Hoonah Airport (HNH)

Hoonah Airport (HNH) is a vital state-owned aviation facility serving the Tlingit community of Hoonah, located on Chichagof Island in Southeast Alaska. Situated approximately 2 kilometers southeast of the town center, the airport acts as a primary transportation link for both residents and visitors exploring the nearby Icy Strait Point, a world-class cruise destination managed by the Huna Totem Corporation. The airport features a single 3,367-foot asphalt runway, which was significantly improved during an expansion project in 2013 to better support the seasonal surge in tourism and essential regional logistics. Surrounded by high terrain and dense evergreen forests, the airfield offers a quintessential Alaskan flying experience, complete with frequent wildlife sightings near the active runway. The passenger terminal is a small, functional structure primarily maintained by Alaska Seaplanes to support their scheduled regional operations. The layout is exceptionally compact, housing a centralized check-in counter and a modest waiting area that provides essential shelter from the Southeast Alaska climate. Because of the airport's modest scale and its focus on small-aircraft operations, the transition from the airport entrance to the boarding gate typically takes less than 5 minutes. The facility is unattended by state personnel and operates without a control tower, relying on pilot-controlled lighting and visual navigation, which emphasizes the rugged and self-reliant nature of aviation in the Alexander Archipelago. Facilities at Hoonah Airport are focused on the fundamental needs of the regional traveler. While on-site dining and shopping are not available within the terminal, the nearby town of Hoonah and the Icy Strait Point complex offer a range of amenities, including local smokehouses and souvenir shops. The airport terminal provides basic seating and essential restroom facilities for passengers awaiting their short hops to Juneau. The airport primarily supports flights by Alaska Seaplanes and Air Excursions, which provide multiple daily connections to the regional hub. The friendly, local staff are well-versed in the unique logistics of island travel and can provide expert advice on managing connections to the Alaska Marine Highway ferry system when weather conditions impact flight schedules.