Koyukuk Airport - Alaska's Door to the Wild
Introduction
Situated in the midst of Alaska's great outdoors, Koyukuk Airport (IATA: KYU, ICAO: PFKU) is a tiny but crucial hub for travel to and from the isolated village of Koyukuk. Among the many airports across Alaskan terrain, Koyukuk Airport serves as an important lifeline linking this isolated region with points throughout the state and beyond.
Airlines and Destinations
Koyukuk Airport is a domestic airport located in Koyukuk, Alaska. The two available destinations from the airport are both within Alaska. Wright Air Service, the only airline to serve the airport, is a regional Part 135 air carrier that operates essential air service (EAS) flights.
Passengers and Per Flight
Koyukuk Airport had 1,018 passenger boardings (enplanements) in calendar year 2007, down from an average of just over two thousand enplaned passengers a few years earlier, according to Federal Aviation Administration records. With such a small airport located in the middle of nowhere, passenger numbers cannot compare to larger hubs throughout the state.
How to Get Here
Koyukuk Airport is located about 11 miles west-northwest of the City of Koyukuk. The closest major airport is Galena (GAL), Edward G. Pitka Sr. Airport, 47 miles northeast of the park. The only feasible way to the area is by airplane, and travelers can fly in through Koyukuk Airport.
Parking
Koyukuk Airport has no proper parking facilities for visitors, and they have to park at designated areas around the airport.
Transportation Price
Transportation to and from Koyukuk Airport is available in various ways, depending on how far a traveler has come and what type of transportation they are using. Travel in and out of Koyukuk may come with a higher price tag as it is remote when compared to larger, more densely populated cities, but there are no specific prices available.
Terminal Layout
The Koyukuk Airport is a small airport that only has one terminal building. The Passenger Terminal includes check-in counters, a waiting area, and basic services. But its scale and minimal infrastructure are more in line with the small volume of passengers processed by the airport.
Navigate the Airport
Koyukuk Airport is quite easy to get around. The terminal is nice and compact, so it's easy to find your way around due to clear signage and a simple layout. The airport is also known for its speedy and slightly more personalized security screening process due to the size of the facility.
Getting Between Terminals
Koyukuk Airport consists of only one terminal, so you do not need to move between the terminals. The arrivals and departures are all at the same, quite small terminal.
Services and Amenities
Koyukuk Airport provides basic passenger services. It comprises general seating, a waiting area provided with restrooms, and limited concessions. The drawback, of course, is that the airport itself is both remote and small-scale in comparison to more central hubs, which means fewer services.
Restaurants and Shops
Food and shopping options at Koyukuk Airport are limited. No dedicated restaurants or retail outlets are located at the airport, due to its small size and limited local demand.
Security and Customs
Koyukuk Airport passengers can expect the same security checkpoint process as what they would go through at major airports. Being solely a domestic airport, there are no formalities of customs or immigration for travelers.
Accessibility
Koyukuk Airport is committed to meeting the facilities and services necessary accommodations for passengers with special needs. Since it is a small airport with limited airlines and just one terminal, its design allows for ease of travel through this gateway, even for those who require special assistance.
Travel Tips
- Book Flights with Plenty of Time, Seats can be Limited.
- Arrive at the airport earlier than usual since you may have a more customized security process.
- Pack light - the airport has limited storage and transport alternatives.
- Plan for possible weather delays and cancellations - the remote location can fall prey to particularly inclement Alaskan conditions.