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Eareckson Air Station

Welcome to Eareckson Air Station. This airport sits on Shemya Island in the Alaskan Aleutian Islands. It has the IATA code SYA. Eareckson Air Station was once known as Shemya Air Force Base. The U.S. Air Force closed it on July 1, 1994. However, the airport still serves important purposes. The USAF owns and operates it for refueling. It also acts as a diversion airport for civilian flights. The base used to host powerful radar systems. Today, it remains a key location in the region.

Live Air Traffic

Eareckson Air Station, with the IATA code SYA, is a military airport in the Aleutian Islands of Alaska. It used to be known as Shemya Air Force Base. The airport closed as an active Air Force Station on July 1, 1994. However, the USAF still owns it. The USAF Pacific Air Forces Regional Support Center at Elmendorf AFB operates it for refueling. Eareckson Air Station also serves as a diversion airport for civilian flights. The base once hosted powerful radar systems, including the AN/FPS-17 and AN/FPS-80. Since 1977, it has used the AN/FPS-108 COBRA DANE phased-array radar.

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Basic information about airport

Airport code: PASY
Type: medium
Continent: NA
Country code: US
Country: United
City Shemya
IATA: SYA
Longitude: 174.1139984
Latitude: 52.71229935

Eareckson Air Station on Google Maps

metka
Today 5 °C / 41 °F
  • sunLight rain
  • humidityHumidity: 96
  • WindWind: 14.41 m/sec
Wed

4 C / 39.2 °F

Thu

3 C / 37.4 °F

Fri

3 C / 37.4 °F

Sat

3 C / 37.4 °F

Sun

2 C / 35.6 °F

Eareckson Air Station, Your Pass to the Aleutian Islands in Alaska

Introduction

Located in the middle of the Aleutian Islands, it is a United States Air Force military airport that has seen much action over time and one that many people would struggle to locate on an Alaskan map, but I think it's worth looking into (pun intended) when considering some amazing historical aviation. As previously an active Air Force Station, this airport is currently only a refueling point and diversionary field for civilian aircraft, supplying a vital air link to the outside world for the residents of Shemya Island.

Airlines and Destinations

Eareckson Air Station is a remote location, which consists of less commercial activity and instead focuses on military/government operations. While not having any scheduled passenger flights, the airport will serve as a fueling stop for various military and government aircraft, and it is also registered with Transport Canada to act as a diversion location for civilian flights that may need to land due to weather or emergencies.

Number of People Flown and Number of Air Trips

The Eareckson Air Station sees relatively limited operations when it comes to passenger flights, and overall traffic is minimal due to the airport's military and government focus. Since it is not a significant commercial hub, specific data regarding passenger totals and flights are not made public.

How to Get Here

Eareckson Air Station is on the desolate island of Shemya in Alaska's Aleutian Islands chain. Being completely surrounded by water, the airport can solely be reached from the air, as there are no roads or any other mode of transportation connecting the island with the mainland. Access to the airport is permitted only by military or government-approved flight, or private charter.

Parking

Eareckson Air Station is a military facility, so free parking can be limited. Passengers arriving at the airstrip must make arrangements with authorities for parking their cars on the tarmac, as there is no longer any dedicated airport lot or garage.

Transportation Price

Because it is miles from nowhere with few transport options, getting in and out of Eareckson Air Station costs a lot. Travelers are required to find a military or government-approved flight, which is expensive and sometimes priced by the person traveling.

Terminal Layout

At present, that includes the FAA-operated Eareckson Air Station with one terminal building for combined military and commercial operations. The terminal is small to medium in size and only offers basic facilities. Since the airport is mostly used for refueling and emergency diversions, there are no jetways or other fancy boarding facilities.

Navigate the Airport

Finding your way around Eareckson Air Station can be difficult, as the airport has mostly been designed for military and government use. Signage is poor, and way-finding can be limited, meaning prior coordination with the relevant authorities may need to take place on arrival in order for you to access the required parts of the airport.

Getting Between Terminals

Since it is a small station, Eareckson has only one terminal building to manage, unlike some larger airports with multiple terminals. But the airport's configuration and getting clearance to interact with military or even government staff can add another layer of process.

Services and Amenities

Eareckson Air Station is a military airport, and as such, it offers only a few services for visitors. There are no restaurants, shopping facilities, or other commercial trading points at the airport, and few of its buildings/structures actually support any civilian function.

Restaurants and Shops

As the airport is located at a military facility with only directional winter charts available (in particular, since it's on an island), there is no catering at all in restaurant- and shop-style known from civilian spots - frankly, there are none. Food, supplies, and other facilities need to be arranged by visitors.

Security and Customs

The military installation is a secure facility, with restricted access. Visitors have to get approval from the right agency, and they are thoroughly screened before even being allowed entry on airport grounds. The airport is not a major international gateway and therefore has no dedicated customs facilities.

Accessibility

Due to the military leanings of Eareckson Air Station and its desolate location in the Aleutian Islands, chances are accessibility will be tight for disabled or special-needs travelers. Visitors must contact the appropriate authority in advance with their specific request.

Travel Tips

Journeying to Eareckson Air Station is an offbeat, but somewhat challenging journey. Due to its isolation, lack of amenities, and having to deal with military or government personnel, visitors should be prepared for whatever circumstances. It is advisable to plan a considerable amount of time ahead, take the necessary equipment, and be ready for any weather or other operational disturbances.