โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
60
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Central Airport (CEM), also known by its ICAO code PACE, is a remote and essential state-owned aviation facility serving the community of Central in the Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area of Alaska. Situated at the end of the Steese Highway, the airport acts as a critical lifeline for this isolated region, providing the only reliable year-round transport for passengers, mail, and medical emergencies. The airfield is positioned in a rugged valley and serves as a primary hub for the small population centers along the upper Yukon River drainage.
The 'terminal' facilities at Central are extremely basic, reflecting its status as an unattended backcountry airstrip. There is no traditional passenger terminal building, check-in counter, or sheltered waiting zone; instead, travelers are typically met on the airfield by local residents or lodge vehicles. The facility consists of a single 2,782-foot gravel and dirt runway (08/26) that is maintained by the Alaska Department of Transportation. While it features pilot-activated lighting for safety, there is no control tower or permanent on-site staff. Travelers utilizing this airfield must be entirely self-sufficient, as there are no public facilities, food services, or restrooms within the airport perimeter.
Operational capacity at CEM is primarily focused on air taxi services, private charters, and general aviation. Historically, the airport has been part of the federal Essential Air Service (EAS) program, with flights connecting Central to Fairbanks (FAI). These flights are fundamental to the regional economy, facilitating the movement of essential parts, supplies, and personnel for the local mining and tourism industries. The airfield is also a key base for private bush pilots and acts as a gateway for visitors exploring the nearby Circle Hot Springs and the Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve. Ground transportation is limited to local transfers, and pilots are advised to perform a visual inspection of the runway before landing, as conditions can vary significantly with the seasonal Alaskan weather.
๐ Connection Tips
Central Airport (CEM) is a remote Interior Alaska village airport, so the right way to plan it is to protect the Fairbanks segment and treat the final village leg as the fragile part of the trip. Warbelow's current guidance is especially useful here. Their schedule and check-in rules show that service to communities such as Central is part of a bush-air network where passengers must check in at least 1 hour 15 minutes before departure and flights close 45 minutes before departure. They also note that baggage allowances are tight and that critical items should stay on your person because weight limits can affect what travels with you.
That tells you almost everything important about CEM. This is not a place for close airline connections. If you are arriving in Fairbanks on Alaska or Delta and continuing onward, leave real buffer before the bush segment. If the return from Central matters for a major appointment or international flight, build protection at Fairbanks on the way back as well.
At CEM itself, expect a village arrival, not a terminal experience. Ground movement is local and informal, and there are no big-airport fallback services if the schedule shifts. Medicines, documents, and anything truly essential should stay with you, exactly as the regional carrier guidance suggests. CEM works best when you think like an Alaska village traveler: Fairbanks is the protected hub, Central is the weather- and weight-sensitive endpoint, and the trip succeeds because the buffer is built into the right place.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
75
minutes
International โ Domestic
75
minutes
International โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) is the primary international airport serving New Mexico, located just three miles southeast of downtown Albuquerque. The airport boasts a distinctive Pueblo-style architectural terminal, which is both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional. This single, multi-level terminal efficiently manages all arrivals and departures, featuring a logical layout designed for passenger convenience. The lower level is dedicated to arriving passengers, housing baggage claim areas (three in total to serve Concourses A and B) and providing direct exits to ground transportation.
The upper level of the terminal is the departure zone, where travelers will find airline ticketing counters, security checkpoints, and access to the two main concourses, Concourse A and Concourse B. Concourse A primarily serves American Airlines, Delta, and United, while Southwest Airlines predominantly operates out of Concourse B. The terminal has a total of 22 gates, ensuring ample capacity for its scheduled domestic flights and limited international services. Recent upgrades include a TSA Checkpoint Terminal Connector Project, which has enhanced security screening with up to four lanes and modern passenger amenities like new escalators and elevators.
Amenities at ABQ are comprehensive for a regional international facility. Passengers can enjoy free Wi-Fi, numerous charging stations, a variety of shops (including those offering local artisanal gifts), and diverse dining options ranging from cafes and fast-food outlets to restaurants serving New Mexican cuisine. Additional facilities like a Meditation Room and an observation deck contribute to a comfortable travel experience, complemented by a notable art collection displayed throughout the terminal.
๐ Connection Tips
Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ) offers excellent ground transportation connectivity just 3 miles southeast of downtown. ABQ RIDE provides completely free bus service (fare-free since November 2023) with Route 50 connecting the airport to downtown via Union Square Bus Station every 15-30 minutes, taking just 24 minutes total - the bus stop is conveniently located on the lower level at the west end of the shuttle island. Route 50 also connects to the Alvarado Transportation Center downtown where passengers can transfer to the New Mexico Rail Runner Express.
Rail Runner connections are enhanced through Route 350 (Railrunner Connecting bus) and free bus transfers when you have a valid Rail Runner ticket purchased in advance online or via mobile app - otherwise pay the driver a $1 fare each way. Official taxi service is available with fares starting at $35 to downtown Albuquerque through companies like ABQ Metro Taxi (505-450-8580) and Aspen Rides (505-388-3692). Ride-sharing via Uber and Lyft requires pre-booking as street hailing is not permitted.
For Santa Fe destinations, Groome Transportation operates 30 daily trips taking 75 minutes with variable pricing, while RoadRunner Charter provides door-to-door service to Santa Fe and Los Alamos areas. The Rail Runner Express connects Santa Fe, Albuquerque, and Belen with convenient airport shuttle connections. Recent December 2025 improvements under the ABQ RIDE Forward Network Plan enhanced transit connectivity throughout the metropolitan area.
โ Back to Central Airport