Buckland Airport (BKC)

Buckland Airport (IATA: BKC, ICAO: PABL) is a state-owned, public-use airport that serves as a critical transportation link for the city of Buckland, Alaska. Located one nautical mile south of the village in the Northwest Arctic Borough, the airport is the primary gateway for residents, goods, and essential services. As Buckland is an isolated Iñupiat community with no road connections to the rest of the state, the airport provides a vital lifeline, facilitating all passenger travel, mail delivery, and cargo shipments. Its role is fundamental to the daily life and economic stability of the region, connecting the village to the regional hub of Kotzebue and beyond.

Activated in December 1957, the airport's history is intertwined with the development of modern life in remote Alaska. It is operated by the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities. Operations consist exclusively of domestic flights, primarily serving as a spoke for regional air taxi and scheduled commuter services. Major carriers like Bering Air and Ravn Alaska provide regular flights to Ralph Wien Memorial Airport in Kotzebue, where travelers can connect to larger destinations. The airport handles a consistent volume of traffic for its size, with the Federal Aviation Administration recording 6,051 passenger boardings in 2019. In addition to scheduled flights, the airport supports charter, air taxi, and general aviation activities crucial for medical transport and local logistics.

The airport's facilities are basic and functional, designed to meet the essential needs of Arctic travel. It features a single gravel runway (11/29) measuring 3,200 by 75 feet. The passenger building is a small, simple shelter providing a waiting area, but it does not contain amenities such as restaurants, shops, or lounges. Access to the airport from the village is typically on foot, as the distance is short. Residents and visitors also use all-terrain vehicles in the summer and snowmobiles in the winter for transportation. There are no taxi services, ride-sharing options, or public transit available at the airport.

Travelers using Buckland Airport should plan accordingly. It is advisable to arrive approximately 60 minutes before a scheduled departure, but confirming with the specific airline is recommended. Baggage allowances on the small propeller aircraft that serve the airport are significantly more restrictive than on larger jets, so packing light is essential. The most important consideration is the weather, which can be unpredictable and cause flight delays or cancellations. When booking connecting flights, particularly through Kotzebue, travelers should allow ample buffer time. Carrying essential items and medications in a carry-on bag is a prudent measure in case of an unexpected overnight stay in a hub town.