Ugnu-Kuparuk Airport: Provides Access to Alaska's Wild North
Introduction
Situated deep in the Alaskan wilderness, Ugnu-Kuparuk Airport - IATA: UUK, ICAO: PAKU - is a primary access point for much of that region. The midsized airport is privately owned by ConocoPhillips and opened in December 1981 as a critical link to the Kuparuk oil field.
Airlines and Destinations
Ugnu-Kuparuk is mainly used by the oil and gas industry as a private-use airport. ConocoPhillips runs one flight a week, CON405, from Kuparuk to Nuiqsut Airport (NUI).
Passenger and Flight Volume
But because of the airport's unique character, it is difficult to come by specific passenger or flight figures. Still, the field's modest throughput - requiring only a 6,551-by-150-foot runway at the airport - suggests low-level operations to serve the Kuparuk oil field.
How to Get Here
Ugnu-Kuparuk Airport is situated 11 miles WNW of Kuparuk, the city in Alaska. It falls under the Anchorage Arctic Flight Information Region (FIR) for operational purposes.
Parking
The airport offers parking for visitors and employees of the Kuparuk oil field. However, there is no information provided with this data regarding the specific parking layout or availability.
Transportation Pricing
Given that Ugnu-Kuparuk is a privately listed private-use airport, the pricing for getting to/from there will probably be pretty bespoke and geared towards serving the oil & gas industry. Public availability/price is not easily available to the general public.
Terminal Layout
The terminal building is used for its operations, as there is only one runway at Ugnu-Kuparuk Airport. The size and amenities of the terminal are tailored to meet the needs unique to operations at Kuparuk Field.
Navigating the Airport
Ugnu-Kuparuk Airport is a simple airport, as it has only one runway and the terminal area is well organized. Airports should ensure that their signage and wayfinding clearly direct passengers.
Getting Between Terminals
Since Ugnu-Kuparuk Airport features just one terminal, passengers will not have to worry about transferring between multiple terminals.
Services and Amenities
The facilities and services at the airport are designed to cater mostly to oil and gas industry-related businesses. Not much information is highlighted on the presence of facilities and services that are free of charge.
Restaurants and Shops
There are few businesses that cater to passengers at Ugnu-Kuparuk Airport, as the airport is more or less devoted to oil field operations in Kuparuk.
Security and Customs
Security and Customs procedures at Ugnu-Kuparuk may be distinct from public-use airports. For the latest updates, travelers are being asked to get in touch with their respective airline or even check the website of the contributing airport operator.
Accessibility
Data on the airport's level of accessibility features is not widely available. Our priority is passengers with special needs who should call the airport or their airline in advance to ensure that appropriate assistance can be provided.
Travel Tips
Because of the far north Arctic location, travelers departing or arriving at Ugnu-Kuparuk Airport should always check to make sure that no severe winter weather threatens. When you are well-prepared and a good planner, the journey is smooth.