Ruby Airport - Your Entryway to Alaska's Varied Beauty
Introduction
Deep within the vast Alaskan wilderness lies one of Ruby's major lifelines to outside resources, Ruby Airport (IATA: RBY), a further 24 miles from the town itself. While a small airport, it is vital in linking the remote area, being isolated except for road access to this part of Alaska, and hence an essential artery, especially for urgent services and air ambulance operations; it also has commercial passenger flights at times.
Airlines and Destinations
A number of destinations across Alaska are connected to Ruby Airport with flights domestically. The longest non-stop route is a 224 km (139 mile) flight to Fairbanks (FAI), which takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes. Most of the airlines serving this airport are regional and local carriers that meet the special transportation needs of such a far-flung part of Alaska.
Passengers and Flight Services
As per Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) records, the airport had 1,915 passenger boardings (enplanements) in calendar year 2008, decreasing to 1,634 enplanements in the following year, when more than it decreased by a few hundreds compared with an average of over two thousand passengers recorded for previous years. Ruby Airport is designated as a general aviation airport, but developers stressed that it provided crucial services to the local community and freight into the area.
How to Get Here
Getting to Ruby Airport may be difficult, since the town is only reachable by air or water. With the closest major highways being hundreds of miles away, air travel is by far the most common form used for workers and tourists both. The small number of airlines serving the performance-based facility means booking by privately-owned business aircraft to reach or leave from this airport.
Parking
If you will be driving yourself, Ruby Airport has very basic parking options. The size of the airport and capacity are very small, so parking is not often a cause for concern for passengers.
Transportation Prices
Airfares to or from Ruby Airport can be somewhat expensive, as it is remote and air service must often accommodate specific requirements of the planes' occupants. Because of its small size, the airport has much less competition for flights than other much bigger airports, and it can ask premium prices from travelers.
Terminal Layout
Ruby Airport is a tiny one-terminal facility serving its local area. It serves the administrative functions of processing passengers, such as check-in counters, waiting area, and basic passenger services.
Navigate the Airport
Ruby Airport is a small airport, but it's easier to get around. This allows passengers to navigate, get them checked in, and access the boarding lounge without any guesswork. Signage as well as airport staff guide passengers to any necessary areas.
Getting Between Terminals
Given that Ruby Airport is a single-terminal building, passengers have no need to travel between multiple terminals. Irrespective of the case, both pick-up and drop-off take place in a single terminal building.
Services and Amenities
Ruby Airport is a general aviation airport offering basic services such as a waiting area, restrooms, and minimal concessions. That said, due to it being one of the smallest airports in Alaska and catering mainly for local use only, there are not that many services.
Restaurants and Shops
Ruby Airport has very little in the way of dining and shopping, as it is such a small airport situated out in bush Alaska. Passengers should be able to find only the most basic services inside, such as a small snack bar or vending machines.
Security and Customs
Ruby Airport is a small facility, supporting mainly traffic to domestic flights within Alaska. These include the usual security measures, such as X-ray screening of carry-on bags and checked luggage.
Accessibility
Residents with disabilities and special needs can visit the Ruby Airport for accommodation. The terminal and facilities are accessible, with ramps, parking spaces reserved for persons with disabilities available in the short-term lot less than 250 feet from the terminal entrance (Section #16 Lots A & B), and wheelchair assistance located throughout the airport, including escalator/elevator access.
Travel Tips
When passing by Ruby Airport, it's necessary to prepare well and give yourself plenty of travel time. Because the airport is in such a remote area and offers few services, travelers need to load up on essentials that can hold them over until they return. They should also pack for potential weather delays or disruptions, since conditions are volatile any time of year here.