โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
110
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
St. Mary's County Regional Airport (LTW), officially known as Captain Walter Francis Duke Regional Airport, is a vital general aviation hub situated in the heart of the Maryland technology corridor, approximately 4 miles northeast of Leonardtown. The airport serves as a primary logistical point for the nearby Naval Air Station Patuxent River and is the centerpiece of the St. Maryโs County Airport Innovation District. Its recently extended 5,350-foot asphalt runway is equipped with non-precision instrument approaches, allowing it to accommodate a wide variety of corporate jets, private aircraft, and specialized research platforms.
The passenger experience is centered around the Captain Walter Francis Duke Terminal Building, a modern facility that provides high-quality amenities for business travelers and pilots. Inside, the terminal offers professional conference rooms, office spaces for lease, and comfortable waiting lounges with public Wi-Fi access. Uniquely, the airport grounds are home to the University of Maryland UAS Test Site, a major hub for Unmanned Aircraft Systems research and development, as well as several specialized aerospace firms like AIRtec. These facilities create a dynamic aviation environment that distinguishes LTW from traditional regional airfields.
Operational support at the airport is robust, with RCS Services providing comprehensive FBO (Fixed Base Operator) facilities including 24-hour self-service fuel and professional aircraft handling. The airfield also serves as a critical base for emergency services, housing the Maryland State Police 'Trooper 7' medevac helicopter. Transportation to the surrounding technology parks and hotels is primarily handled via private car services and on-site rentals, with the facility being easily accessible from MD Route 235. Travelers are advised that because the airport is located within restricted airspace (R-4007), strict adherence to VFR coordination procedures with Patuxent Approach is required for all arrivals and departures.
๐ Connection Tips
St. Mary's County Regional Airport (LTW), located in California, Maryland, is a premier general aviation hub serving the Southern Maryland region and acting as a vital reliever for Washington Dulles (IAD) and Reagan National (DCA). C. makes it a prime 'connection' point for executive travelers linking private flights with the region's prominent tech and defense centers. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are very active in the St. Arriving 45 to 60 minutes before departures is standard for these regional hops. Pilots should always be prepared for the specialized airspace coordination required when operating near the Patuxent River Restricted areas.
It primarily serves as a vital base for private pilots, corporate charters, and flight training supporting the region's prominent aerospace and defense industries, notably the Patuxent River Naval Air Station. For those arriving at LTW via private aircraft, ground transportation is exceptionally well-supported for a regional airfield. Mary's area and provide a convenient 15 to 20-minute link to the city center and the major business parks. The airport features a single 4,150-foot primary paved runway capable of handling most business jets. LTW provides a professional and remarkably efficient arrival experience, reflecting the unique industrious and maritime character of the Chesapeake Bay region.
While it does not host scheduled commercial airline service, its location just 60 miles south of Washington D. On-site car rental services are available through local agencies but should be pre-arranged with the Fixed Base Operator (FBO), which provides full-service fueling (100LL and Jet A) and professional pilot amenities including a renovated lounge and flight planning room. A unique feature of LTW is the on-site 'Pax River Naval Air Museum,' which is a popular local destination for its historic aircraft displays and high-quality exhibits. Weather in Southern Maryland follows typical mid-Atlantic patterns, with the potential for localized morning fog and afternoon thunderstorms during the summer. Always check for the latest NOTAMs and localized weather patterns before departure.
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 St. Mary's County Regional Airport