โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
110
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Elim Airport (PFEL) serves the remote Yup'ik Eskimo village of Elim, located on the northern coast of Norton Sound on Alaska's Seward Peninsula. Positioned approximately 90 miles east of Nome, the airport is a critical lifeline for this isolated community of fewer than 350 residents. Because there are no roads connecting Elim to the outside world, the airport is the primary means for transporting mail, groceries, medical supplies, and personnel, supporting a population that largely maintains a traditional subsistence lifestyle.
The terminal facilities at Elim are extremely minimalist and reflect the airport's role as a remote state-owned airstrip. The single, functional building serves as a combined area for check-in, arrivals, and departures, but it lacks the typical amenities found in larger regional hubs. There are no restaurants, cafes, or retail shops available on-site, and visitors will not find public Wi-Fi or dedicated charging stations. Travelers are strongly advised to bring their own food, water, and essential supplies, as the facility is designed purely for the practical needs of regional bush pilots and their passengers.
Operational activity at the airport is centered around a 3,401-foot gravel runway (1/19) that is maintained by the Alaska Department of Transportation. Due to its coastal location and Arctic environment, flight operations are frequently impacted by severe weather conditions, including dense fog, high winds, and heavy snowfall during the winter months. The airport is primarily served by regional carriers such as Bering Air, which provide scheduled links to Nome and Unalakleet. Beyond passenger travel, the airstrip is vital for emergency medical evacuations (Medevac) and the delivery of fuel and construction materials necessary for the village's survival.
๐ Connection Tips
Elim Airport (ELI/PFEL) serves the remote Yup'ik Eskimo village of Elim on Alaska's Seward Peninsula, acting as a critical aviation link for a community that relies heavily on air transport due to its extreme isolation. For travelers connecting through ELI, the most important logistical detail is that it is an unattended airstrip with virtually no services. There are no passenger terminals in the traditional sense, no food or retail outlets, and critically, no fuel available on-site. All arrivals and departures are handled by bush charter operators, primarily Bering Air, which provides scheduled service to Nome (OME) and Unalakleet (UNK).
If you are flying privately, you must carry sufficient fuel for your round trip or have pre-arranged refueling logistics. Because of the lack of services, all passengers must be entirely self-sufficient. Bring your own water, snacks, and any essential supplies you might need. Ground transportation in Elim is extremely limited; while local arrangements can sometimes be made for essential transfers, there are no taxis or rental cars available.
If you need transport, coordinate with your host in the village well in advance. The airport's 3,401-foot gravel runway is maintained by the state, but operations are heavily dictated by the challenging Arctic weather. Expect frequent delays or cancellations due to fog, high winds, and heavy snowfall, especially during the winter months. Elim Airport plays a vital role in the community for mail delivery, cargo transport, and emergency medical evacuations (EMS), serving as the essential lifeline to the outside world for this traditional Yup'ik village.
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 Elim Airport