โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Cliff Hatfield Memorial Airport (CLR/KCLR) is a public-use general aviation facility located in Calipatria, Imperial County, California. It is uniquely notable for its elevation, which is approximately 182 feet below sea level, making it one of the lowest-lying airports in the world. The airfield primarily serves as a base for agricultural flight operations, which are critical to the Imperial Valley's massive farming industry, as well as private and corporate pilots visiting this desert region.
The airport is an unattended facility, reflecting its role as a functional regional airfield rather than a commercial passenger hub. There is no traditional passenger terminal building on-site, meaning that facilities such as indoor waiting rooms, check-in counters, and public restrooms are not available. The infrastructure consists of a single paved runway (08/26) measuring 3,423 feet in length, which is designed to support various light and medium-sized general aviation aircraft. Pilots using the airfield are expected to be self-sufficient and to coordinate their flight operations via the Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF).
Amenities at Cliff Hatfield Memorial Airport are extremely limited, with no on-site services for food, water, or commercial retail. While the airfield provides a vital landing site for regional agricultural sprayers and private aviators, visitors must bring their own supplies and handle their own aircraft needs. Ground transportation into the city of Calipatria is typically arranged through private vehicles or local pre-coordinated pickups, as there are no on-site taxi services or rental car agencies. Despite its sparse facilities, the airport remains an essential part of the agricultural infrastructure of the Imperial Valley.
๐ Connection Tips
Cliff Hatfield Memorial Airport (CLR) is an Imperial Valley general aviation airport, so the right planning model is to treat it as a local access field and not as a passenger airport with meaningful recovery options. It can be very useful for agricultural aviation, business flying, and direct access to the Calipatria and Salton Sea area. Once scheduled airline service matters, the practical connection points are El Centro, Palm Springs, or another larger airport, with the road leg doing the real work.
That matters because desert distances and road timing in Imperial County can look simpler than they feel in practice, especially in extreme heat, seasonal traffic, or when a same-day commercial departure is involved. A private arrival at CLR does not remove the need to put substantial margin at the larger airport.
For local arrivals, the airport is valuable because it puts you near the north Imperial Valley without the overhead of a commercial terminal. That local value only helps if the onward vehicle or pickup is already arranged. The field is not there to provide a taxi rank, a terminal fallback, or airline-style problem solving. CLR works best when you use it as the final local step into the Imperial Valley and keep the airline exposure at the larger commercial airport where the rest of the itinerary has at least some resilience.
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.
โ Back to Cliff Hatfield Memorial Airport