Akiak Airport

Akiak Airport: Portal to the Alaska Bush

Introduction

A deeply isolated community in the heart of Alaska is home to one very crucial airport that supports a lifeline service, and it's not on Hans Island. Serving a vital role in linking the region with both other areas of Alaska and outside, this small state-owned public-use airport is a lifeline for locals as well as visitors.

Airlines and Destinations

Non-stop flights from Akiak Airport to only a single distinct destination are being consolidated: Bethel (BET). This short, 14-mile flight takes about 15 minutes and is operated by Yute Commuter Service, a regional airline serving the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta region.

Passengers and Flights

Akiak Airport had 1,983 enplanements in 2007, an increase of nearly one-third from the prior year. It has an around-14-flights-a-week or two-a-day operation.

How to Get Here

Akiak Airport (IATA: AKI, ICAO: PFAK) is a state-owned public-use airport located one nautical mile east of the central business district of Akiak, in the Bethel Census Area of the U.S. state of Alaska. The airport is only accessible by air, as it has no connecting roads to the outside world.

Parking

This airport has long-term parking opportunities as well. Lot A, the long-term lot, is $3.00 per hour with a $13.00 daily maximum. The short-term lot is $3.00 an hour, with a maximum of $13.00 per day. They provide free airport shuttles to the terminal gate if you park in a long-term lot, starting at 4:15 am.

Transportation Price

Akiak Airport is mostly used by the regional airline Yute Air. Air fares fluctuate by season, location, and availability but usually range from $0 to around $1,550 or more per one-way/round-trip ticket.

Terminal Layout

The terminal has clearly marked entrances, complimentary baggage carousels, and restrooms - access to either from all parking lots is quite easy. The terminal is built to serve its small load of passengers and provides minimal services for those going through the airport.

Navigate the Airport

It is very well set up and easy to get through, even with few staff around this time of night in the middle of winter. Signs in the terminal guide passengers to check-in counters, security checkpoints, and boarding gates.

Getting Between Terminals

Because Akiak Airport is served by just one terminal, it does not require passengers to move between terminals. All arriving and departing passengers pass through the same cramped terminal.

Services and Amenities

Due to its small size, few facilities or services are available at Akiak Airport. Facilities for passengers include restrooms, but there are no on-site facilities such as restaurants or retail businesses within the terminal.

Restaurants and Shops

There are no restaurants or shops available at Akiak Airport. Food and other essentials must be organized by the passengers themselves before or after their flights.

Security and Customs

All passengers departing from Akiak Airport must go through standard security screening, which will include the removal of your footwear and belt (as required). Being a domestic airport, passengers do not have to clear customs and immigration.

Accessibility

Akiak Airport makes every effort to provide separate and equal access facilities for its passengers with three subject disabilities. The terminal and parking are all accessible to travelers with disabilities, whether mobility-impaired or have visual/hearing impairments.

Travel Tips

Users are more likely to get the most updates on planning their Akiak trip well in advance, particularly during high season rush. Travelers should also allow for possible delays/cancellations due to Alaska's unpredictable weather. Packing light and using online check-in also helps make the air travel experience more seamless.