Scammon Bay Airport (SCM)

Scammon Bay Airport (IATA: SCM, ICAO: PACM) is a state-owned, public-use airport that serves as a vital transportation link for the remote Yup'ik village of Scammon Bay, Alaska. Located in the Kusilvak Census Area on the coast of the Bering Sea, the airport is not accessible by road from the outside world. Consequently, it provides the primary means for residents to access essential services, receive mail and cargo, and travel to the regional hub of Bethel and other destinations. Its role is critical for medical evacuations, economic activity, and maintaining social connections for this isolated community.

The airport's history is tied to the development of aviation as a lifeline in rural Alaska. Like many remote airfields, it evolved to meet the community's growing needs for safer and more reliable air service. The current facility, with its improved gravel runway, replaced an older, less adequate airstrip, enhancing operational safety for the aircraft that serve the region. It is an integral part of Alaska's Essential Air Service (EAS) program, which ensures that small communities maintain a minimum level of scheduled air service.

Scammon Bay Airport is situated approximately one mile northeast of the main village. Travelers and residents typically access the airport via all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), snowmobiles in the winter, or on foot, as there are no paved roads or commercial taxi services. All flights operating from SCM are domestic, connecting passengers within Alaska. Scheduled passenger service is provided by regional carriers such as Grant Aviation and Ryan Air, which operate small propeller aircraft on routes primarily to and from Bethel (BET). From Bethel, travelers can connect to Anchorage and other destinations. Annual passenger enplanements typically number between 2,000 and 3,000, reflecting its small scale and community-focused operations.

Facilities at Scammon Bay Airport are minimal and functional, designed to meet the basic needs of bush travel. The airport consists of a single gravel runway and a small, simple terminal building that provides a heated shelter and waiting area for passengers. There are no restaurants, shops, lounges, or car rental agencies on-site.

Travelers using Scammon Bay Airport should book flights well in advance, as seating is limited. It is crucial to be prepared for flight delays or cancellations, which are common due to unpredictable coastal weather, including fog, high winds, and winter storms. Baggage allowances are strictly enforced and are significantly smaller than on major airlines. Upon arrival, visitors must have pre-arranged their local transportation with their hosts or contacts in the village. Always confirm your flight status directly with the airline on the day of travel before heading to the airport.