May Creek Airport

One-Way Signs to Fish Lake Creek (FDP Mercer I May 19)

Introduction

Located in the midst of Alaska's wilderness, May Creek Airport (IATA: MYK) plays an important role as a gateway for its remote neighbors. MYK serves the community of May Creek and plays a significant role in connecting residents to other parts of the state as well as to points beyond. If you're starting off on an adventure or just passing through, this airport provides insight into the demands of flying in the Last Frontier.

Airlines and Destinations

May Creek Airport does not have scheduled passenger service. Still, the airport benefits from essential air service providers that guarantee residents have dependable ways to make flights. The region's residents and visitors primarily use private and charter flights to travel in and out of MYK.

Flights and Passenger Counts

Passenger numbers have dwindled at the airport over the years, partially due to its remote location in May Creek and limited commercial service. The Federal Aviation Administration reported 28 passenger boardings at the airport in calendar year 2008, with those numbers declining to just 18 passengers boarded during all of calendar year 2009 and dwindling again later that same period to only eight passengers for an entire calendar year's worth. Even with these low numbers, the airport still serves as a critical lifeline for the community, providing basic necessities to keep others alive.

How to Get Here

Getting to May Creek Airport is tough because the town here is not land-connected. The nearest significant airport is Gulkana Airport (GKN), which has domestic flights from Glennallen, Alaska and is about 106 miles by car in the west-northwest direction. The quick hop served as just the warm-up for travelers able to arrange private transportation or charter flights into MYK. Or, others may prefer to fly straight into the airport in their own private plane or chartered flight.

Parking

Unfortunately, May Creek Airport has very little parking; as you will quickly notice from the look of things, it is designed for many small aircraft rather than an equal number of airplanes. There are no assigned parking spaces or garages, and visitors should be responsible for their transportation preparations.

Transportation Prices

May Creek Airport is a remote airfield that can be accessed only by chartered plane, so it means transport to and from the airport will cost you quite an amount. The cost of private or charter flights is based on the size and distance between two points, as well as the number of passengers. Air transportation in this region isn't cheap.

Terminal Layout

May Creek Airport is a small airport situated along the banks of May Creek, less than 3 miles from moose central (east Moose Pass). The airport itself is a one-terminal building where passengers and pilots enter the structure. The terminal offers only basic services, including a waiting area and restrooms, without any customer service or concessions.

Navigate the Airport

It is quite an easy airport to fly into and out of, due in part to its small size. Travelers can hop off their ride and make their way to the terminal before boarding. The airport itself contains little wayfinding in the form of signage, but it is straightforward, and most will have no trouble.

Getting Between Terminals

May Creek Airport has the one and only terminal that serves domestic flights. It seems that all arrivals and departures are between the same facility.

Services and Amenities

May Creek Airport Services and Amenities May Creek If you have seen our Fuel Price Reports, you get the sense that this is changing. The terminal building has a basic waiting area and washrooms; there are no other facilities, including a restaurant or lounge. Passengers must prepare the items they need to carry.

Restaurants and Shops

However, May Creek Airport lacks restaurants, shops, or any other commercial development to be found on the field. Guests will be required to secure their own food, beverages, and other needs for the duration of their time at the airport.

Security and Customs

May Creek is a small, regional airport and thus has limited security or customs. That way, they could avoid the kind of security checks passengers go through at a major international airport. Nevertheless, travelers should still be ready to offer relevant proof of identification and follow standard security practices.

Accessibility

May Creek Airport is a handicap-accessible airport. However, the terminal building and environs are accessible to all relevant parties, while airport staff continue to be available on hand as required. It is a good idea to call the airport ahead of time if you have any special needs concerning accessibility.

Travel Tips

With that said, there are a few important things to keep in mind when planning your visit or trip at May Creek Airport.

• Get your flights early: With so few ways of getting to/from MYK, seats on board planes going in and out can become scarce during peak travel times.
• Weight limitation is there: When flying, you have to limit the baggage; likewise, ensure that while traveling, you only bring along the basic essentials and adhere to the specified weight limits.
• Pack Your Own Supplies: There are no restaurants or shops in the airport, so make sure to have your snacks and drinks with you if needed.
• Expect weather delays: Alaska is notorious for having unpredictable weather that can prevent planes from arriving — or taking off. Be prepared to adjust your schedule.
• Arrange transport to/from the airfield: Unfortunately, there are no means of public transportation.