โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Coldfoot Airport (CXF), also known as PACX, is a state-owned, public-use aviation facility located in Coldfoot, Alaska. Situated within the Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area and deep within the Brooks Range, the airport is a critical hub for the remote northern interior of the state. It serves as a vital link for bush pilots, research scientists, and adventurous travelers navigating the rugged landscapes of the Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve.
The airport features a single gravel runway, designated 01/19, which measures 4,000 feet in length. There is no formal terminal building, control tower, or on-site staff. Facilities are limited to basic aircraft tie-downs and a modest gravel apron. Because the runway is not monitored for conditions, pilots are encouraged to perform a low-altitude visual inspection before landing to check for gravel ridges or encroaching brush. The atmosphere at CXF is purely utilitarian, reflecting the self-reliant nature of Alaskan bush aviation.
While there are no scheduled commercial passenger flights or Fixed-Base Operators (FBOs) at the airport, it remains a bustling site for air taxi operations and private charters. The facility provides essential access to Fairbanks and other deep-country settlements that are otherwise difficult to reach by road. As a critical point for medevac services and emergency transport, Coldfoot Airport is a cornerstone of the region's transportation network, offering a rugged but essential arrival point in the heart of the Alaskan wilderness.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting through Coldfoot Airport (CXF) is a unique experience that places you in the heart of the Alaskan Brooks Range. As a remote, state-owned gravel airstrip, CXF primarily facilitates air taxi and charter services rather than scheduled commercial airline traffic. Most travelers utilizing CXF are transitioning from small fixed-wing aircraft to ground-based expeditions along the Dalton Highway or into the nearby Gates of the Arctic National Park. For those arriving from Fairbanks (FAI) via operators like Wright Air Service or Warbelow's, the next leg of your journey typically involves a pre-arranged shuttle to Coldfoot Camp, located just a short distance from the airstrip.
It is critical to coordinate your arrival and any onward transport well in advance, as there are no on-site communication facilities or permanent staff at the airport. Ground transportation is limited to specialized wilderness tour operators and the famous 'truck stop' services that characterize this legendary arctic outpost. For travelers needing to connect back to a major international hub, Fairbanks is the primary gateway, located about 250 miles to the south.
Be aware that the gravel runway is unattended, and operations are highly dependent on the extreme arctic weather, which can lead to significant delays, especially during the winter months. Always carry an arctic-ready survival kit and ensure you have a way to communicate, such as a satellite phone or messenger. By embracing the rugged logistics and planning every detail of your transport before you land, you can successfully navigate this vital gateway to the Far North.
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 Coldfoot Airport