Holy Cross Airport

Holy Cross Airport: the Gateway to Alaska's Wilderness

Introduction

Deep in the heart of Alaska's immense wilderness, Holy Cross Airport (IATA: HCR) provides crucial transportation to the isolated town of Holy Cross. This tiny state-owned public-use airport provides an important link for the local community to connect with other parts of Alaska and destinations beyond. Holy Cross Airport is your ticket to the ultimate, real Alaskan adventure or pure convenience of a quick stopover between destinations.

Airlines and Destinations

Most trips are based on Maverick charter flights within our great state of Alaska. There is one airline serving the airport, that being Ravn Alaska operating daily flights to/from Anchorage (the biggest city in this state). Although the route network is small, it runs frequently and guarantees that residents (and some travelers) can reach their core services in Anchorage.

Passenger and Flight Numbers

Holy Cross Airport is a small regional airport with light passenger and freight totals. The airport was used by around 10,000 passengers and for 2,500 aircraft movements in the year-end of 2023. Those numbers may seem low when comparing to mega-sized international hubs, but reflect the nature of this most beautiful and sensitive state's remote communities.

How to Get Here

For those flying in, access to Holy Cross Airport is easy as well. The Airport is only one mile south of the central business district and, as an airport with several tenants providing a variety of services, ground transportation to and from the airport is readily available, including taxis, rideshares, and pontoons that fly in via Bethel. It can be reached within 10 to 20 minutes by a taxi or rideshare from virtually anywhere in the city.

Parking

The Holy Cross Airport has a small parking lot next to the passenger terminal, which makes it convenient for passengers. So if you are considering driving to the airport, parking is complimentary, making this a fuss-free alternative.

Transportation Prices

The in and out of Holy Cross Airport is relatively easy on the pocket. A taxi would normally run about $10 from the city center or Uber/Lyft each offer slightly cheaper services. There is a decent public bus system that costs as little as $2 per ride to meet the needs of those who rely on mass transit.

Terminal Layout

The Terminal at Holy Cross Airport is a small one-story building that contains all passenger services. Simple in design, there's just a middle check-in area and minimal seating available while entering the gates directly from the aircraft. The terminal, despite being small in stature, offers a good deal of traveler comfort and efficiency.

Navigate the Airport

Holy Cross Airport is small and easy to navigate. The terminal is well-marked so passengers have no trouble finding check-in counters, security checkpoint, or boarding gates. Its tiny size makes this an easy experience for even novice airport-goers.

Getting Between Terminals

Holy Cross Airport has only one terminal building, so you do not have to concern yourself with moving between terminals. There is also a single building for passengers with all passenger operations conveniently located under one roof, so shifting from arrival to departure or vice versa does not involve traveling inside the terminal compound.

Services and Amenities

In contrast to the impressive range of amenities at larger international airports, Holy Cross Airport is a more basic facility focused on providing those services essential for those flying in and out. Basic facilities are limited to restrooms, a small waiting area, and vending machines for snacks/beverages.

Restaurants and Shops

Due to its status as a general aviation facility, there are few shopping and dining opportunities at Holy Cross Airport. Visitors can, however, find a small café within the terminal which provides light refreshments and an area to unwind before heading off on their flight.

Security and Customs

There really are only a handful of flights from Holy Cross Airport on any given day, so security screening is very simple with just one checkpoint for all outgoing passengers. This is done quickly and the airport personnel are nice to help you through this process. As Holy Cross is an air taxi destination, it also has no customs or immigration facilities.

Accessibility

Holy Cross Airport makes all efforts to provide accessibility for each and every traveler. The terminal is accessible to passengers with reduced mobility and features designated disabled parking spaces, ramps, and toilets. The airport staff is also on hand to help those who need it.

Travel Tips

When traveling through Holy Cross Airport (HCR), we recommend that passengers arrive at least 2 hours prior to their flight, whether it's for domestic or international travel. The small size of the airport usually means quick check-in and boarding processes, but it's better to be prepared. Also, be sure to wear appropriate clothing for an Alaskan summer, as the weather can be quite unpredictable.