Karluk Airport (KYK)

Karluk Airport (IATA: KYK, ICAO: PAKY) is a state-owned, public-use airport that serves as a vital transportation link for the remote Alutiiq village of Karluk, located on the western coast of Kodiak Island, Alaska. As the community is not connected to the state’s road system, the airport provides essential, year-round access for residents, visitors, and the transport of mail and supplies. Its role is fundamental to the economic and social well-being of the village, which is renowned for its world-class salmon fishing.

Activated in November 1951, the airport’s history is intertwined with the development of aviation as a lifeline for isolated Alaskan communities. Its primary significance lies in its ability to connect Karluk with the regional hub of Kodiak and, by extension, the rest of the world. The airport operates exclusively for domestic travel, primarily supporting unscheduled air taxi services and general aviation. Island Air Service is the main carrier offering scheduled commuter flights to and from Kodiak (ADQ). Passenger volume is modest, typically numbering several hundred enplanements per year, underscoring its function as a community service rather than a commercial transport center.

The airport is situated one nautical mile northeast of the village center. Given the small size of the community, access between the village and the airstrip is typically on foot or by private all-terrain vehicle. Facilities at Karluk Airport are minimal and purely functional. It features a single, unpaved gravel runway designated 10/28, measuring 2,000 by 60 feet. There is no traditional terminal building; a small, basic shelter is available to protect passengers from inclement weather. Travelers will not find amenities such as ticketing counters, security screening, restrooms, shops, or restaurants on-site.

For those traveling through Karluk Airport, practical planning is key. All flight schedules are highly dependent on weather conditions, which can be severe and change rapidly. It is essential to confirm your flight directly with the air taxi service on the day of travel. Arriving 30 minutes prior to departure is generally sufficient. Upon landing in Karluk, there are no public ground transportation services like taxis or rental cars; all transport must be pre-arranged with a local lodge, fishing charter, or personal contact. All connecting flights to destinations outside the immediate area depart from Kodiak’s main airport.