โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
International โ Domestic
90
minutes
International โ International
120
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Ketchikan International Airport (KTN), identified by its ICAO code PAKT, is a uniquely situated aviation facility on Gravina Island, separated from the city of Ketchikan by the Tongass Narrows. The airport is currently undergoing a multi-phase $33 million terminal expansion project through 2025, which will nearly double the facility's size to 56,000 square feet. This modernization effort focuses on alleviating congestion by relocating the security checkpoint to the first floor, upgrading boarding gates with new passenger bridges, and streamlining the flow of travelers between arrivals and departures.
Despite the ongoing construction, the terminal remains fully operational, providing essential services such as an airside lounge and snack bar, free Wi-Fi, and a retail gift shop offering Alaskan souvenirs. The facility acts as a primary hub for Alaska Airlines, with daily jet services to Seattle and Anchorage, alongside seasonal rotations from major carriers like Delta. For regional transit, the airport also supports several floatplane operators that provide vital links to the remote communities and wilderness lodges of the Alexander Archipelago.
One of the most distinctive aspects of traveling through KTN is the required 7-minute ferry ride between the terminal on Gravina Island and the city side on Revillagigedo Island. Ferries typically operate every 30 minutes, and travelers are advised to account for this transit time when planning their arrival. Ground transportation is well-integrated at the ferry terminals, with paid public parking available on both islands and dedicated taxi ranks to facilitate the final leg of the journey into central Ketchikan. As the 2025 expansion progresses, the airport continues to prioritize safety by eliminating ground boarding and enhancing its capacity to serve the region's growing tourism and commercial demands.
๐ Connection Tips
Ketchikan International Airport (KTN) presents one of America's most distinctive airport connection challenges, requiring passengers to take a mandatory ferry crossing from Gravina Island (where the airport sits) to Revillagigedo Island (where Ketchikan city is located). Upon arriving at the Revilla terminal in Ketchikan, passengers will find the new 1,600 square foot Revilla Passenger Waiting Facility that opened in February 2024, featuring comfortable seating areas and modern restrooms. The airport's unique geography stems from the infamous 'Bridge to Nowhere' controversy - a proposed $398 million bridge connection that Congress defunded in 2007, permanently establishing the ferry as the sole transportation link.
The Airport Ferry operates using vessels M/V Ken Eichner 2 and M/V Oral Freeman, providing a scenic 7-minute journey across the Tongass Narrows with departures from the airport at the top and half-hour (:00 and :30), running daily from 6:15 AM to 9:30 PM. Ground transportation options include local taxi services available directly at the ferry terminal, hotel shuttle buses that coordinate arrivals with ferry schedules, and the public Silver Line bus service connecting downtown Ketchikan and residential areas. This distinctive setup means travelers should allow minimum 60-90 minutes total transit time from aircraft arrival to downtown Ketchikan accommodations, particularly during summer tourism peaks when both airport and ferry operations experience higher passenger volumes.
Ferry fares are approximately $6 per passenger, payable by cash or credit card, and travelers should budget an additional 15-20 minutes for boarding queues during peak cruise ship season (May-September). Uber and Lyft services operate on the Ketchikan city side but cannot cross to Gravina Island, making pre-arranged ground transportation essential for seamless connections. The ferry crossing offers spectacular views of the Tongass National Forest and Inside Passage maritime scenery, transforming a logistical necessity into a memorable introduction to Southeast Alaska's dramatic landscape.
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 Ketchikan International Airport