Stevens Village Airport

Introduction

Orville Lake Seaplane Base (IATA: SVS, FAA LID: SVS) is a state-owned public-use designated seaplane base in the village of Stevens Village, that is located in Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area, Alaska. Located in the wilds of Alaska, Stevens Village is a small regional airport that provides essential infrastructure to connect the isolated village with other parts of the state and beyond.

Airlines and Destinations

Stevens Village Airport is classified as a regional airport and most likely serves private flights or small charters. No major airlines operate regular flights here. It does, however, accommodate the rare flights from smaller regional carriers that service remote Alaskan villages.

Number of Passengers and Flights

Very little air traffic occurs at the airport due to its small size and remote location in Stevens Village. The airport typically managed about 354 aircraft movements per year, with passenger numbers in the low hundreds annually. Though the numbers are modest, this airport is still a crucial transportation hub for the locals.

How to Get Here

Stevens Village Airport is situated in Stevens Village, Alaska which lies about 130 miles away from Fairbanks. The only road route to the airport is through this village, but it can be reached via a main dirt and gravel access road known as the Haul Road (officially Dalton Highway) that connects with the Alaskan ground network.

Parking

There is a small parking lot at the airport for visitors and passengers. The parking lot is not asphalt and can hold only a few cars. For people utilizing the airport, parking will be free of charge.

Transportation Prices

Being a remote airport in Alaska, the transportation options can be limited and sometimes quite expensive to get to/from Stevens Village Airport. Due to the fact that it is very isolated, travelers will most likely need a private taxi or rental car (taxis and cars here are pricey), instead of public transportation. Costs for these services are significantly higher and are usually on the pricier end versus other parts of the state.

Terminal Layout

The Stevens Village Airport terminal is a small, one-story building containing only essential passenger services. The terminal houses a check-in area, a compact seating space, and baggage claim. Because it is a small airport with few travelers each week, getting around the terminal complex may not be easy.

Navigate the Airport

Because the airport features a small terminal and limited service companies, it can be easily navigated. At their destination, travelers go through baggage claim to collect luggage. These passengers would proceed through the Arrivals Facility where they can then access ground transportation options.

Getting Between Terminals

Stevens Village Airport has only a single terminal, and thus passengers do not have to move from one place to another. The compact terminal building is used for both arrivals and departures.

Services and Amenities

However, the number of services and facilities at Stevens Village Airport is limited as it is a very small airport. The terminal building contains a small enclosed waiting area, but no amenities such as restaurants, stores, or lounges. Travelers are recommended to plan ahead and bring their own food or refreshments.

Restaurants and Shops

The terminal itself does not have any restaurants or stores. Before going to the airport, or on arrival at their destination, all passengers must make prior arrangements for food and other essentials.

Security and Customs

The security screening process at Stevens Village Airport is pretty straightforward, considering many of the passengers traveling through this airport belong to close Alaskan village communities. Fliers will need to pass through TSA screening, which will include metal detectors and bag checks like all other fliers on the way to their flights. The airport is not equipped to handle customs or immigration and only provides services for domestic flights.

Accessibility

Facilities and services at Stevens Village Airport are tailored for all passengers. The terminal building and parking lot are designed to accommodate disabled passengers, including handicapped designated spaces, ramps, and accessible restrooms. The airport staff has had training in supporting passengers with special requirements.

Travel Tips

• Prepare for a remote and rugged locale. Come prepared with any supplies you might need, as amenities can be limited.
• Factor in time for ground transport, as it can be limited and expensive.
• Assess weather and flights, as being one of the most far-flung airports in Alaska makes Stevens Village vulnerable to flight changes.
• Get to know the basic layout of and security procedures through this user-friendly airport for a comfortable and no-hassle travel experience.

Being mindful of these tips will help travelers maximize their experience at the Stevens Village Airport and revel in visiting this secluded part of Alaska.