Red Dog Airport: Your Door to the Wilds of Alaska
Introduction
Located in the heart of Alaskan bush country, Red Dog Airport (IATA: RDB) is a critical airlink supporting access to and from the remote Red Dog Mine. In addition to being the private-use airport for NANA (Northwest Arctic Native Association) Regional Corporation, this lifeline also connects a remote land with wider world history and every facet of civilization. From mining pros to nature lovers and everyone in between, if you're looking for an adventure or the unspoiled wonders of America's true North Country, welcome to Red Dog Airport!
Airlines and Destinations
The airport is primarily used to provide a link with the Red Dog Mine and has scheduled passenger service operated by Bering Air between Anchorage (ANC) as well as several other destinations. With the flight schedule from the airport mainly dedicated to mining operations, charter flights and private aircraft have easier access.
Passengers and Flight Numbers
Federal Aviation Administration records say that Red Dog Airport had 7,968 passenger boardings (enplanements) in calendar year 2005 and 8,475 enplanements in 2006. Given its remote location and specific function, fewer people traveling by air pass through the airport unless they are departing or returning to the area.
How to Get Here
Getting to Red Dog Airport can be problematic, as it resides in a very isolated section of Alaska. Kotzebue is the nearest incorporated city, some 52 miles (84 km) away. In most cases, travelers will need to fly into Anchorage (ANC) and then connect with Red Dog Airport (RDB) using a smaller regional or charter flight.
Parking
No parking places are available for the public to park at Red Dog Airport. The airport's management can help visitors book their transportation and find parking; the primary purpose of this small, no-fly-vehicle-friendly airport is to serve an industrial operation at Red Dog Mine in heavy rotation.
Transportation Prices
Red Dog Airport shuttle prices can vary, ranging from $60-$150 one way. Expect to pay top dollar for flights and ground transportation, a result of the airport's isolation as well as its focus on fly-in fly-out service.
Terminal Layout
The airport has a small terminal that handles both arriving and departing passengers. The terminal is modest in size and utility, intended to accommodate the facility's primary clients: employees of Red Dog Mine.
Navigate the Airport
Navigating Red Dog Airport may be as simple as it gets, even if the airport is small. The terminal building includes all the important facilities such as check-in counters, security checkpoints, and baggage claim areas. Airlines and staff are available to help passengers navigate the airport.
Getting Between Terminals
As Red Dog Airport possesses only one terminal, travelers will not need to navigate between terminals. The airport is served by a single compact building that accommodates both arrivals and departures.
Services and Amenities
The Red Dog Airport offers the most basic needs for its users. Such amenities include restrooms, a small waiting area, and limited concession options. Yet being a small airport in the middle of nowhere means that you will find fewer services and things to do when compared with large commercial airports.
Restaurants and Shops
It also hosts minimal dining and shopping facilities, reflecting the airport's primary role in serving as a transportation hub for Red Dog Mine. There could be a small snack bar or vending machines for passengers, but there are no full-service restaurant options or retail shops in the terminal.
Security and Customs
Red Dog Airport is a private airport and has its own rules on security. All passengers will have to pass through the required security screenings and checks in order to get on their flights. However, since the airport is primarily used to serve the Red Dog Mine, security may be looser than that provided at large commercial airports.
Accessibility
Red Dog Airport provides accessible facilities for our passengers with disabilities. The terminal building and its associated services are accessible to people with disabilities, including wheelchair-accessible pathways leading from the front parking area; special needs restrooms; and airport assistance upon request.
Travel Tips
Due to its very remote nature and the airport's unique operations, there are some important things that pilots planning a trip to Red Dog Airport should remember: The airport has a limited number of flights, so book your flight well in advance. Also advisable is to dress for the weather in Alaska and prepare themselves for possible delays or reroutes due to Mother Nature.