Chalkyitsik Airport (CIK)
Chalkyitsik, US 🇺🇸 Small Airport Scheduled Service
ICAO
PACI
IATA
CIK
Elevation
544 ft
Region
US-AK
Local Time
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GPS Code: PACI
Local Code: CIK
Location: 66.644997° N, -143.740005° E
Continent: North America
Type: Small Airport
About Chalkyitsik Airport
Updated: Jan 2, 2026Chalkyitsik Airport (IATA: CIK, ICAO: PACI) is a state-owned, public-use airport that serves as a critical lifeline for the remote Gwich'in Athabascan village of Chalkyitsik, Alaska. Located within the Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge, the airport provides the primary means of year-round transportation for residents, connecting the isolated community to the rest of the state for essential supplies, mail, passenger travel, and medical services. Given the absence of road connections to the statewide highway system, air travel is not a convenience but a necessity for the community's survival and well-being.
Activated in April 1965, the airport's history is intrinsically linked to the development of modern infrastructure in rural Alaska. Its existence has enabled reliable access that was previously dependent on seasonal river travel. The airport is situated one nautical mile northeast of the central village. Access between the airstrip and the community is typically on foot or by all-terrain vehicles, as the village itself is small and easily navigated. Travelers should coordinate any ground transportation needs in advance of their arrival.
Operations at Chalkyitsik Airport consist exclusively of domestic, on-demand air taxi services and general aviation flights. There are no large commercial airlines or international services. Carriers such as Wright Air Service provide scheduled and charter flights, primarily connecting Chalkyitsik with the regional hub of Fairbanks. The airport features a single gravel runway, and flights are highly susceptible to weather conditions, with cancellations or delays being common, particularly during winter months. Passenger volume is modest and official statistics are not regularly published.
Facilities at the airport are extremely limited, reflecting its role as a basic utility airstrip. There is no terminal building, and travelers will not find amenities such as lounges, restaurants, shops, or rental car services. The airport infrastructure consists of the runway and an aircraft parking apron. Visitors should plan to be self-sufficient upon arrival. It is crucial for travelers to confirm check-in procedures, baggage allowances, and flight schedules directly with their air carrier. Due to the minimal facilities and potential for weather delays, passengers should arrive with all necessary personal items and be prepared for changes to their itinerary. All connecting flights to destinations outside the region must be arranged through Fairbanks International Airport (FAI).
What Travelers Say
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Online Reviews Summary
Traveler reviews and experiences for Chalkyitsik Airport (PACI (CIK)) are extremely limited, reflecting its role as a small, state-owned public-use airport serving the remote community of Chalkyitsik, Alaska. Overall traveler sentiment is not readily available through typical review platforms. The airport appears to function primarily as an essential transportation link for a community with a small population, with operational details indicating a very basic and largely unattended facility.
What Travelers Love (Inferred from operational context):
- Essential Air Access: The airport provides crucial air access to and from a remote Alaskan community, with Warbelow's Air Ventures being a major airline serving the location.
- Weather Camera Availability: A weather camera is available online, which is a valuable resource for pilots and travelers in a region with often challenging weather conditions.
Common Complaints (Inferred from operational details):
- Minimal Facilities and Unattended Status: The airport is noted as unattended, suggesting a lack of typical terminal amenities, services, and staff. There is no mention of food, lodging, or other commercial services directly at the airport.
- Basic Runway Conditions: The gravel runway (4,000 x 75 ft) is described as being in fair condition, but travelers should be aware that the runway can be soft when wet. Pilots are recommended to perform a visual inspection prior to landing as runway conditions are not regularly monitored.
- Limited Lighting and Infrastructure: The East Ramp Entrance is unlit, though it is marked with reflectors.
- Ongoing Construction (Past/Current): Airport surfaces underwent a significant reconstruction project valued at $23.6 million, expected to be completed by October 2025. This work aims to meet current requirements for rural airports. While beneficial in the long term, such construction could have caused temporary disruptions for travelers. A NOTAM from June to October 2025 indicates "AD AP ALL SFC WIP CONSTRUCTION".
- Security and Customs Experience: While estimated security wait times of 29 minutes for TSA and 8 minutes for immigration exist on some platforms, these figures should be considered with caution given the airport's unattended nature and the unlikelihood of frequent international or high-volume domestic traffic requiring extensive security checks. It is more probable that security procedures are minimal for air taxi and general aviation operations.
- Lack of Ground Transportation/Parking Information: No specific details are available regarding transportation connections or parking facilities, implying that travelers likely arrange local pickups or have very basic parking options.
In summary, Chalkyitsik Airport primarily serves as a functional, no-frills air strip essential for connecting the remote community of Chalkyitsik. Travelers should anticipate very basic facilities and operational conditions characteristic of a small Alaskan bush airport. Its main strengths lie in providing vital air access, while its limitations stem from its remote, unattended nature and rudimentary infrastructure.
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Airport Routes
Route Network Map
Top Routes (by observations)
Newly Discovered
- Fort Yukon (FYU) new
Popular Flight Routes
| Destination | IATA | City | Aircraft Type | Airline | Details | Route Map |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Yukon | FYU |
Fort Yukon | C208 | Wright Air Service | 29 flights · 42 mi | |
| Fort Yukon | FYU |
Fort Yukon | PA31 | Warbelows Air Ventures | 15 flights · 42 mi |
Top Airlines
Operating at Chalkyitsik AirportAirlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network| Airline | Routes | Flights | Destinations | Last Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Wright Air Service
WRF
/ 8V
|
1 | 29 | 1 | May 8, 2026 |
Warbelows Air Ventures
WAV
/ 4W
|
1 | 15 | 1 | May 8, 2026 |
For Pilots
| Designation | Length | Width | Surface | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
04/22 |
4000 ft | 75 ft | GRVL-G | Active Lighted |
| Type | Description | Frequency |
|---|
Ground Transportation
Taxis
There are no commercial taxi services available in Chalkyitsik. Due to the village's small size and remote location, visitors must pre-arrange for pickups with their local host, the lodge they are staying at, or the Chalkyitsik Village Council before arrival.
Rental Cars
No car rental agencies operate at Chalkyitsik Airport or in the village. The community is not connected to the main Alaskan road system. Local transportation is primarily by private ATVs, snowmachines (in winter), and boats, which must be arranged privately with local contacts.
Public Transportation
There is no public transportation system, such as buses or shuttles, in Chalkyitsik. The village is small and can be navigated on foot. All transportation from the airport must be arranged in advance privately.