Icy Bay Airport (ICY)

Icy Bay Airport, identified by the private FAA code 19AK and historically associated with the IATA code ICY, is a remote aviation facility located in the Yakutat City and Borough of southeast Alaska. Situated on the rugged shores of Icy Bay, the airport stands as a critical private gateway to a region dominated by massive tidewater glaciers and the towering peaks of the Saint Elias Mountains. It serves as an essential transport link for specialized research missions, wilderness enthusiasts, and the occasional logistical needs of the region's remote industrial outposts. The airport features a single, unpaved gravel runway (05/23) measuring 3,430 feet in length, which is specifically suited for specialized bush aircraft and rugged regional turboprops. As a private-use facility, it lacks a traditional commercial passenger terminal or standard retail and dining amenities; instead, the airport experience is purely functional, with operations managed without a control tower. Travelers are advised that the facility is typically unattended and requires prior authorization for all landings. The airfield is uniquely characterized by its surrounding wilderness, where ground conditions can vary significantly with the seasonal movement of ice and local precipitation. Flight operations at Icy Bay are exclusively managed through private charters and air taxi services, as there are no scheduled commercial airline connections to the major hubs. The airport serves as a strategic base for explorers visiting the nearby Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, providing a rapid alternative to the multi-day maritime transit from the regional hub of Yakutat. Ground transportation from the airstrip is informal, with pre-arranged bush transfers providing the only efficient access to the local area's remote lodges and research camps. The facility remains a cornerstone of the regional wilderness infrastructure, ensuring that the spectacular glacial landscapes of Icy Bay remain accessible for specialized missions.