Ketchikan International Airport (KTN)

Ketchikan International Airport (KTN), identified by its ICAO code PAKT, is a uniquely situated aviation facility on Gravina Island, separated from the city of Ketchikan by the Tongass Narrows. The airport is currently undergoing a multi-phase $33 million terminal expansion project through 2025, which will nearly double the facility's size to 56,000 square feet. This modernization effort focuses on alleviating congestion by relocating the security checkpoint to the first floor, upgrading boarding gates with new passenger bridges, and streamlining the flow of travelers between arrivals and departures. Despite the ongoing construction, the terminal remains fully operational, providing essential services such as an airside lounge and snack bar, free Wi-Fi, and a retail gift shop offering Alaskan souvenirs. The facility acts as a primary hub for Alaska Airlines, with daily jet services to Seattle and Anchorage, alongside seasonal rotations from major carriers like Delta. For regional transit, the airport also supports several floatplane operators that provide vital links to the remote communities and wilderness lodges of the Alexander Archipelago. One of the most distinctive aspects of traveling through KTN is the required 7-minute ferry ride between the terminal on Gravina Island and the city side on Revillagigedo Island. Ferries typically operate every 30 minutes, and travelers are advised to account for this transit time when planning their arrival. Ground transportation is well-integrated at the ferry terminals, with paid public parking available on both islands and dedicated taxi ranks to facilitate the final leg of the journey into central Ketchikan. As the 2025 expansion progresses, the airport continues to prioritize safety by eliminating ground boarding and enhancing its capacity to serve the region's growing tourism and commercial demands.