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King Salmon Airport

Welcome at King Salmon Airport! It's a small airport, located to the southeast of King Salmon, Alaska. It is a public-use airport run by the state. The Naknek Air Force Base was what is now known as King Salmon Airport. Near the picturesque Naknek River Every year, millions of travelers pass through the airport. It had more than 41,000 passenger boardings in 2010. King Salmon Airport is a critical link in the FAA's National Plan. It is very much a primary commercial service facility — but it is not hub. That means it links travelers to bigger airports. We hope you enjoy your travels through King Salmon Airport.

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Welcome to the Bristol Bay area of Alaska – King Salmon Airport You should know, this is his state-owned airport that became a crucial gateway for visitors. Its located just to the southeast of King Salmon, right by the Naknek River. It was once a military base that now handles commercial flights. Passenger boardings at the airport exceeded 42,000 in 2008. It still has significance as a regional air travel center. King Salmon Airport appears in the FAA National Plan 2021–2025. It is categorized as a non-hub primary commercial service facility. This part of Alaska is easily accessible thanks to its proximity to a group of cities known collectively as the "Greater Juneau" area.

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Basic information about airport

Airport code: PAKN
Type: medium
Continent: NA
Country code: US
Country: United
City King
IATA: AKN
Longitude: -156.6490021
Latitude: 58.67679977

King Salmon Airport on Google Maps

metkaKing Salmon
Today 4 °C / 39.2 °F
  • sunOvercast clouds
  • humidityHumidity: 75
  • WindWind: 9.85 m/sec
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2 C / 35.6 °F

Mon

3 C / 37.4 °F

Tue

0 C / 32 °F

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-0 C / 32 °F

Thu

-1 C / 30.2 °F

Wilbanks — King Salmon Airport: Your Alaskan Adventure Gateway

Introduction

Located in the heart of southwest Alaska, King Salmon Airport (IATA: AKN) is the main hub for anyone journeying to experience majestic Katmai National Park and Preserve. This airport is a small and invaluable base which carries out valuable work to connect people with the area around it, providing exceptional natural systems. Whether you're headed out on a bear-watching adventure, embarking into the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, or just looking to experience true Alaskan wilderness, feel free to fly through King Salmon Airport and get started on your unforgettable journey.

Airlines and Destinations

King Salmon Airport is only accessible by a few airlines (Alaska Airlines and Grant Aviation) primarily. Major Airlines with Nonstop Service to Anchorage (Southwest Alaska's Main transportation hub) have a small route network but is key to connecting passengers with the remote and majestic landscapes of Alaska.

Size of Passengers/Flights

King Salmon Airport took in 42,310 passenger boardings (enplanements) in calendar year 2008, an increase of just over fifty percent from the prior year when there were 28,000 enplanements. A regional transportation hub, the airport — a non-hub primary commercial service facility — is significant for both freight and public use. Not only does the airport get seasonal ebbs and flows in passenger counts as well as flight traffic, but it is also still used to access many areas by visitors.

How to Get Here

King Salmon Airport is not too hard to get to, because the only way into King Salmon -- other than by driving through 300 miles of moose country from Anchorage, thus requiring a food stop several times per year -- is via airplane. Anchorage International Airport (ANC) is the nearest large airport, and acts as a major gateway to southwest Alaska. Anchorage is the gateway to King Salmon Airport (AKN), which serves as a primary transit point for travelers who can connect through one of several regional carriers or book direct flights with Alaska Airlines.

Parking

The King Salmon Airport provides limited parking, with a small lot which is located near the terminal building. It is less expensive to park your personal automobile than in the past, implying it's a better option for people driving and popping off. Travelers should be aware that parking spaces are limited, and arrive early to successfully park before the peak times.

Transportation Prices

You should pay for transportation that gets you to King Salmon airport and back, depending on your mode of transport or how far you have gone. Shuttle and taxi services are offered at a cost of approximately $20 to $50 for one way, local trips. If you need more affordable services, look out for possible public transportation (though they can be of low frequency and have limited coverage).

Terminal Layout

The well-maintained King Salmon Airport is a single-terminal facility meeting the needs of its passengers. The terminal consists of all basic facilities such as check-in counters, security checkpoints, and some retail outlets. Smaller than other international airports, it was created to make the journey for visitors as smooth and easy-flowing as possible.

Navigate the Airport

King Salmon Airport offers a small terminal that does not require any lengthy walks and navigations. While the signs are clear and everything is laid out very well, making it easy to find your way from departure gates to baggage claim areas or wherever else you might want to go in a hurry. Due to the moderate size of the airport, the distance is not so big that you would feel far away when walking from each spot, making it really convenient and easy for passengers.

Getting Between Terminals

Since King Salmon Airport is only a single-terminal facility, passengers do not need to work their way through separate terminals. The terminal building handles all arriving and departing passengers, making it easy to travel between parts of the airport.

Services and Amenities

As a regional airport, King Salmon Airport does not offer the amenities and services of larger hubs. The basic facilities such as restrooms can be found within, however, you may want to prepare for typical flight delays due to it being a small regional facility. The terminal building will provide passengers with basic facilities, including toilets, a coffee bar, and limited seating area.

Restaurants and Shops

While King Salmon Airport is small and focused on serving the needs of travelers bound for nearby Katmai National Park and Preserve, dining options at this airport are limited. The lobby itself lacks significant dining and shopping opportunities outside of a small concession stand offering snacks and basic beverages.

Security and Customs

King Salmon Airport is categorized as a general aviation airport and cannot handle customs. Passengers arriving from within the USA will not have to pass customs when flying into King Salmon. The airport does still have the regular checkpoints that we are all used to getting through before making it to our gates.

Accessibility

King Salmon Airport is ADA accessible. The airport is Advantage 3-approved and accommodates all visitors from the terminal building to its amenities, restrooms, or parking area - everything tooled up with essential features for making it easy on any passenger at large.

Travel Tips

Before going to King Salmon and the rest of Katmai National Park Preserve, keep in mind that you will face challenges with the help of Alaska Bear Tours. Layer up, wear tough walking boots, and remember to respect the volatile climate of this area. Also, note that it is the high season for visits—you should definitely book your flights and accommodation early.