Girdwood-Alyeska Airport (AQY)

Girdwood Airport (AQY) is a public-use general aviation airport located in the scenic valley of Girdwood, Alaska, approximately 35 miles southeast of Anchorage. The facility serves as a convenient access point for the Alyeska Resort and the surrounding Chugach National Forest. It operates without a commercial terminal building, consisting primarily of a single paved runway (Runway 01/19) and a parking apron for small aircraft. The airport is a hub for flightseeing tours, air taxis, and private pilots visiting the ski area, rather than a destination for scheduled airline service.

Operational procedures at Girdwood are typical of a non-towered, uncontrolled airfield. There are no TSA security checkpoints, baggage claims, or check-in desks. Pilots communicate via a Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) to coordinate takeoffs and landings. Visitors arriving by air typically deplane directly onto the tarmac and walk to the adjacent parking area. Due to the mountainous terrain and variable weather conditions characteristic of the Turnagain Arm, flight schedules are highly dependent on visibility and wind.

Amenities at the airfield itself are minimal to non-existent. There are no restrooms, fuel services, or shelters directly on the ramp. However, the airport's proximity to the town of Girdwood means that dining, accommodation, and ground transportation are just minutes away. A free shuttle service connects the airport area to the Alyeska Resort and other local attractions during the ski season. Travelers are advised to arrange ground transport in advance or utilize local taxi services.