โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
110
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Bowers Field (KELN) is a vital general aviation and educational hub located in the heart of the Kittitas Valley, serving the city of Ellensburg and central Washington State. Positioned just north of the Central Washington University (CWU) campus, the airport provides essential access for the university's premier aviation program, as well as for the region's agricultural and outdoor recreation sectors. Its location makes it a primary choice for those visiting the university or exploring the scenic Yakima River and the surrounding Cascade Mountains foothills.
Mount Stuart Aviation, the primary FBO at Bowers Field, offers modern amenities including a well-stocked pilot lounge with large-screen entertainment and an extensive aviation library. Pilots can access self-serve kiosks dispensing meals, snacks, and pilot supplies, while a dedicated snooze room provides space for rest during extended stops. The FBO maintains courtesy cars for ground transportation and houses flight planning stations with current weather and navigation resources. While the airport does not host scheduled commercial airline services, these facilities create a welcoming environment for the high volume of collegiate flight students and corporate travelers who utilize the field for both training and regional business commerce.
Operational activity at Bowers Field is dominated by the Central Washington University Department of Aviation, with training flights accounting for over 90% of the airport's operations. The airport encompasses 1,032 acres with two paved runways, including a primary 4,301-foot concrete runway (11/29), and provides 24/7 self-service Phillips 66 fuel (both 100LL and Jet A) through AvFuel. Pilots should be prepared for the frequent high winds characteristic of the Kittitas Valley, which can significantly impact light aircraft operations. The airport serves as an indispensable piece of infrastructure for the local economy, supporting both the educational mission of CWU and the logistical needs of the region's agricultural producers.
๐ Connection Tips
Bowers Field (ELN) is a vital general aviation and educational hub located in the heart of the Kittitas Valley, serving the city of Ellensburg and central Washington State. For travelers, it is critical to realize that ELN does not currently host regularly scheduled commercial airline services; most visitors flying commercially into the region utilize Yakima Air Terminal (YKM), located about 35 miles to the south, or Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA), which is approximately a 2-hour drive over Snoqualmie Pass. However, the airport is exceptionally busy as the primary home for the Central Washington University (CWU) Department of Aviation, one of the premier collegiate flight training programs in the United States. Pilots and passengers arriving via private or charter aircraft should expect a high volume of training traffic within the Class E surface area and surrounding practice zones.
The airfield features two well-maintained paved runways, with the primary runway (11/29) measuring 4,301 feet, capable of supporting corporate jets and regional turboprops. A key technical feature is the 24-hour self-service fuel station (100LL and Jet-A), providing essential support for cross-state GA flights. The terminal building is a functional facility providing pilot lounges and flight planning resources, though it lacks general public dining or retail services.
Ground transportation is best handled via pre-arranged private vehicles or local on-call taxi services from Ellensburg, which is located just a few kilometers to the north. Visitors arriving for CWU events or to explore the scenic Yakima River recreation areas should coordinate their logistics well in advance. Always confirm local weather patterns, as the Kittitas Valley is known for high winds that can frequently impact light aircraft operations.
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.
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