Chuathbaluk Airport (CHU)

Chuathbaluk Airport (IATA: CHU, FAA LID: 9A3) is a state-owned, public-use airport serving the remote community of Chuathbaluk, Alaska. Located in the Bethel Census Area, the airport is not a destination for mainstream tourism but serves as a vital transportation link for residents. It provides essential year-round access to supplies, medical care, and travel to and from the regional hub of Bethel, especially when the adjacent Kuskokwim River is impassable. For this isolated village, the airport is a critical piece of infrastructure, connecting it to the rest of the state and the nation.

Activated in December 1974, the airport's history is intertwined with the sustenance of the Chuathbaluk community. Its primary significance lies in its continuous operation as a lifeline, enabling the movement of people and goods in a region with no connecting road system. The airport is situated approximately one nautical mile northeast of the village’s central area. Given the small size of the community, travelers typically reach the airstrip by walking or using a personal all-terrain vehicle (ATV). There are no commercial taxi, ride-sharing, or public transit services available for arriving or departing passengers.

Operations at Chuathbaluk Airport are exclusively domestic and consist of scheduled and charter air taxi services. Major regional carriers such as Ryan Air Alaska and Grant Aviation provide flights using small propeller aircraft, primarily connecting Chuathbaluk with Bethel Airport (BET). From Bethel, travelers can access flights to Anchorage and other larger destinations. The airport handles a modest volume of passenger traffic annually, reflecting its role as a community-focused facility rather than a commercial hub.

The airport's facilities are minimal, consistent with its function as a rural Alaskan airstrip. It features a single gravel runway and lacks a traditional terminal building. There are no passenger amenities such as ticket counters, security screening areas, lounges, restaurants, or retail shops. Travelers should not expect services like baggage carousels or public restrooms. Visitors are advised to bring any necessary food, water, and other provisions with them. Check-in and boarding procedures are informal and handled directly by the air taxi staff, often at their local office or planeside. Flight schedules are highly susceptible to weather conditions, and travelers must maintain flexibility in their plans. Any ground transportation from the airport should be pre-arranged with local contacts.