โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Carbon County Regional Airport (PUC), also known as Buck Davis Field, is a primary general aviation and corporate hub serving the 'Carbon Corridor' of eastern Utah, located approximately 3 miles east of the city of Price. The airport operates from a functional passenger terminal and administration building that serves as the central hub for private pilots, corporate charters, and the Utah State University-Eastern aviation program. It acts as a critical infrastructure link, providing a professional base for flight operations and technical training situated at an elevation of 5,958 feet within the scenic Price River valley.
The terminal infrastructure provides essential amenities for travelers and flight crews, including a comfortable pilot lounge and a dedicated waiting lobby equipped with free high-speed Wi-Fi. A major feature of the airfield campus is the newly completed 2025 aviation center and maintenance hangar, which supports expanded pilot certification and unmanned aerial systems (drone) programs for USU-Eastern. While the building lacks a full-service restaurant on-site, its compact and high-efficiency layout ensures a professional environment for both local students and transient business travelers exploring the region's diverse industrial and energy sectors.
Technical services at the field are comprehensive, managed by the on-site FBO, Aggie Aviation Services, which provides 24-hour self-service fueling for 100LL Avgas and Jet A fuel. The airport features a substantial 8,316-foot primary asphalt runway (01/19) equipped with an Instrument Landing System (ILS), making it capable of handling a wide variety of business jets even in challenging mountain weather. Ground transportation is well-supported by pre-arranged rental services and local taxi links, providing a quick 10-minute connection to the city's main districts and the world-renowned Nine Mile Canyon archaeological sites.
๐ Connection Tips
Carbon County Regional Airport (PUC), also known as Buck Davis Field, serves the city of Price and eastern Utah. It handles NO scheduled commercial airline passenger flights but is a major hub for general aviation and corporate charters. Ground transport is limited; car rentals can be pre-arranged for delivery from town (approx.
Carbon County Regional/Buck Davis Field is the kind of mountain airport that rewards planning: the county runs the field, USU-Eastern handles the FBO, and the airport advertises fuel, maintenance, a courtesy car, hangars, and tiedown support. If you are going to Price or the Castle Valley country, the airport is the shortcut and the road is the final mile.
Carbon County Regional/Buck Davis Field is the kind of mountain airport that rewards planning: the county runs the field, USU-Eastern handles the FBO, and the airport advertises fuel, maintenance, a courtesy car, hangars, and tiedown support. If you are going to Price or the Castle Valley country, the airport is the shortcut and the road is the final mile. It is also a good place to remember that the plateau weather can change faster than the town map does. That setup works best for pilots who arrive with their fuel, maintenance, and road plan already sorted before touchdown.
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 Carbon County Regional Airport / Buck Davis Field