanks, Juneau, King Salmon, Kodiak, Kotzebue, and Nome |
| American Airlines | Seasonal Routes: Chicago, and Dallas |
| Condor | Frankfurt (Seasonal Route) |
| Delta Air Lines | Atlanta, Minneapolis, Salt Lake City, and Seattle |
| Eurowings Discover | Frankfurt (Seasonal Route) |
| Flair Airlines | Vancouver, British Columbia (Seasonal Route) |
| Grant Aviation | Kenai |
| Kenai Aviation | Kenai, Homer, and Valdez |
| Ravn Alaska | Alaskan Routes: Aniak, Cold Bay, Dutch Harbor (Unalaska), Homer, Kenai, King Salmon, Sand Point, St. Mary’s, St. Paul, Unalakleet, and Valdez |
| Sun Country Airlines | Minneapolis (Seasonal Route) |
| United Airlines | Denver Seasonal Routes: Chicago, Houston, New York (EWR), and San Francisco |
Fairbanks International Airport (FAI)
Fairbanks Int’l Airport (ICAO: PAFA, IATA: FAI, FAA LID: FAI) is also one of the top airports in Alaska. It is owned, and operated by the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF), and primarily serves Fairbanks City in the U.S. state of Alaska.
FAI is the primary hub for Everts Air, Warbelow’s Air Ventures, and Wright Air Service. Besides, other major carriers of the U.S. also connect the city to domestic, and international destinations.
FAI Infrastructure
Fairbanks International Airport occupies a total area of 3,470 acres and features four runways with the designations: RWY 2L/20R, RWY 2R/20L, RWY 2/20, and RWY 2W/20W.
Regarding the terminal facility, FAI is equipped with a terminal building on the northwest side, and it accommodates 7 gates (2 for commuter carriers, and 5 for larger airlines).
Services Offered by FAI Airport
- Baggage Service
- Security Screening
- ATM Machines
- Food Services
- Parking Facilities
- Ground Transportation
- Travel Information Center
- Military Lounge
- Lost and Found
Shopping Options – TWIGS Alaskan Gifts
Food Options – North Pole Coffee, and The Local @ FAI
Airlines Operating at FAI Airport
Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Condor Everts Air, 40-Mile Air, Shared Services Aviation, United Airlines, Warbelow Air Ventures, and Wright Air Service are the airlines operating regular commercial flights to and from the city of Fairbanks.
The cargo operators at the airport are Alaska Airlines Cargo/Goldstreak, Everts Air Cargo, Fed Ex, and Northern Air Cargo.
| AIRLINES | DESTINATIONS |
| Alaska Airlines | Anchorage, and Seattle/Tacoma |
| Condor | Frankfurt (Seasonal Route) |
| Delta Air Lines | Seattle/Tacoma Seasonal Route: Minneapolis/St. Paul |
| Everts Air | Anaktuvuk Pass, Arctic Village, Eagle, Fort Yukon, Galena, Huslia, Kaktovik/Barter Island, Kaltag, Nulato, Ruby, Venetie |
| 40-Mile Air | Delta, Healy Lake, and Tok |
| United Airlines | Chicago–O’Hare (Seasonal Route) |
| Warbelow Air Ventures | Beaver, Central, Circle, Manley Hot Springs, Minto, Rampart, Stevens Village |
| Wright Air Service | Allakaket, Anaktuvuk Pass, Arctic Village, Bettles, Birch Creek, Chalkyitsik, Deadhorse/Prudhoe Bay, Fort Yukon, Galena, Hughes, Huslia, Kaktovik/Barter Island, Kaltag, Koyukuk, Lake Minchumina, Nulato, Ruby, Tanana, Venetie |
Juneau International Airport (JNU)
Juneau Int’l Airport (ICAO: PAJN, IATA: JNU, FAA LID: JNU) is in the list of major airports in Alaska that is located 8 miles northwest of the central business district of Juneau. It is owned by the City of Juneau and serves Juneau (a city and borough in Alaska state that has no direct road access to the outside world).
Juneau Airport is the third major airport in Alaska that facilitates flights to various destinations within Alaska, and other domestic routes.
JNU Infrastructure
Juneau Airport is the smallest in comparison to Anchorage Int’l, and Fairbanks International Airport as it occupies an area of 662 acres. There are two runways at this airport: RWY 8/26, and RWY 8W/26W. The Runway 8W/26W is a runway with a water surface facilitating seaplane operation.
The airport is equipped with a terminal building that handles passenger movement. The terminal went through expansion projects to the east in 2009. Likewise, the Runway rehabilitation project was completed in 2015.
Services offered by JNU Airport
- Baggage Services
- Ground Transporation
- Parking Facility
- Lost and Found
- Baggage and Freezer Storage Services
- Pet Relief Area
- Service Animal Relief Area
- Shopping and Dining Services
- Designated Smoking Areas
- Visitor Information Desk
- Free WiFi, and more.
Food Options – Tailwind Concession
Shopping Options – Hummingbird Hollow Gift Shop
Airlines Operating at Juneau Int’l Airport
JNU Airport is served by a limited number of airlines including Alaska Airlines, Alaska Seaplanes, Coastal Helicopters, Delta Air Lines, Island Air Express, Temsco Helicopters, and Ward Air.
| AIRLINES | DESTINATIONS |
| Alaska Airlines | Anchorage, Ketchikan, Petersburg, Seattle/Tacoma, Sitka, Yakutat Seasonal: Gustavus |
| Alaska Seaplanes | Angoon, Elfin Cove, Excursion Inlet, Gustavus, Haines, Hoonah, Kake, Klawock, Pelican, Petersburg, Sitka, Skagway, Tenakee Springs, Whitehorse |
| Delta Air Lines | Seattle/Tacoma |
| Ward Air | Excursion Jet Charter Flights: Chatham, and Funter Bay |
Ketchikan International Airport (KTN)
Ketchikan International Airport is a small airport located in Ketchikan, Alaska. While it may not be as well-known or as busy as other airports in the state, it serves as an important transportation hub for the local community and visitors alike.
With a single runway and a modest terminal, Ketchikan International Airport offers flights to and from destinations within Alaska, as well as limited service to cities in the continental United States. Despite its relatively small size, the airport provides essential connectivity and access to the stunning natural beauty of the surrounding area.
KTN covers a total area of 2,600 acres, and is equipped with two runways (RWY 11/29, and RWY WNW/ESE). WNW/ESE is a runway with a water surface that services seaplane activities.
Services offered by Ketchikan Airport
- Airport Ferry
- Gift Shop
- Free Smart Carts
- Airport Lounge and Snack Bar
- Car Rentals
- Lost and Found
- Baggage Services
- Senior and Paratransit Transportation
- Travel Information Center
Airlines operating at KTN Airport
Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Island Air, Misty Fjords Air, and SeaWind Aviation are the airlines serving Ketchikan Airport in Alaska.
| AIRLINES | DESTINATIONS |
| Alaska Airlines | Juneau, Seattle/Tacoma, Sitka, and Wrangell |
| Delta Connection | Seattle/Tacoma (Seasonal Route) |
| Island Air Express | Klawock |
Other Major Airports in Alaska
In addition to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC), Fairbanks International Airport (FAI), Juneau International Airport (JNU), and Ketchikan International Airport (KTN), Alaska is home to several other major airports that serve as important transportation hubs for the state. These airports provide crucial connections to other cities within Alaska and the contiguous United States, as well as destinations around the world.
One of these airports is Sitka Rocky Gutierrez Airport, located on the western side of Baranof Island in the Alexander Archipelago. Sitka is known for its natural beauty and rich history, and the airport provides convenient access to these attractions for tourists and residents alike. The airport serves several airlines, including Alaska Airlines, and offers flights to destinations such as Juneau, Ketchikan, and Seattle.
Nome Airport, located on the Seward Peninsula in western Alaska, is yet another major airport in the state. This airport serves as an important transportation hub for the remote communities of the region, as well as a gateway to the Arctic. Nome Airport offers flights to several cities within Alaska, as well as charter flights to remote villages and towns.
Finally, Barrow Wiley Post-Will Rogers Memorial Airport is located in the northernmost city in the United States. This airport serves as a vital link between the residents of the North Slope and the rest of the state. Barrow Airport offers flights to several destinations within Alaska, as well as limited service to cities in the contiguous United States.
These airports, along with the significant airports discussed in the previous section, help to ensure that Alaska remains connected to the rest of the world. They serve as vital lifelines for residents of the state, as well as gateways to the stunning natural beauty and unique culture of Alaska for visitors from around the globe.
Regional and Community Airports in Alaska
As we discussed above, Alaska is the largest state in the U.S. in terms of land area. Due to the challenging geographical terrain, and remote location, the state has a relatively limited road connection.
The majority of communities in the state of Alaska are not connected to the road network. Air Travel and Water Transportation are the primary means of transportation for many Alaskans. To facilitate those Alaskans, there are numerous regional, and community airports in Alaska.
Here are some of the top community airports in Alaska.
Bethel Airport – It is located in Southwestern Alaska and serves as a major travel hub in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta. Daily flights to Anchorage and other destinations within Alaska are operated from this airport.
Kodiak Airport – This community Airport is located on Kodiak Island, off the Southern coast of Alaska. The airport facilitates flights to various destinations within Alaska and also offers seasonal flights to Seattle.
Cordova Municipal Airport – Located in the Prince William Sound region of Alaska, Cordova Municipal Airport offers regular flights to Anchorage, and charter flights to remote communities.
Unalaska Airport – This airport is located on Unalaska Island, and facilitates daily service to Anchorage, and seasonal service to Seattle, and other cities in the contiguous United States.
Kotzebue Ralph Wien Memorial Airport – Kotzebue Memorial Airport is located in Northwestern Alaska, near the Arctic Circle. Regarding services, the airport offers flights to several routes within Alaska. Besides, seasonal services to Seattle, and other cities in the contiguous U.S. are also available.
These are just the top 5 regional, and community airports in Alaska. There are 50+ airports scattered throughout Alaska. These airports may not look important and are also not that busy in terms of air traffic however, they are essential for connecting residents of remote communities to the rest of the world.
Conclusion on Airports in Alaska
As we come to the end of this blog, we explore all significant airports in Alaska with other private, and regional airports. The primary airports of entry for Alaska are Anchorage International Airport (ANC), Fairbanks International Airport (FAI), and Juneau International Airport (JIA).
Among the significant airports in Alaska, Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport is the largest, and busiest airport that handles the maximum air traffic in the state. Fairbanks International Airport is the second important airport in Alaska that connects the state to various domestic, and international destinations.
Juneau International Airport is the third key airport of Alaska that serves the coastal communities of Southeast Alaska.
Regarding the carriers, Alaska Airlines is the major operator responsible for the highest number of options for traveling to, and within Alaska. In addition, the airline has established partnerships with smaller carriers for service between additional communities encompassing Wrangell, Petersburg, Sitka, Gustavus, Yakutat, Cordova, Kodiak, Dutch Harbor, Adak, King Salmon, Dillingham, Bethel, Nome, Kotzebue, Utqiaġvik (Barrow), and Prudhoe Bay.
While Alaska’s challenging terrain and remote location present significant obstacles to transportation and infrastructure development, the state’s airports have helped to bridge these gaps, allowing residents to access essential services, goods, and connections to the outside world.
FAQs on Airports in Alaska
What is the major airport in Alaska?
Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) is the largest, and busiest airport in Alaska. The airport serves as a hub for several major airlines, including Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines, among others. It is the largest airport in the state and serves as a major hub for air cargo traffic between Asia and North America.
What is the cheapest city to fly into in Alaska?
It depends on various factors when you are choosing the cheapest city to fly to in Alaska such as the time of year, airline, flight availability, and so on. However, in general, Anchorage tends to be one of the cheaper cities to fly into in Alaska, with multiple airlines offering flights to the city from various destinations.
What is the best airport to go to Alaska?
Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) is the best airport to access Alaska because it is the main airport in the state served by several major commercial airlines.
Is it cheaper to fly to Anchorage or Fairbanks?
The cost of flying to Anchorage or Fairbanks can vary depending on a variety of factors such as the airline, time of year, and availability of flights. In general, Anchorage tends to be a more affordable destination to fly into than Fairbanks, as it is a larger city and serves as a major hub for air travel in Alaska.
