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Nikolski Air Station

Welcome to Nikolski Air Station. This small airport sits on Umnak Island in Alaska. It is located in the Aleutians West Census Area. Nikolski Air Station used to be a military airport. Now, it is owned by the Aleut Corporation. The airport does not have a lot of traffic, but it serves an important role. Grant Aviation provides scheduled flights from Unalaska. The Essential Air Service program helps support these flights. In recent years, the airport has seen a few hundred passengers each year. Nikolski Air Station offers a unique travel experience in a remote part of Alaska.

Live Air Traffic

Nikolski Air Station is an unattended airport on Umnak Island in Alaska. It serves the small community of Nikolski. The airport is now owned by The Aleut Corporation. It was once a military airport. Today, it offers scheduled commercial airline service. Grant Aviation provides flights from Unalaska. The Essential Air Service program helps support this service. In recent years, the airport has seen a small number of passenger boardings. In 2008, there were 165 enplanements. In 2009, the number increased to 219. In 2010, it dropped to 160. Nikolski Air Station plays a vital role in connecting this remote area to the rest of Alaska.

air Arrivals
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Basic information about airport

Airport code: PAKO
Type: small
Continent: NA
Country code: US
Country: United
City Nikolski
IATA: IKO
Longitude: -168.8489990234375
Latitude: 52.94160079956055

Nikolski Air Station on Google Maps

metka
Today 5 °C / 41 °F
  • sunLight rain
  • humidityHumidity: 99
  • WindWind: 6.09 m/sec
Fri

5 C / 41 °F

Sat

5 C / 41 °F

Sun

6 C / 42.8 °F

Mon

4 C / 39.2 °F

Tue

5 C / 41 °F

Aleutian Islands Spam Airbase

Introduction

Located in the far-flung Aleutian Islands of Alaska, Nikolski Air Station (IATA: IKO) is a surprisingly fascinating airport that provides an essential connection for its local residents to reach anywhere outside their remote community. The Aleut Corporation, the Native regional corporation that runs Unalaska's port and airport services among other ventures, subsidizes commercial service to their old military airfield through a federally mandated Essential Air Service program, providing a vital connection for residents and visitors.

Airlines and Destinations

Nikolski Air Station is now only served by Grant Aviation, going to the bigger hub on Unalaska. This is the essential air service that keeps the community linked to larger population centers despite its remote location.

Flights and Passengers

According to the FAA, passenger boardings (enplanements) were 167, 221, and 162 in calendar years. This does not include passengers traveling from Anchorage or another city starting somewhere other than Nikolski Air Station. While the volume may be small, these flights are essential to meeting the needs of local residents.

How to Get Here

Nikolski Air Station: Getting to the air station can be an adventure; it's situated along a remote stretch of Umnak Island. The closest major airport is Unalaska Airport, about 100 nautical miles away. Travelers have the choice to book flights with several online booking platforms depending on their flexible travel dates, and reap great fares to fly into Nikolski.

Parking

Nikolski Air Station — The design of Nikolski airport is a unique, open-apron style where aircraft can park directly next to the terminal; there are no separately designated parking structures. This also means passengers can get off the aircraft at the airport as well, making boarding and deplaning very simple.

Transportation Price

Transport to and from Nikolski air station might also vary in fees based upon departure or arrival dates. The passengers should look for the prices through various airlines and booking platforms to get the best possible options.

Terminal Layout

The Nikolski Air Station features the traditional open apron configuration in which aircraft park on a shoulder immediately next to the terminal. This type of layout makes it easy to board and deplane passengers, as they can walk straight on/off the plane.

Navigate the Airport

The small, simple layout of Nikolski Air Station makes navigation through it very straightforward once you arrive. Signage and wayfinding cues are used to guide travelers from the aircraft through the terminal, and also back out.

Getting Between Terminals

Since it is a one-terminal airport, transferring between terminals does not apply to passengers traveling from Nikolski Air Station. The building is a single, small structure where all arrivals and departures are consolidated.

Services and Amenities

With only basic services available at a small, out-of-the-way airport like Nikolski Air Station, there are nevertheless basic traveler essentials provided at the facility, including a seating area and restroom.

Restaurants and Shops

There are no specified eateries or shopping available at Nikolski Air Station. Passengers should be prepared to bring snacks or beverages with them accordingly.

Security and Customs

From security checks for carry-on bags and personal items to standard TSA screening, all travel through Nikolski Air Station will require common safety measures. Immigration may also be necessary for some passengers since it is an international airport.

Accessibility

Facilities and services are available: Nikolski Air Station has easy access for disabled travelers. If you have mobility issues, this airport has an open layout and easy access to aircraft, and is the best in terms of movement on land.

Travel Tips

If you have time to wait and flexibility in your schedule, the greatest chance of finding discounted seats on a flight might mean comparing prices over multiple booking platforms. But being organized and taking advantage of travel apps can make navigating the airport a breeze. Also be aware of the isolated and harsh conditions in parts of the Aleutian Islands, and pack accordingly.