Circle City (New) Airport (IRC)

Circle City (New) Airport (IATA: IRC, ICAO: PACR) is a state-owned, public-use airport serving the small, remote community of Circle, Alaska. Located on the southern bank of the Yukon River at the end of the Steese Highway, the airport functions as a critical transportation link, providing essential year-round access for residents, cargo, and mail. Its primary importance lies in connecting this isolated village to Fairbanks, the main commercial and logistical hub of Interior Alaska. The airport is situated approximately four nautical miles north of the central part of Circle, a small community with a population of less than one hundred people.

Opened in April 1965, the airport is officially named Circle "New" to distinguish it from the older, now privately owned, Circle Hot Springs Airport (PACY) located several miles away. Its history is one of steady, functional service rather than major events. Its significance is rooted in its role as a lifeline, enabling medical transport, delivery of goods, and personal travel in a region where ground transportation can be unreliable or impossible, especially during harsh winter months.

Operations at Circle City (New) Airport are exclusively domestic and consist primarily of scheduled air taxi services and general aviation flights. The main carrier offering scheduled passenger service is Wright Air Service, which operates regular flights to and from Fairbanks International Airport (FAI) using small, single-engine aircraft suitable for the airport's infrastructure. There are no international flights, and passenger volume is very low, reflecting the small size of the community it serves. The airport features a single gravel runway and is unattended, with no control tower.

Facilities at the airport are minimal, reflecting its utilitarian purpose. Travelers should not expect a conventional terminal building. Instead, there is often a small, basic shelter to protect passengers from the elements while they await their flight. There are no restaurants, shops, rental car agencies, or passenger lounges. Any necessary amenities, including restrooms, may be limited or unavailable. Travelers typically reach the airport via private vehicle or pre-arranged rides with local contacts, as there are no taxi services or public transportation options available in Circle.

For those traveling through Circle City (New) Airport, advanced planning is essential. All ground transportation to and from the airstrip must be arranged prior to arrival. It is advisable to arrive shortly before your scheduled departure time, as there are no services to accommodate long waits. Passengers should also pack any necessary food, water, or supplies, as nothing is available for purchase on-site. All ticketing, baggage services, and flight connections are managed through the airline at the connecting hub in Fairbanks.