Cold Bay Airport (CDB)

Cold Bay, US 🇺🇸 Medium Airport Scheduled Service

ICAO

PACD

IATA

CDB

Elevation

96 ft

Region

US-AK

Local Time

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Airport Information

GPS Code: PACD

Local Code: CDB

Location: 55.207871° N, -162.725029° E

Continent: NA

Type: Medium Airport

Arrivals
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Departures
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External Links

Wikipedia Live Flights
Nearby Points of Interest

What Travelers Say

AI-Generated Summary Based on web research

Traveler sentiment and satisfaction at Cold Bay Airport (CDB) are largely shaped by its extremely remote location and essential role as a transportation hub for surrounding Alaskan communities. Direct, recent traveler reviews are scarce, but available information suggests that while the airport provides critical connectivity, the overall experience is functional rather than luxurious, often impacted by challenging weather conditions.

What Travelers Love
  • Crucial Air Link: The airport serves as a vital connection for isolated communities in the Aleutian Islands, Alaska Peninsula, and Pribilof Islands, especially after a regional carrier's bankruptcy in 2020 saw Alaska Airlines step in to restore passenger service.
  • Long Runway: Cold Bay boasts one of Alaska's longest runways (10,180 ft), making it a critical diversion airport for long-distance commercial flights crossing the Pacific Ocean.
  • Short Security Wait Times: Current estimates for TSA security wait times are generally low, ranging from 5 to 26 minutes, with immigration wait times around 8 minutes.
Common Complaints
  • Extreme Isolation: There is no highway access to the mainland, making air travel the primary mode of transportation to and from Cold Bay.
  • Challenging Weather: Cold Bay is recognized as the cloudiest city in the United States, and past traveler accounts mention windy and rainy conditions impacting small aircraft flights.
  • Limited Amenities: While a "new air terminal" was showcased in a 2020 video, detailed traveler reviews on the extent of terminal facilities or amenities are not readily available, implying a more basic offering consistent with a remote regional airport.
  • Restricted Operations for Larger Aircraft: The airport is typically closed to aircraft operations carrying more than 30 passengers without prior written permission from the airport manager.

Cold Bay Airport is an indispensable link for a highly remote region, valued more for its strategic importance and logistical capabilities than for passenger comfort or extensive facilities. Travelers should anticipate a functional experience dictated by the unique demands of Alaskan bush travel and variable weather conditions.

Generated False weeks ago

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This summary is automatically generated by AI based on web research of traveler reviews and experiences. AI-generated content may not always be 100% accurate.

Current Weather Conditions

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Airport Routes

Top Routes (by observations)
Newly Discovered
Popular Flight Routes
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Destination IATA City Aircraft Type Airline Details Route Map
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Top Airlines

Operating at Cold Bay Airport
Airlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network
Airline Routes Flights Destinations Last Activity
3 20 3 Dec 3, 2025
2 7 2 Sep 9, 2025
2 5 2 Sep 9, 2025
1 2 1 Jul 18, 2025
1 1 1 Sep 9, 2025
Showing top 5 airlines by flight activity. Data includes observed departures and route networks from this airport.
For Pilots

Designation Length Width Surface Status
15/33 10415 ft 150 ft ASP Active Lighted
8/26 4235 ft 150 ft ASP Active Lighted

Type Description Frequency
ASOS ASOS 135.75 MHz
CNTR ANCHORAGE CNTR 118.5 MHz
CTAF CTAF 123.6 MHz
FSS RDO 123.6 MHz
RFSS KENAI RDO 123.6 MHz

Ident Name Type Frequency
CD Elfee NDB 341 kHz
CDB Cold Bay VORTAC 112600 kHz

Ground Transportation

Last updated: Nov 21, 2025
Taxis

There are no standard, on-demand taxi services in Cold Bay. Airport pickups and drop-offs must be arranged in advance, typically through your local lodging provider (e.g., Bearfoot Inn). It is crucial to coordinate transportation before you arrive.

Rental Cars

No major car rental agencies operate in Cold Bay. A very limited number of vehicles, usually trucks or SUVs, may be available for rent locally through lodging providers. You must reserve a vehicle far in advance, as availability is extremely scarce.

Public Transportation

There is no public transportation system, such as bus or shuttle services, in Cold Bay. The community is very small and not serviced by public transit.

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Distances are approximate and calculated as straight-line distances.