โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
40
minutes
Domestic โ International
75
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Billings Logan International Airport (BIL) is the primary aviation hub for Montana and the wider Northern Plains region, uniquely situated atop the Rimrocksโa series of dramatic sandstone cliffs overlooking the city of Billings. The airport recently completed a transformative multi-year, 5-phase terminal expansion in 2024, which has significantly modernized its infrastructure to handle over one million annual passengers. This major project included the remodeling of both Concourse A and Concourse B, doubling the number of jet bridges to eight and increasing the total gate capacity to nine to accommodate a robust schedule of flights from major U.S. carriers.
The terminal now features a spacious 'Great Room' designed as a centralized hub for passenger comfort, offering extensive seating, dedicated workspaces with integrated charging ports, and panoramic views of the airfield. The security screening area has been significantly expanded and equipped with the latest technology to ensure efficient processing during morning and afternoon peak periods. The facility is organized for intuitive navigation, with Concourses A and B easily accessible from the main ticketing hall. For general aviation, the airport remains a critical center for regional commerce, medical flights, and pilot training in the Big Sky Country.
Amenities at BIL reflect the local Montana heritage, featuring the 'Montana Gift Corral' and 'Skyblu Gifts,' which offer a wide selection of Huckleberry products and regional artisanal goods. The dining landscape has been enhanced with new restaurant options and expanded snack bars in the departure lounges. Ground transportation is well-supported with major car rental agencies located on-site, dedicated taxi ranks, and the MET transit bus service connecting to downtown Billings. Looking ahead through 2025, the airport is continuing its infrastructure growth with a planned $31 million parking garage project and a significant reconstruction and extension of its crosswind runway to support larger commercial aircraft.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting through Billings Logan International Airport (BIL) is a stress-free and modern experience following the completion of its transformative terminal expansion in mid-2024. As the primary aviation hub for Montana and the Northern Plains, BIL operates from a single, bi-level terminal that is exceptionally easy to navigate. Most travelers arrive at BIL via regional links from smaller Montana communities or are connecting to major hubs like Salt Lake City (SLC), Minneapolis (MSP), and Denver (DEN) through carriers such as Delta, United, and Alaska Airlines.
A critical tip for passengers connecting from regional Cape Air flights is to note their arrival in the "Essential Air Service" wing on the far west end of the terminal. While the airport is contained within one building, transfers from Cape Air to major carriers may require you to exit the sterile area and re-clear security at the main TSA checkpoint. For these connections, allow at least 60 minutes. For airside-to-airside transfers between Delta or United flights, 30 to 45 minutes is usually sufficient, as walking between Concourses A and B takes less than 8 minutes.
The newly designed "Great Room" post-security offers a comfortable waiting area with a fireplace, panoramic views of the Rimrocks, and the Gateway Taproom for refreshments. For those on self-connecting tickets with separate bookings, you must collect your luggage at the lower-level baggage claim and re-check it at the upper-level ticketing hall. If you have an early morning flight between 6:00 AM and 8:00 AM, arriving two hours in advance is recommended, as this is the airport's busiest period.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Ambler Airport (ABL) is a remote, state-owned public-use airport located in the Native Alaskan village of Ambler, within the Northwest Arctic Borough. It serves as an indispensable lifeline for this isolated community, as there are no connecting roads. The airport's infrastructure is extremely basic, reflecting its role as a bush airport. There is no traditional terminal building; instead, operations are conducted from a small, heated shelter or a designated waiting area adjacent to the gravel runway. This single facility serves as the waiting lounge, check-in area, and baggage claim point.
The airport is equipped with two gravel runways, the longest measuring 3,000 feet, operating at an elevation of 334 feet above mean sea level. This design accommodates the small aircraft, typically Twin Otters or Cessnas, that are vital for connecting Ambler to larger regional hubs. Passengers should anticipate a highly informal process, with direct interactions with pilots and airline representatives from operators like Bering Air.
Amenities at Ambler Airport are exceptionally sparse. There are no cafes, restaurants, vending machines, or shops on-site. Travelers are strongly advised to bring all necessary provisions, including food, water, and personal supplies. Security procedures are minimal, consistent with bush flying operations in remote Alaska, focusing on adherence to general aviation safety guidelines.
๐ Connection Tips
Connections at Ambler Airport are exclusively through domestic bush flights, with Bering Air being the primary scheduled carrier. These flights are crucial for linking Ambler with the regional hub of Kotzebue (OTZ) and nearby villages like Shungnak (SHG) and Kobuk (OBU). Kotzebue's Ralph Wien Memorial Airport serves as the main gateway from which most flights to Ambler originate, providing essential connections to Anchorage via Alaska Airlines. Because there are no roads connecting this isolated part of the Northwest Arctic Borough to the rest of the state, these regional air links are the only way to transport supplies, personnel, and medical essentials to the community. Travelers should expect a highly personalized but informal experience, as flights often operate as multi-stop 'milk runs' across the Kobuk River valley.
Travel to and from Ambler is highly dependent on unpredictable Arctic weather conditions and available daylight hours. Flights are frequently subject to significant delays or total cancellations due to adverse weather patterns, including dense fog, heavy snow, or high winds, which are common throughout the year. It is crucial for all travelers to maintain flexible itineraries and to confirm their flight status directly with Bering Air or their charter operator before heading to the airstrip. Unlike major commercial airports, there are no inter-airline baggage transfer services here; all luggage is handled manually by the pilot and ground agents upon arrival and departure. Always prepare for the unexpected and carry essential items in your carry-on, as the challenging environment can lead to extended stays in regional hubs like Kotzebue.
Ground transportation in the village of Ambler is extremely limited and primarily relies on local community members or pre-arranged pickups from your lodging provider. There are no traditional taxi services, Uber, or rental cars readily available at the airport, which is located about 1.5 miles north of the village center. Most residents and visitors use ATVs (four-wheelers) during the summer and snow machines in the winter to navigate the gravel road between the airstrip and the community. Bering Air typically has a local agent who coordinates arrivals and can assist with logistics, but it is vital to have a clear plan for your ground transport well in advance of your touchdown to ensure you are not left stranded at the remote airfield.
Self-sufficiency is paramount when traveling to such an isolated destination, and coordination with local providers like the Kobuk River Lodge is highly recommended. This lodge is the primary provider for both accommodation and meals in Ambler and can often assist with arranging the necessary transport from the airport. During the summer months, travel between Ambler, Shungnak, and Kobuk can also be conducted via small boats on the Kobuk River, though this is a local arrangement and not part of any formal transit system. Having a thorough understanding of your ground logistics, including pre-booked lodging and a confirmed local contact for pickup, is as critical as your flight plan when navigating the unique challenges of the Alaskan bush.
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