Cold Bay Airport

The Cold Bay Airport: Your Jumping-off Point to the Alaskan Outback

Introduction

Cold Bay Airport (IATA: CDB) is a major transportation point for the isolated destinations of Alaska's Aleutian Peninsula, located in the heart of it. Completed and opened in 1943 as a military airfield, it is now the only true statewide airport that hosts state-owned public use facilities available for scheduled passenger service nearly around-the-clock while serving to provide inter-island logistics capabilities year-round. Whether taking off for an outdoor adventure or passing through on your way overseas, Cold Bay Airport is an experience you simply must not miss.

Airlines and Destinations

Most travelers arrive by domestic flights in Alaska, which are located on the other side of Cold Bay Airport and serve as a hub for regional airlines such as Grant Aviation or Sterling Airways. These carriers provide the only access to larger hubs—like Anchorage (ANC)—from Cold Bay, providing travelers with easy reach of some of Alaska's most unique jewels. In addition, the airport is used by international flights crossing the Pacific Ocean as an emergency diversion point due to its long runway.

Passenger and Flight Numbers

As per Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) records, the Cold Bay Airport had 9,261 passenger boardings (enplanements) in calendar year 2010 and 8,650 enplanements for the following years, resulting in a "Non-Primary Commercial Service" category airport having between over ten thousand enplanements but less than one hundred thousand enplanements. The average number of flights arriving and departing is 14 per week, or an equivalent of two (2) flight operations a day.

How to Get Here

Located in the far reaches of Alaska, getting to Cold Bay Airport may not be a simple journey. Air — Most visitors reach the airport here via scheduled flights from Anchorage and other regional hubs. If you prefer to travel by water, frequent ferry service is available for the final leg connecting Cold Bay with surrounding coastal communities.

Parking

The only parking options at the airport are available on-site within a small lot that is located directly next to the terminal building. Plan for plenty of time and be sure to arrive early because parking is limited when increased visitation creates congestion.

Transportation Prices

The cost of your journey to and from Cold Bay Airport can be affected by the method you decide on traveling to and from the airport as well as how distant the starting point is. Anchorage domestic flights for a round-trip fare is normally around $120-$240. Meanwhile, the one-way local taxi or shuttle services in Cold Bay typically charge about $20-$40 after traveling within its vicinity.

Terminal Layout

The Cold Bay Airport terminal is a small, single-story facility with the required passenger and air cargo facilities. This terminal facility, though compact in physical size compared to other airports, boasts a seamless travel experience across all passengers.

Navigate the Airport

We had a very easy time going through the Cold Bay Airport since it is not that big, and you can easily know what will be taking place during your stay at their terminal. It features clear signage, friendly assisting staff, and way-finders – helping passengers to get through the check-in counters and security checkpoint well in time before they head towards the departure gates.

Getting Between Terminals

We would recommend arriving at Cold Bay Airport no later than an hour before scheduled departure or check-in and should allow yourself enough time to move/transit between terminals. With everything happening in the same small building, connections from one flight to another should go seamlessly.

Services and Amenities

Cold Bay Airport may not offer the comprehensive facilities and services of major international airports, but it does provide many basic amenities that should satisfy most travelers. The passengers will find a small holding area, restrooms, and a simple food/beverage concession.

Restaurants and Shops

The Cold Bay Airport offers few dining or shopping choices, with only one concession stand serving snacks and limited menu beverage items, in addition to a small gift shop. Those looking for more than the offerings within the airport will have to head out past the in-house options.

Security and Customs

Being a domestic airport, Cold Bay does not have proper customs to pass through. Although they will have to clear the regular security checkpoints before reaching the boarding gates. The TSA is responsible for performing the security checkpoints at airports for safety and customer service reasons.

Accessibility

Cold Bay Airport strives to be fully accessible to all passengers with disabilities. The terminal building and its services cater to passengers with disabilities: from designated parking spaces, accessible paths leading up to the check-in area, including assistive technology which is available on request.

Travel Tips

A Few Tips When Travelling To Or From Cold Bay Airport

• Before setting out, be sure to check the weather and flight schedules because Alaska's Aleutian Islands are no place for a margin of error.
• In Cold Bay, the temperature is cold year-round, so dress warmly in layers.
• Remember to leave yourself more time at the airport, as check-in and security take longer than at larger airports.
• Note that there will be few dining and shopping facilities inside the terminal, so you might want to pack some snacks and entertainment material yourself.
• Knowing the layout of the airport can help to navigate you smoothly and stress-free.