Manokotak Airport (KMO)

Manokotak Airport (IATA: KMO, ICAO: PAMB) is a state-owned, public-use airport that serves as a critical transportation link for the remote village of Manokotak, Alaska. Located in the Dillingham Census Area, the airport is the primary conduit for passenger travel, mail, cargo, and essential medical services, connecting the predominantly Yup'ik community to the regional hub of Dillingham and the wider world. Its role is fundamental to the daily life and economic stability of the village, which is not connected to the state's road system.

Activated in December 1957, the airport has a long history of providing reliable access to this isolated Bristol Bay community. It is situated approximately one nautical mile east of Manokotak's central business district. Given the village's small size, travelers typically reach the airport on foot or by using all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), which are the standard mode of local transportation. There are no public transit, taxi, or ride-sharing services available.

All operations at Manokotak Airport are domestic, consisting of scheduled and on-demand air taxi services. Regional carriers, such as Grant Aviation, operate regular flights using small propeller aircraft suitable for the airport’s single gravel runway. These flights primarily connect Manokotak with Dillingham Airport (DLG), where passengers can access further flights to Anchorage and other Alaskan destinations. The airport accommodates a modest number of travelers, with Federal Aviation Administration data showing approximately 2,000 passenger enplanements in a typical year.

Facilities at the airport are minimal, reflecting its function as a basic rural airstrip. There is a small shelter or building for passengers, but travelers should not expect amenities like restaurants, retail shops, or rental car services. Planning is essential, and visitors should bring any necessary provisions with them. For those traveling through KMO, it is highly advisable to confirm flight statuses directly with the airline, as schedules are subject to change, often with little notice, due to unpredictable weather conditions. When planning connecting flights out of Dillingham, travelers should allow for a generous layover to account for potential weather-related delays.