Atka Airport

The Gateway to Alaskan Backcountry: Atka Airport

Introduction

Sitting in the middle of the Aleutian island chain is Atka Airport (IATA: AKB, ICAO: PAAK), which plays a key role as a transport hub for the far-off community living in this remote area of Alaska. Not only is this a lifeline for the residents of Atka, linking them with mainland Alaska and beyond — it's also another state-owned public-use airport. Travelers arriving at or passing through Atka Airport are on an adventure, for sure.

Airlines and Destinations

The major services at the Airport are mainly subsidized regional airlines as part of the Essential Air Service program. Ravn Alaska is the airport's only commercial carrier that flies daily to Anchorage, the state's largest city. The Essential Air Service program allows for discounted flights and provides affordable, sustainable transportation options to those residing 297 miles away from the nearest city.

Passenger & Flight Count

Atka Airport was the 85th-busiest airport in Alaska by enplanements during the Calendar Year, with 152 passenger enplanements as its preliminary released figure for the year. This was down from higher figures in previous years. Despite its limited number of passengers, the airport is a critical service for Atkans who need to fly out in case of medical emergencies or just to resupply.

How to Get Here

Flying to Atka Airport is somewhat an adventure because the only way into this remote island, which lies in the Bering Sea, situated between Buldir and Adak Island (ADK), is by sea route to the Pacific or another land boundary. The closest major airport is Adak Airport, about 170 miles away to the west. From there, travelers can link up with a 30-minute regional flight to Atka. Another option is to come by yacht, and the island has a marina acting as an entrance for water transport.

Parking

Short-Term and Long-term Parking Facilities for Passengers at Atka Airport. The parking lot is managed by LAZ Parking and offers 24/7 access. Short-term parking is offered at $3.00 an hour for up to 2 hours, and then falls under the long-term rates with a maximum daily charge of $21.00. Long-term parking is $3.00 per hour, but the maximum daily rate has been set at $16.00.

Transportation Prices

Transportation to and from Atka Airport is by the mode of travel, thus charges will differ accordingly. Flights are pricey here, owing to the airport's remote location and limited commercial flights. You might also have options for ground transportation like taxis or shuttles, but the price on those could be greatly affected by the island's isolation.

Terminal Layout

The terminal at Atka Airport is a small, single-story building typical of remote airfields throughout Alaska that operate as essential links between communities and the broader world. The terminal includes passenger-processing facilities, such as a waiting area and ticket counters, along with small concessions. The size of the terminal, while drastically smaller than LAX or other large domestic airports, is meant to still incorporate a more comfortable travel experience for guests.

Navigate the Airport

Since the terminal in Atka Airport is small, finding your way through it should be easy. Passengers can easily find the check-in counters, security checkpoint, and boarding gates once they arrive. Airport wayfinding: overhead directive signage — user-friendly, easy-to-understand rendering of local navigation throughout the terminal guide customers where they want to go with minimal stress.

Getting Between Terminals

The Atka Airport is not split into multiple terminals and consists of one passenger terminal. The compact terminal building means check-in through to boarding should be a seamless transition for all arriving and departing passengers.

Services and Amenities

Atka Airport may be a small airport, but the terminal building provides some basic facilities that can serve flyers—however minimal they are. This includes a small concessions stand, restrooms, and basic passenger seating. The airport also has ground transportation services available for those seeking taxis or shuttles to get them where they need to go.

Restaurants and Shops

There are no dining or shopping facilities in Atka, the only service is a single concession located between the departure and arrival areas offering food items. Another little outlet, here they serve a few packaged snacks and drinks as well as light bites for passengers who need something quick to eat while on their way to their gates.

Security and Customs

Being a domestic airport, Atka Airport's security measures are under the jurisdiction of the government agency that implemented stringent guidelines for this particular purpose. All passengers and bags are screened prior to being allowed entry into the boarding areas. There are no proper customs facilities as the airport does not serve international flights.

Accessibility

Accessibility Facilities and Services at the Atka Airport. Within the terminal building and its services, help is always on offer if needed to give all visitors a smooth travel experience.

Travel Tips

• Mid-week or early morning/late evening: Atka flights are very empty, and the price is low if you opt for these moments to fly.
• Travel with only the basics: Because of the very limited transport and storage system at the airport, it is well recommended that you travel light.
• Arriving Ahead of Time – There might be weather delays, and the airport is located out in the boonies; it's not uncommon for people to arrive at least 2 hours early.
• Dress appropriately for the elements: While weather conditions in Atka can be quite severe, make sure that you are ready with as many cold-weather clothes and accessories as needed.
• Understand the airport structure: It is beneficial to check the terminal map and know about the facilities of the airport before you land in order to make your travel smooth and convenient.