Port Moller Airport

Port Moller Airport: The Door to the Alaskan Bush

Introduction

Port Moller Airport (IATA: PML) is located in the heart of the Aleutian Islands and serves as a regional transportation hub for isolated Alaska coastal communities, including villages on Iliuliuk Creek in Unalaska, Adak, and Nikolski. Established in February 2001, the airport, historically known as Port Moller Air Force Station, is a public and private joint-use facility owned by the residents of the area. Located 87 nautical miles northeast of the Cold Bay central business district, Port Moller Airport is especially important as it enables both residents and tourists to access much-needed transportation throughout the beautiful Alaskan wilderness.

Airlines and Destinations

Although tiny in size, Port Moller Airport is surprisingly well-connected for such a remote spot, and several airlines are providing connections from here to other destinations within Alaska and elsewhere. The airport's hub is Alaska Airlines, which also carries the most passengers into and out of Anchorage itself. There are also a number of regional airlines flying to surrounding communities, so the region remains connected.

Passengers and Flights

Port Moller is a medium-sized airport that experiences significant year-round air traffic. Though the number of passengers and flights fluctuates seasonally, everything that flies through this airport helps facilitate what is essentially a logistics operation in one of Alaska's most remote corners.

How to Get Here

To get to Port Moller Airport, you may have some adventure on the way because of how remote it is! The primary mode of traveling to the airport is by air, linked via flights from different hubs in the state. The closest major highway for road travel is the Alaska Peninsula Highway, which leads east to connect with the rest of the state's far-flung network.

Parking

The airport has limited parking space for Port Moller Airport visitors and residents. Parking at the airport is meant for people doing drop-offs and pickups (there are separate long-term parking facilities next door). Anyone traveling and planning to leave their car for a long-term stay should look into additional arrangements at the lot or other means of transportation.

Transportation Prices

Costs of transportation to and from Port Moller Airport may vary based on how far away the traveler's point of origin is. Flights to and from the airport are generally priced similarly to other flight rates; however, ground transportation like taxi cabs or shuttle providers might have added costs or surcharges.

Terminal Layout

Port Moller is a relatively small airport, so all the terminals are contained in one building. This terminal building, a one-story facility containing the requisite passenger processing facilities (ticket counters for check-in, security screening checkpoints, and baggage stations), is architecturally designed to efficiently handle a high volume of passengers, although it lacks the frills of larger airports.

Navigating the Airport

Port Moller Airport may be small, but you will have no trouble finding your way, as it is fairly easy to move around due to its size. There are numerous directions for passengers to different parts of the terminal, such as departure and arrival halls and ground transportation. The airport is well-signposted with signs and staff to help travelers negotiate its layout.

Getting Between Terminals

There is only one terminal at Port Moller Airport, and it needs to be kept in mind that there are no separate terminals for the passengers, as they are all reachable after immigration. There is no connectivity between the arrival and departure terminals, as they are part of the same building, which makes it an easier experience to navigate.

Services and Amenities

Although Port Moller Airport may not have the full sweep of luxury services found in international airports, it does provide passengers with the facilities and amenities required for air travel. Amenities include basics such as washrooms and vending machines, as well as limited food and beverage options.

Restaurants and Shops

Due to the airport's focus on serving a local population, dining and shopping options are minimal. Travelers are likely to find limited support in the way of snacks and non-alcoholic beverages, with fuller dining and retail experiences situated outside the airport facilities (typically within proximate communities).

Security and Customs

Port Moller Airport follows the security regulations established by the TSA and Customs & Border Protection (which are the same as the rest of U.S. airports). Passengers need to proceed directly from their homes or businesses to the airport in good time so as not to be late for security screening and customs clearance.

Accessibility

Port Moller Airport has a commitment that everyone, regardless of their abilities, is able to access the airport and then be allowed to enter the airplane. It is an airport whose terminal and facilities are fully adapted for disabled travelers, with accessible parking lots, ramps throughout the building, and in restrooms.

Travel Tips

Here are a few travel tips to consider when planning your flight in and out of Port Moller Airport.

• Plan when to book flights: Booking during the week or on non-holiday dates can save you from bigger crowds at airports.
• Get to the airport early: Give yourself plenty of time for check-in, security screening, and other necessary steps at the airport, especially during peak travel seasons.
• The simpler, the better: The less you take with you into an airport can make it easier for yourself and lower the chances of something going wrong somewhere.
• Keep yourself updated: Monitor flight schedules, weather forecasts, and other important news on the airport website or social media pages.
• Expect the unexpected: Sometimes unexpected delays or changes can occur, therefore travel with an open and adaptable mindset.

With these tips in mind, you can make your arrival at Port Moller Airport and departure from this unique corner of the Alaskan wilderness a little smoother for all involved.