Mertarvik Airport (WWT)

Mertarvik Airport (IATA: WWT, ICAO: PAEW) is a public-use airport that serves as the essential air transportation link for the community of Mertarvik on Nelson Island in western Alaska. The airport’s significance is deeply tied to the relocation of the Yup'ik village of Newtok, one of the first American communities to move due to the effects of climate change. As coastal erosion and thawing permafrost threatened Newtok, the new village of Mertarvik was established on more stable ground nine miles away. The airport was a critical piece of infrastructure in this multi-year relocation effort. Officially opened in 2019, it replaced the former Newtok Airport, inheriting its "WWT" location identifier, and enabled the safe and reliable transport of people and supplies to the new site.

Located adjacent to the village, the airport is the primary gateway to Mertarvik, which is inaccessible by road. Travelers typically reach the community from the airport on foot or by using all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) in the summer and snow machines in the winter. As there are no taxis, rental cars, or ride-sharing services, visitors must arrange for pickup with their local contacts in advance. The journey from the airstrip to the main part of the village is very short, reflecting the small, compact nature of the newly developed community.

Operations at Mertarvik Airport consist exclusively of domestic flights, primarily providing scheduled passenger service and cargo transport. Regional airlines, such as Grant Aviation, operate flights connecting Mertarvik with the regional hub of Bethel (BET), from where travelers can connect to Anchorage and other destinations. The airport features a single gravel runway designed to accommodate the small propeller-driven aircraft typical of air taxi and commuter services in rural Alaska. There is no control tower; pilots coordinate using a common traffic advisory frequency.

Facilities at the airport are minimal and functional, designed to meet the basic needs of a remote community. There is a small shelter or building that serves as a waiting area, offering protection from the region’s often harsh weather. Travelers should not expect amenities such as restaurants, shops, baggage carousels, or TSA security screening. Practical advice for anyone flying to Mertarvik includes booking flights well in advance, as seating is limited. It is crucial to pack for self-sufficiency, bringing all necessary food, supplies, and medications. Given the unpredictable weather of the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, flight delays and cancellations are common, so travelers should build flexibility into their itineraries.