Allen Army Airfield

Welcome to the Alaskan Frontier: Allen Army Airfield

Introduction

Based slap-bang in the middle of Alaska's Southeast Fairbanks Census Area, Allen Army Airfield (IATA: BIG) is one of the most important transportation facilities for its community. This public and military-use airport is owned by the United States Army, one of the facilities to connect with Fort Greely and other communities. Allen Army Airfield: Whether you're a U.S. military member, local resident, or traveler venturing into the Alaskan wilderness — Allen AAF is your link to (and from) some of Earth's harshest and most beautiful country.

Airlines and Destinations

Covering the needs of our US Army, Allen Army Airfield also serves as a military airfield. But the airport also serves as an exit for civil air traffic and allows a small number of scheduled flights to nearby destinations. No major commercial airlines serve Skagway, but private and charter services are available to keep the town connected to larger hubs such as Fairbanks International Airport (FAI) or Anchorage Ted Stevens International Airport (ANC).

Passengers and Flights

Like the other airports in Alaska, Allen Army Airfield does not handle a great number of passengers due to it being used primarily for military purposes. Nonetheless, the airport remains important for helping to facilitate operations at Fort Greely and around the region. The airport has seen some passenger boardings over the years, with 252 in 2008 and just north of 350 enplanements in 2010 according to Federal Aviation Administration data.

How to Get Here

The route to Allen Army Airfield is fairly simple as the airport lies no more than 3 miles from Delta Junction – a city included in the Southeast Fairbanks Census Area, right at its business center. Travelers will arrive at the airport using the Richardson Highway (Alaska Route 2) network of roads leading to the airfield. Those traveling by air can utilize a single local airport with the IATA (international) code of BIG and an ICAO identifier PABI.

Parking

There are very limited parking options for visitors at Allen Army Airfield, so it is important to know where you can and cannot park before you travel there. The facility's parking lots are largely designed to serve military operations and airfield access for authorized personnel. Visitors are advised that parking restrictions or other conditions may apply, and it is recommended to contact the airport operations team for current information about car park availability, etc.

Transportation Price

Allen Army Airfield is a military airfield, and therefore has very little public transportation. Passengers to the airport must use private motorized transportation (car rental services, taxis, or rideshare) from other cities. Rates will vary based on carrier and length, but Alaska visitors should expect transportation costs comparable to the market.

Terminal Layout

The terminal facilities at Allen Army Airfield are fairly insignificant as the airport primarily serves military operations that do not rely on public terminals. Passenger processing facilities, including ticket sales, baggage handling, and other basic passenger requirements, were located in the terminal building. Unlike major commercial airports, it has limited or no terminal facilities and other amenities to attract passengers; its sole focus is on military (up to 30,000 tgw) flight operations run by airlines contractors providing them services for landing/takeoff.

Navigate the Airport

Allen Army Airfield is relatively easy to navigate, as the airport explicitly caters to its customers in terms of facilities and layout. Great, thanks to the wayfinding and signage within the terminal building that directs travelers where they need to go for check-in, security, and other critical support services! It is advised that people who are new to the airport should learn about the layout of all terminals and any unique guidelines and regulations well before they need to visit.

Getting Between Terminals

Because Allen Army Airfield is a single-terminal facility, travelers will not have to move between multiple terminals. Passenger processing and services are available within the main terminal building of this airport, which allows ease in transferring from arrival to departure.

Services and Amenities

Though the services and amenities at Allen Army Airfield are nowhere near those of their commercial peers, it does offer nearly all necessary aspects for military and civilian air travel. Among the services they are offered should include basic passenger/terminal facilities – restrooms; a patch-size concourse in place of gates and limited ground transportation. The airport also provides limited commercial facilities to military personnel, which include briefing rooms and other specialized support services.

Restaurants and Shops

As a military ramp, there are limited dining and shopping options at Allen Army Airfield. There is a small shop located inside the passenger terminal offering snacks, refreshments, and limited necessities. Those looking for a larger selection of dining and shopping options will find everything they need just down the highway in Delta Junction, where other valley locals do their local and regional retail business.

Security and Customs

Allen Army Airfield is a military airfield with security measures that accompany this unique environment safely and efficiently throughout the year. Military and civilian passengers alike will also see increased security screenings and customs procedures before getting onto the airfield or a flight. To avoid this fate, reviewers advise tourists to get in sync with the security protocol at airports and grant themselves enough time for clearing all checkpoints.

Accessibility

Allen Army Airfield is an accessible facility that offers services to individuals with disabilities or special needs, dedicated specifically for all passengers. Transparent Canopies Elevate Accessibility to PUR—The airport's terminal building and infrastructure have been meticulously designed for those with mobility, sensory, or other accessibility requirements. Travelers are advised to contact the airport's operations team in advance with any special needs or assistance they may require during their travel.

Travel Tips

• Review flight schedules and restrictions: As a military airfield, Allen Army Airfield may have different times of operation or flyaway policies than commercial airports -- so remember to confirm current information before you book travel.
• Arrive well in advance: The security processes at the airport are time-oriented, and thus it is advisable to reach the airport at a good margin before your scheduled departure so that you have an allotted amount of time for check-in and required screenings.
• Pack appropriately: Knowledge of the airport's rules about what is not allowed, size and weight restrictions, and other rules can save you time.
• Use other modes of transportation: With fewer public transit options, many travelers will be looking into rental car and rideshare services for getting to or from the airport.
• Know the latest: Use resources like NOTAMs to learn of changes in operations at an airport — military airfields, for example, regularly undergo closure or adjustment.

With a few essential travel tips to consider, tourists flocking to Allen Army Airfield can embark on an effortless journey into Alaska's heartland.