โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
60
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Merle K (Mudhole) Smith Airport (CDV), also identified by its ICAO code PACV, is a state-owned public-use airport located approximately 11 nautical miles southeast of Cordova, Alaska, USA. Serving as a vital transportation hub for Cordova, a city uniquely situated without overland road access, the airport connects this remote community to the rest of Alaska and beyond. It plays a crucial role in supporting the region's commercial fishing industry, healthcare services, and operations for the U.S. Coast Guard, as well as facilitating tourism to Prince William Sound.
The airport features a single, compact passenger terminal designed for efficient processing of travelers. Amenities within the terminal include a small cafe and a shop offering essential goods and souvenirs, catering to the immediate needs of passengers. Comfortable lounges are available for waiting, and travelers can benefit from free Wi-Fi and charging outlets for electronic devices. The terminal is equipped with accessible restrooms and ramps for passengers with reduced mobility, along with mother and child rooms. While extensive commercial offerings are not present, airport staff can provide first aid services if needed.
Operational aspects of CDV primarily involve Alaska Airlines flights, connecting Cordova with Anchorage and Yakutat using Boeing 737 aircraft. The airport is renowned for its single runway, 9/27, which spans 7,500 feet and is capable of handling medium-sized jets. Its location in a pristine natural environment means wildlife, such as moose and various bird species, are frequently observed in the vicinity, requiring vigilance from pilots and ground crews. Ground transportation from the airport to Cordova is typically handled by local taxis or pre-arranged shuttles, given the city's unique geographical isolation.
๐ Connection Tips
Merle K. (Mudhole) Smith Airport (CDV) is a primary stop on Alaska Airlines' legendary 'Milk Run,' a vital air route that delivers mail, groceries, and passengers to remote communities across the state. Because CDV is a small, single-terminal facility located in a region with no road access to the outside world, the connection process here is unique. Most travelers arriving at Cordova are either at their final destination or are staying on the Boeing 737 aircraft as it continues its journey between Anchorage (ANC) and Yakutat (YAK). If your flight plan involves a stopover in CDV, the most important advice is usually to stay on the plane. While you are technically allowed to disembark into the small terminal to stretch your legs or visit the airport cafe, you will be required to clear TSA security again to re-board. Given the short ground timeโoften less than an hourโthis can be risky if there is a queue at the single checkpoint. For those on a through-ticket, your checked luggage remains on the aircraft and will be offloaded at your final destination. If you are transferring from a private charter to the scheduled Alaska Airlines service, ensure you have a significant buffer, as coastal weather and erratic winds in the Prince William Sound region frequently cause delays. The terminal offers basic amenities, including a small souvenir shop and free Wi-Fi, though cellular service can be inconsistent. For ground transport into the town of Cordova, which is 13 miles away, you must pre-arrange a shuttle or taxi, as on-demand services are unavailable. If you are continuing on the 'Milk Run' toward Yakutat, sit on the left side of the aircraft for breathtaking views of the Hubbard Glacier and the rugged Alaskan coastline.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Apalachicola Regional Airport (AAF), also known as Cleve Randolph Field, is a public-use facility that primarily serves the general aviation needs of Franklin County, Florida. The terminal experience here is centered around a well-maintained general aviation building that houses the Fixed-Base Operator (FBO), Centric Aviation. Unlike commercial hubs, the atmosphere is quiet and professional, catering to private pilots, corporate travelers, and flight training operations. The terminal provides essential services such as a pilot lounge, a flight planning room, and basic administrative offices, all within a compact and easily navigable single-story structure.
The facility is designed for quick transitions from landside to airside, with a parking area located just steps away from the terminal entrance. Inside, visitors will find a clean and welcoming environment with comfortable seating and access to restrooms. While there are no sprawling retail concourses or food courts, the FBO staff are known for their hospitality, often providing complimentary coffee and assistance with ground logistics. The terminal also serves as a hub for local aviation events and military training exercises, reflecting the airport's diverse role in the regional aviation landscape of the Florida Panhandle.
For those arriving by private or charter aircraft, the terminal offers seamless access to the airfield's three concrete runways. There are no jet bridges; instead, passengers deplane directly onto the apron and walk a short distance to the FBO building. Security is managed through standard general aviation protocols rather than TSA checkpoints, allowing for a much faster arrival and departure process. Despite its simplicity, the terminal at AAF provides a high level of service for the general aviation community, offering a gateway to the historic city of Apalachicola and the pristine beaches of St. George Island.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting at Apalachicola Regional Airport is different from commercial transfers as the airport does not host scheduled airline services. All connections are between private, corporate, or charter flights. If you are planning a multi-leg journey through AAF, coordination with the Fixed-Base Operator (FBO), Centric Aviation, is essential. They assist with aircraft staging, refueling with 100LL or Jet-A, and ensuring ground support equipment is ready. The airport operates without a control tower, so pilots must use the Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) for local communication.\n\nTo transition from a private flight at AAF to a commercial airline, the nearest options are Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) or Tallahassee International Airport (TLH). Both are about an 80 to 90-minute drive from Apalachicola. Since there are no on-site rental car agencies with permanent counters, you must pre-arrange vehicle delivery or shuttle services. Many travelers find it convenient to use local taxi services or pre-arranged private transfers to reach these commercial hubs or destinations along the Forgotten Coast.\n\nGround logistics should be planned with the airport's operating hours in mind, as services are typically available from 08:00 to 19:00. If you require an after-hours arrival or departure, coordinate in advance with the FBO for terminal access and fuel. The rural area means ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft are not reliably available, so a confirmed transport plan is crucial. Whether you are connecting to a fishing charter, a meeting, or a commercial flight elsewhere, AAF offers a low-stress environment provided that your ground and air logistics are meticulously pre-arranged.
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