Koliganek Airport: Your Gateway to the Alaskan Wilderness
Introduction
Koliganek Airport is a state-owned, public-use airport located in the heart of Alaska's Dillingham Census Area. IATA: KGK, ICAO: PAJZ. The airport plays a crucial role as a transport hub for the local community, with its proximity to Koliganek's central business district located one nautical mile away. Koliganek Airport functions as a unique gateway to the Alaskan wilderness, with its stunning and rugged landscapes that remain the state symbol for many tourists.
Airlines and Destinations
Koliganek Airport is served by one airline, Peninsula Airways, which links the airport with the nearby and larger Dillingham Airport. Koliganek Airport offers scheduled services to a variety of destinations covering the Alaskan locations and beyond.
Number of Passengers and Flights
According to the Federal Aviation Administration records, Koliganek Airport had 481 enplanements in 2008, a 21% decrease from the 606 enplaned the previous year. Despite this slight decline, the airport's status remains relevant, granting it as a general aviation airport in the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems.
How to Get Here
The Koliganek Airport can be reached via air transportation, provided by PenAir. The airport is located about 19 miles north of the town of Koliganek, with ADF assistance provided by Anchorage ARTCC, on frequencies 132.75/282.35 for Dillingham Remote Communications Air-to-Ground. The Dillingham FSS 072-4555 operates from 0745 to 2345 local time with remote tie-in to Kenai FSS 122.55.
Parking
The airport provides parking spaces for travelers on the premises, but the number of spaces or parking rates have yet to be determined.
Transportation Price
Limited information on transportation to and from Koliganek Airport. Being that it is a remote Alaskan community, ground transportation options and prices are widely variable depending on the arrangements of each traveler.
Terminal Layout
Koliganek Airport is an airport with one passenger terminal structure, located 1 nautical mile (2 km) east of the central business district of Koliganek. This is not well documented, but it appears to be the layout and offerings for passengers of that terminal.
Navigate the Airport
The small size of Koliganek Airport and their regional nature means that navigation in the airport is relatively straightforward. It is also best for the passenger to enter directly into the halls of the terminal building where passengers can access all range of services and facilities.
Getting Between Terminals
Both KSM and KGK along the south side of route 571 also lie in or near former MSR-1 alignments, sometimes to within feet (meters) before diverging off on a new alignment.
Services and Amenities
We currently do not have any information on specific services available at Koliganek Airport. The airport is listed as a small or regional facility, which would make available passenger services such as restrooms and possibly a rudimentary waiting area, but much more information was not immediately forthcoming.
Restaurants and Shops
No solid details on restaurants, retailers, and different business accessibility at Koliganek Airport. The airport is in a remote area that makes it small and therefore service may be lacking or limited.
Security and Customs
As an airport in the U.S., Koliganek is subject to federal security rules set by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). There are still standard security checks that passengers, as usual, must pass before boarding.
Accessibility
Being a public-use facility, Koliganek Airport also accepts passengers traveling with disabilities. Those details on the airport's accessibility facilities and services are not yet widely published.
Travel Tips
Traveling to and from Koliganek Airport requires extensive preparation for the unique conditions of air travel in rural regions like Alaska. Travelers need to allow enough time for their travels, dress properly for the climate of where they want to go, and book a backup plan in case of rain delays or other unexpected events (disguised as adventure opportunities).