โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
110
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Reid-Hillview Airport (RHV) is a public general-aviation airport in eastern San Jose owned by Santa Clara County. It operates as a reliever airport for San Jose International Airport and has no scheduled airline service.
The airfield has two asphalt runways: 13L/31R at about 3,100 ft and 13R/31L at about 3,099 ft. A control tower operates daily, and AirNav lists fuel services plus hangars and tiedowns.
With multiple FBOs and GA services, the terminal environment is oriented toward flight training, charter, and local aviation activity rather than large-scale passenger processing.
๐ Connection Tips
Reid-Hillview Airport operates exclusively as a general aviation facility serving Silicon Valley with over 86,000 annual operations (exceeding San Jose International's 80,000), though the airport faces potential closure as early as 2031 following Santa Clara County's controversial 2021 decision based on disputed lead contamination studies linked to aviation fuel usage. The county banned leaded 100LL fuel sales effective January 1, 2022, requiring all aircraft to use unleaded alternatives, while ongoing legal and political battles continue over the airport's future despite its critical role in emergency services, flight training, and relief operations such as the 300+ flights delivering 125 tons of earthquake supplies during the 1989 Loma Prieta disaster. Ground transportation to Silicon Valley tech companies, Stanford University, and San Jose downtown requires coordination with ride services or rental cars, as public transit connections remain limited from this eastern San Jose location. The airport's dual parallel runways (13L/31R at 3,100 feet and 13R/31L at 3,099 feet) accommodate busy flight training operations and charter services supporting Silicon Valley's business aviation needs, with controlled airspace requiring radio communication and careful coordination with San Jose International Airport approaches. Multiple FBOs provide comprehensive services including fuel, hangars, maintenance, and aircraft rentals, though the uncertain closure timeline has affected long-term investments and business planning throughout the aviation community. The lead contamination controversy centers on conflicting scientific studies, with 2021 research linking elevated blood lead levels in nearby children to aviation emissions, while subsequent 2022 soil testing found lead concentrations within federal standards, creating ongoing community division between aviation advocates highlighting emergency services value and residents concerned about public health impacts.
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 operator. These flights are crucial for linking Ambler with larger regional centers like Kotzebue (OTZ) and, occasionally, Shungnak (SHG). Kotzebue's Ralph Wien Memorial Airport serves as the main hub from which most flights to Ambler originate, providing essential connections to Anchorage and other Alaskan cities. This ensures vital access for supplies and personnel to the remote community.\n\nTravel to Ambler is highly dependent on weather conditions and daylight hours. Flights are often subject to delays or cancellations due to adverse weather, including snow, fog, or high winds, which are common in arctic Alaska. It is crucial to maintain flexible travel plans and to confirm your flight status directly with Bering Air or your charter operator. There are no inter-airline baggage transfer services; all luggage is handled manually upon arrival and departure. Always prepare for the unexpected in this challenging environment.\n\nGround transportation in Ambler is limited and primarily relies on local community members or pre-arranged pickups. There are no taxis or rental cars readily available at the airport. Given the extreme conditions and isolation, self-sufficiency is paramount. It is vital to coordinate all onward travel details, including accommodation and local transport, well in advance of your arrival. Having a clear plan for your ground logistics is as important as your flight plan when traveling to such a remote destination.
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