โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
30
minutes
Domestic โ International
60
minutes
Interline Connections
110
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Fulton County AirportโBrown Field (FTY), also known as Charlie Brown Field, is a premier general aviation and corporate hub serving the Atlanta metropolitan area. Located just six nautical miles west of downtown Atlanta, it is the third-busiest airport in the region and one of only two facilities in metro Atlanta with a 24/7 air traffic control tower. The airport features a primary 5,796-foot asphalt runway and acts as a critical reliever for Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, specifically catering to business jets and private charters.
The airport provides world-class terminal facilities through its resident Fixed-Base Operators (FBOs), Hill Aircraft and Signature Aviation. Hill Aircraft, established in 1955, is the longest-running FBO in Atlanta and offers executive lounges, concierge services, and comprehensive aircraft maintenance. Signature Aviation provides 24-hour security, premium business centers, and a wide array of passenger amenities including quiet rooms, showers, and on-site rental car services. The airport is a preferred choice for Fortune 500 companies, with approximately 90% of its annual operations being corporate business flights, and many major firms maintaining private hangars on the field.
While there is no scheduled commercial airline service at FTY, the airport is a bustling center for regional charter operations and flight training. Ground transportation is well-supported by its strategic location at the interchange of Interstates 20 and 285, offering rapid access to Atlanta's central business district. Travelers can utilize pre-arranged limousines, taxis, and ride-sharing services, and the facility is also served by local MARTA bus route 73. For those requiring scheduled commercial flights, the massive Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is located approximately 15 miles to the southeast.
๐ Connection Tips
Fulton County AirportโBrown Field (FTY), affectionately known as Charlie Brown Field, is the premier corporate "reliever" airport for the Atlanta metropolitan area. For travelers on private jets or business charters, FTY offers a significantly faster and more discreet alternative to the massive Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL). Located just six miles west of downtown Atlanta, it provides immediate access to the cityโs business district, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and the State Capitol. The airport is a favorite for Fortune 500 flight departments, and its two main FBOsโSignature Aviation and Hill Aircraftโprovide the kind of high-touch service that corporate travelers expect.
Hill Aircraft is particularly notable as a long-standing, family-owned facility that offers a more personal touch, while Signature provides a consistent global standard with extensive lounge and business facilities. A major tip for using FTY is to take advantage of the MARTA bus route 73, which serves the airport and connects to the broader Atlanta rail network, providing a surprisingly cost-effective way to get into the city if you are not using a private car service. For those driving, the airport is perfectly positioned near the intersection of I-20 and I-285.
Unlike many smaller regional airports, FTY has a 24/7 control tower, meaning it is operational around the clock, though individual FBO hours may vary. If your flight is diverted from ATL due to weather or congestion, FTY is the most likely alternative. The airport does not host scheduled commercial airlines, so it remains focused on general aviation, ensuring that terminal wait times are virtually non-existent and security processes are streamlined for private travelers.
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 Fulton County AirportโBrown Field