โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
110
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Icy Bay Airport, identified by the private FAA code 19AK and historically associated with the IATA code ICY, is a remote aviation facility located in the Yakutat City and Borough of southeast Alaska. Situated on the rugged shores of Icy Bay, the airport stands as a critical private gateway to a region dominated by massive tidewater glaciers and the towering peaks of the Saint Elias Mountains. It serves as an essential transport link for specialized research missions, wilderness enthusiasts, and the occasional logistical needs of the region's remote industrial outposts.
The airport features a single, unpaved gravel runway (05/23) measuring 3,430 feet in length, which is specifically suited for specialized bush aircraft and rugged regional turboprops. As a private-use facility, it lacks a traditional commercial passenger terminal or standard retail and dining amenities; instead, the airport experience is purely functional, with operations managed without a control tower. Travelers are advised that the facility is typically unattended and requires prior authorization for all landings. The airfield is uniquely characterized by its surrounding wilderness, where ground conditions can vary significantly with the seasonal movement of ice and local precipitation.
Flight operations at Icy Bay are exclusively managed through private charters and air taxi services, as there are no scheduled commercial airline connections to the major hubs. The airport serves as a strategic base for explorers visiting the nearby Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, providing a rapid alternative to the multi-day maritime transit from the regional hub of Yakutat. Ground transportation from the airstrip is informal, with pre-arranged bush transfers providing the only efficient access to the local area's remote lodges and research camps. The facility remains a cornerstone of the regional wilderness infrastructure, ensuring that the spectacular glacial landscapes of Icy Bay remain accessible for specialized missions.
๐ Connection Tips
Icy Bay Airport (ICY), officially identified by its private FAA code 19AK, is an exceptionally unique and specialized aviation facility located on the rugged shores of southeast Alaska. For travelers and pilots, the most important connection tip is understanding its status as a private-use wilderness airstrip; it does not host scheduled commercial airline services, and all landings require mandatory prior authorization from the site management. The airfield features a single 3,430-foot gravel runway (05/23) specifically maintained for rugged bush aircraft and specialized regional turboprops. A primary operational factor for ICY is the unpredictable coastal climate; heavy fog, high winds, and seasonal ice movements can rapidly impact runway conditions and lead to sudden cancellations.
Consequently, travelers should build significant flexibility into their itineraries and must be completely self-sufficient, as the facility provides no public passenger amenities, retail, dining, or fueling services. Passengers typically arrive via pre-arranged air taxi transfers from the regional hub of Yakutat (YAK), providing a rapid alternative to multi-day maritime journeys. The airport serves as a critical strategic base for researchers and explorers visiting the nearby Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve and witnessing the spectacular tidewater glaciers of Icy Bay.
Due to the total lack of cell coverage, carrying a satellite communication device is highly recommended. Always confirm local field conditions and site access permissions well in advance of departure. Yakutat should remain your communications backstop. ICY remains a basic but indispensable node in Alaska's remote wilderness infrastructure
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 Icy Bay Airport