Shungnak Airport (SHG)

Shungnak Airport (IATA: SHG, ICAO: PAGH) is a state-owned, public-use airport that serves as a vital transportation link for the remote Iñupiat village of Shungnak, Alaska. Located in the Northwest Arctic Borough, the airport is not a commercial hub but a critical lifeline, providing the community with essential access to mail, cargo, medical services, and passenger travel. Situated in a region with no connecting road system, the airport is the primary means of year-round transportation to and from the regional center of Kotzebue and the outside world.

Established and activated in December 1961, the airport's history is intertwined with the modern development of the village. Its presence has been fundamental to the community's sustainability, enabling reliable movement of goods and people in a landscape where travel was once limited to riverboats in summer and dog sleds in winter. The airport is located approximately one mile southwest of the Shungnak village center, adjacent to the Shungnak River. Access from the village to the airport is typically by foot, all-terrain vehicle (ATV), or snowmachine, as there are no taxis, ride-sharing services, or public transportation available.

Operations at Shungnak Airport are exclusively domestic and consist of scheduled and charter air taxi services. Bering Air is the primary carrier, offering regular flights to and from Ralph Wien Memorial Airport (OTZ) in Kotzebue, where travelers can connect to the wider Alaskan aviation network. Flights are operated using small, durable propeller aircraft suited for landing on the airport's single gravel runway. Passenger volume is modest, reflecting the village's small population, with annual enplanements typically numbering in the low thousands.

Travelers should not expect traditional airport amenities. Facilities at Shungnak Airport are extremely limited, consisting of the runway itself and a small, basic shelter for passengers awaiting flights. There are no terminals, security checkpoints, restaurants, shops, or rental car agencies. It is essential for visitors to make prior arrangements for pickup and transport into the village. When departing, passengers should confirm arrival times directly with their airline, but showing up 45 to 60 minutes before a flight is standard practice. Due to the unpredictable nature of Alaskan weather, flight delays and cancellations can occur, so travelers connecting through Kotzebue are advised to build flexibility into their itineraries.