Kipnuk Airport (KPN)

Kipnuk Airport (IATA: KPN, ICAO: PAKI) is a state-owned, public-use airport that serves as a critical transportation lifeline for the remote community of Kipnuk, Alaska. Located in the Bethel Census Area, the village is not connected to the state's road system, making the airport the primary means for passenger travel, mail delivery, cargo transport, and medical evacuation. It provides essential connectivity for residents, connecting them to regional hubs and vital services that would otherwise be inaccessible.

Established in May 1977, the airport has been fundamental to the community's sustainability and well-being for decades. Its existence ensures a reliable link to the outside world, supporting both the local economy and the daily lives of its residents. The airport is situated approximately one nautical mile west of Kipnuk's central village area. Given the community's small size, travelers can typically reach the airport by a short walk or on an all-terrain vehicle (ATV), the most common form of local transportation. Standard taxi services, public transit, and ride-sharing options are not available in the village.

Operations at Kipnuk Airport are exclusively domestic, consisting of short-haul flights to and from other Alaskan communities. Flights are operated by regional air taxi carriers, such as Grant Aviation and Ryan Air Service, which utilize small, propeller-driven aircraft suited for the region's unpaved runways. The primary destination for these flights is Bethel (BET), the area's main transportation and commercial hub. The airport facilitates several thousand passenger enplanements each year.

The facilities at Kipnuk Airport are basic and functional, designed to meet the essential needs of rural air travel. The airport features a single gravel runway. The passenger area consists of a small, modest terminal building or shelter where travelers can wait for their flights. There are no restaurants, cafes, shops, or passenger lounges on site. Boarding is conducted directly on the tarmac.

For those traveling through Kipnuk Airport, it is advisable to arrive at least 60 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time. Flight schedules in this region are highly dependent on weather and can change with little notice. All ground transportation from the airport should be arranged in advance. Travelers making connections in Bethel should allow for ample layover time to accommodate potential weather-related delays. Passengers should also bring their own snacks, drinks, and entertainment, as no amenities are available for purchase at the airport.