Alaska Airports and Major Alaska Airports

Private or Restricted-Access Airstrips in Alaska

In addition to public-use airports, Alaska features hundreds of privately owned or restricted landing strips. Below is a brief sample, but always verify current status and permission requirements directly with the owner or operator.

Disclaimer: This list is not comprehensive. Pilots must verify runway condition, ownership, and permission prior to landing. Many private strips lack any maintenance or official charting beyond local references.

Alaska Weather & Seasonal Travel Advice

Alaska’s climate can vary dramatically by region and season. Winter conditions in the Arctic can bring sub-zero temperatures and limited daylight, while southern coastal areas can see heavy rainfall and milder temps. Always plan extra time for potential weather delays.

• Winter (Oct–Mar): Snow and ice may affect runways. Some remote airports use short “ice runways” on frozen lakes or rivers. Check flight status frequently.
• Summer (May–Aug): Peak travel season—long daylight hours, but watch for fog on coastal areas (like Ketchikan) and potential wildfire smoke in the Interior (e.g., Fairbanks).
• Resources: NOAA Alaska Weather, Alaska Snow & Avalanche, Mountain Weather Advisory.

Essential Air Service (EAS) in Alaska

Many smaller communities in Alaska rely on the Essential Air Service (EAS) program for scheduled passenger flights. This federal subsidy ensures remote regions have consistent air connections to larger hubs like Anchorage or Fairbanks.

If you live in or visit a remote area, confirm flight times directly with the EAS carrier. Schedule changes and weather disruptions are common, so planning flexibility is advised.

Alaska Flightseeing & Tour Operators

One of the best ways to experience Alaska’s vast landscapes is from the air. Numerous flightseeing companies offer tours of glaciers, Denali, volcanoes, and wildlife habitats. Below are some popular tour hubs and operators:

Tip: Book in advance during peak summer months (June–August). Many operators offer special photo tours or custom charters.

“Milk Run” & Multi-Stop Flights

Alaska Airlines operates famous “Milk Run” flights along the Southeast coast (like Anchorage → Cordova → Yakutat → Juneau → Seattle). These are multi-stop routes carrying cargo, mail, and passengers to multiple small communities.

Why is it called “Milk Run”? Historically, it delivered essentials (including milk) to remote stops. Passengers can board or deplane at each intermediate city, making it a scenic way to see multiple coastal towns in one trip.

Another example route: Anchorage → Kodiak → King Salmon → Dillingham on a combi (half passenger, half cargo) 737. If you’re not pressed for time, consider booking these multi-stop flights for a unique Alaskan travel experience.