โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
35
minutes
Domestic โ International
65
minutes
Interline Connections
100
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Hot Springs CountyโThermopolis Municipal Airport (KHSG) is a general aviation facility located 10 miles northwest of Thermopolis, Wyoming, at coordinates N43ยฐ42.82' / W108ยฐ23.38'. The airport opened in 2015 as a replacement for the original Thermopolis Municipal Airport, which was located within the city but was unsuitable for expansion. Situated on 480 acres at an elevation of 4,892 feet above mean sea level, the airport serves the Hot Springs County region in the Mountain Time Zone and operates under CTAF frequency 122.8.
The airport's primary runway measures 6,370 feet in length, making it suitable for a variety of general aviation aircraft operations. The runway designated 5/23 is equipped with comprehensive lighting systems including REIL (Runway End Identifier Lights) for both runway ends, PAPI (Precision Approach Path Indicator) systems for precise approach guidance, and MIRL (Medium Intensity Runway Lighting) for enhanced visibility during low-light operations. These lighting systems ensure safe operations during various weather and lighting conditions typical of the Wyoming high country.
Operational statistics from the year ending June 30, 2021, show the airport handled 2,702 aircraft operations, averaging 52 operations per week. The traffic composition includes 94% general aviation, 6% air taxi operations, and less than 1% military activity. At that time, 10 aircraft were permanently based at the facility, consisting of 9 single-engine and 1 multi-engine aircraft, reflecting the airport's role as both a community aviation hub and a base for local aircraft operations.
The airport provides essential aviation services including 100LL fuel through self-serve credit card systems, with full-service fuel available upon request. After-hours service is available with no call-out fee by contacting 307-921-8579. Air traffic control services are provided by Salt Lake ARTCC (ZLC) on frequencies 133.25/285.6 through the Jackson RCAG, with clearance delivery available by calling Salt Lake ARTCC at 801-320-2568. The facility represents a significant improvement in regional aviation infrastructure for the Thermopolis area and surrounding Hot Springs County communities.
๐ Connection Tips
Allow extra time for transfers at Hot Springs County Airport, serving Thermopolis and surrounding Wyoming communities in the high country near Yellowstone. The facility coordinates closely with Salt Lake ARTCC through Jackson RCAG for air traffic control services, clearance delivery, and flight planning through complex mountain terrain. Local aviation services include 100LL self-serve fuel with credit card access, full-service fuel upon request, after-hours services through 307-921-8579, and basic aircraft maintenance capabilities for general aviation operations. The airport's strategic location serves Hot Springs County communities, provides access to Yellowstone region tourism, supports regional business aviation, and enables emergency medical evacuation services for isolated rural communities throughout the Wyoming high country.
Ground transportation options include rental vehicles, taxi services for the 10-mile journey to Thermopolis, hotel shuttles through advance arrangement, and coordination with local businesses, though advance planning is essential in this rural area. The facility operates with a 6,370-foot runway at 4,892 feet elevation, designed to handle various general aviation aircraft in challenging mountain and high-altitude conditions. Advanced lighting systems including REIL, PAPI, and MIRL provide enhanced safety for operations during variable mountain weather and lighting conditions. Weather monitoring systems provide essential data for safe high-altitude operations where density altitude and mountain wave conditions create unique challenges.
Emergency services coordinate with Hot Springs County emergency response systems and arrange evacuations to regional medical centers in Billings or Denver when serious cases arise. Seasonal weather variations during winter months bring snow, ice, and extreme cold that dramatically affect aircraft performance at high altitude, while summer offers optimal flying conditions but afternoon thunderstorms typical of mountain regions. Weather patterns including Rocky Mountain storms, high-altitude winds, temperature inversions, and seasonal snow significantly impact operations, requiring specialized high-altitude flying procedures and careful monitoring of rapidly changing mountain weather.
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 Hot Springs County Airport