Savoonga Airport

Savoonga Air Force: Cavern Machination-Language of the Alaskan Dichotomy

Introduction

From its location in the Alaskan Arctic, Savoonga Airport (IATA: SVA, ICAO: PASA) links the village of Savoonga on St. Lawrence Island to a larger world beyond. A small state-owned public-use airport, it is the main air transportation hub for residents and visitors to this part of Alaska.

Airlines and Destinations

Currently, the airport offers domestic flights within Alaska. Because there is only one airline serving the airport, this route does not return to St. Mary's and it continues on 101 miles (162 km) as a nonstop flight to Nome (OME). At around 45 minutes of flying time, this is a direct flight that appeals to most air travelers.

Passengers

Savoonga is a small regional airport in that it only hosts Aeromechanics (mechs) on Saturday and Sunday of each week. In the meantime, around 80 flights fly to this airport in a regular month, as such it is obvious there are always at least three and no more than seven planes that arrive here every day, up to twenty-one in a week. Even if the amount of passengers that passed through this airport changes from season to local events, it still serves as an important means for people in the community.

How to Get Here

The Savoonga Airport is an airport located 1 mile (2 km) west of Savoonga and serves the community. But the airport is in a remote and isolated region of Alaska, where there are no other modes of transportation available. This means that a connecting flight through another airport in Alaska, like Nome, or direct to Savoonga is required for travelers.

Parking

Parking for visitors is limited on site at the airport. East of the terminal is a short-term parking lot, where you are billed at $2 per use (first 30 minutes) and max out at that rate on a daily cap of $20. Longer-term Lot A (encompassing Lot 1 & Lot 2), situated towards the northeast of the terminal building, and Lot B (encompassing a larger area) located to the southeast of the airport terminal, have a per-day payment of $15.

Transportation Price

Options for transportation and prices will be limited as a small regional airport. The facility only had one airline that served the airport, and there were no taxis or rideshare services to bring travelers to their desired location. Airfare to Savoonga can vary depending on the airline, travel dates, and demand.

Terminal Layout

Savoonga Airport has one small building home to all passenger facilities. Onsite is a small terminal, with more waiting area during adverse weather conditions and restrooms. The airport lacks separate concourses or terminals, and all passengers use a single central structure.

Navigate the Airport

Savoonga Airport is small and easy to navigate. Once inside, arriving passengers will find themselves mere steps away from the baggage claim area and may proceed swiftly to rental car counters, ground transportation options, or pick-up areas. The airport is well signposted, meaning passengers should have no difficulty navigating their way around to find the departure gate.

Getting Between Terminals

Being a small one-terminal airport, there is no way for you to get confused at Savoonga Airport. The entire arrivals and departures are within the same small building, allowing passengers to navigate effortlessly.

Services and Amenities

A number of services and amenities are available at Savoonga Airport, suitable for the low volume air traffic it serves. The terminal has just a few features - restrooms, a small food kiosk, and an area with chairs for those waiting to board buses. That said, there are no amenities such as lounges or additional shopping and dining opportunities.

Restaurants and Shops

The airport has only one concession which sells pre-packaged snacks, beverages, and so forth.

Security and Customs

We haven't been able to find any customs facilities at Savoonga Airport as it is a domestic airport. Security Screening is conducted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in accordance with standard domestic air travel protocols.

Accessibility

Savoonga Airport is geared towards handling differently-abled travelers. The terminal and its facilities, such as parking areas, are accessible to disabled passengers with trained airport staff available if they can be of assistance. People traveling are being asked to get in touch with their airline or the airport itself in advance.

Travel Tips

• Flights should be booked during off-peak times like mid-week to avoid peak air travel periods.
• Minimal packing and hand luggage only, so we clear security quickly.
• Allow for sufficient time to get to the airport since it is so far away and there are not a lot of transportation options.
• Watch the weather, this is an arctic climate and can affect flight plans in and out of Savoonga.
• Learn your way around the airport so you can quickly get in and out of the terminal.