Candle 2 Airport (CDL)

Candle 2 Airport (CDL), also identified by its FAA LID AK75, is a remote and specialized private-use aviation facility located in Candle, Alaska, on the Seward Peninsula. Owned by Elite Portfolio LLC, the airport acts as a critical gateway for this isolated region, providing essential air access for private operators, mining personnel, and local residents. The airfield is situated in a challenging subarctic environment, where aviation is often the only reliable means of transport for both people and high-priority supplies. The 'terminal' infrastructure at Candle 2 is extremely minimal, characteristic of an unattended Alaskan backcountry airstrip. There are no formal passenger buildings, check-in counters, or conventional amenities such as restrooms or waiting lounges. Instead, the facility consists of a 3,880-foot gravel runway (02/20) that is often in fair condition but subject to the rigors of the Alaskan climate. A unique and hazardous feature of the airfield is that both sides of the runway are frequently used as local roads, and a fuel farm and large dumpsters are located within 20 feet of the runway edges, requiring pilots to exercise extreme situational awareness during landing and takeoff. Operational capacity at CDL is strictly for daytime Use under Visual Flight Rules (VFR), as the airfield lacks runway lighting and is not maintained during the harsh winter months. Portions of the gravel surface can become muddy and rutted after heavy rain, and the runway is susceptible to frost heaving. Because it is a private facility, all landings require Prior Permission Required (PPR) from the owner. While no scheduled commercial airlines serve Candle 2, it remains a vital hub for private charters and regional 'bush' flights that connect the Seward Peninsula with larger hubs like Kotzebue or Nome. Travelers must be entirely self-sufficient, as there is no on-site cellular service or public infrastructure within the airport perimeter.