โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Crooked Creek Airport (CKD), also known by its ICAO code PACJ and FAA LID CJX, is a remote and essential state-owned aviation facility serving the community of Crooked Creek in the Bethel Census Area of Southwest Alaska. Situated on the north bank of the Kuskokwim River, the airport acts as a critical lifeline for this isolated village, providing the only reliable year-round transport for passengers, mail, and high-priority supplies. The airfield is positioned on a level plateau and is a vital node for regional connectivity in an area where terrestrial transport is non-existent outside of river travel.
The 'terminal' facilities at Crooked Creek are extremely basic, characteristic of an unattended Alaskan backcountry airstrip. There is no traditional passenger terminal building, check-in counter, or sheltered waiting zone within the airport perimeter; instead, travelers are typically met on the airfield by local residents or private vehicles. The facility consists of a single 2,000-foot gravel and dirt runway (13/31) that is maintained by the Alaska Department of Transportation. While it serves as a primary landing point for the region, there is no control tower, no on-site fueling services, and no staff present. Travelers utilizing this airfield must be entirely self-sufficient, as there are no public facilities or restrooms at the airstrip.
Operational capacity at CKD is primarily focused on regional air taxi services and scheduled 'bush' flights operated by carriers such as Servant Air and Grant Aviation. These flights provide essential links to the regional hub of Aniak (ANI), from where passengers can connect to larger hubs like Bethel or Anchorage. The airport plays a fundamental role in the village's healthcare logistics, frequently serving as a primary point for medical evacuations. Pilots operating at CKD must be mindful of the often-unmonitored runway conditions and the potential for soft surfaces after heavy rain. Ground transportation is limited to local transfers, and the airport remains an indispensable asset for the survival and development of the Crooked Creek community.
๐ Connection Tips
Crooked Creek Airport (CKD) should be treated as a remote western Alaska community endpoint whose protected connection point is Aniak or the larger upstream hub, not the village strip itself. Local service into villages like Crooked Creek is vital, but it is not high-frequency and it is not forgiving if something slips. The route may be short on the map, yet it still deserves the same conservative planning as other Alaska community-air segments.
That matters because the actual fragile part of the itinerary is usually the village leg, not the bigger flight into western Alaska. If you are connecting from Anchorage or another mainline route, the right place to put the buffer is upstream, where a missed segment can still be recovered. Once you are relying on the final village movement, options narrow sharply.
On arrival at CKD, expect a community airstrip, not a terminal ecosystem. Pickup, local logistics, and essential supplies should already be understood before departure, and any critical medication or documents should remain with you. CKD works best when Aniak or the upstream hub is treated as the protected bridge and Crooked Creek as the final community movement. The airport is a lifeline, but the way to use it safely is to plan it with village-air realism rather than big-airport assumptions.
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 Crooked Creek Airport