Eek Airport (EEK)

Eek Airport (IATA: EEK, ICAO: PAEE) is a state-owned, public-use airport that serves as a vital transportation link for the remote community of Eek, Alaska. Located in the Bethel Census Area, the airport provides the primary means of year-round access for residents, connecting them to essential services, goods, and travel networks in a region without a road system. Its importance lies in facilitating mail delivery, cargo shipments, medical evacuations, and passenger transit, making it a critical piece of infrastructure for the village. The airport was officially activated in December 1975, solidifying a permanent and more reliable aviation point for a community that previously relied on more hazardous landing areas like frozen river ice.

Situated one nautical mile southeast of the central village, the airport is accessible to residents primarily by foot or all-terrain vehicle (ATV), which are the common modes of local transportation. There are no taxi services or public transit options available. The facilities at Eek Airport are basic and functional, designed to meet the fundamental needs of regional air travel. It features a single gravel runway (17/35) measuring 3,244 by 60 feet. Travelers should not expect a conventional terminal building; there are no restaurants, retail shops, or passenger lounges on-site. The infrastructure consists of the runway and a small shelter or waiting area for passengers and cargo.

Operations at Eek Airport consist exclusively of domestic flights, primarily unscheduled general aviation and scheduled air taxi services. Major regional carriers such as Grant Aviation and Yute Air provide regular flights, with the most common destination being Bethel Airport (BET), the area's primary air transportation hub. From Bethel, passengers can connect to larger aircraft serving Anchorage and other destinations across Alaska. The airport handles several thousand passenger enplanements annually, highlighting its steady role in regional mobility.

For those traveling through Eek Airport, it is essential to plan ahead. Passengers should confirm check-in times directly with their airline, though arriving 30 to 60 minutes prior to departure is a general guideline. All ground transportation from the airport into the village must be arranged in advance. When booking connecting flights, travelers should allow ample time at Bethel Airport, as schedules for smaller aircraft are highly susceptible to delays from adverse weather conditions common in Western Alaska. Baggage allowances on these smaller air taxi flights are often more restrictive than on major commercial airlines, so it is crucial to verify weight and size limits before travel.