Napakiak Airport (WNA)

Napakiak Airport (IATA: WNA, ICAO: PANA) is a state-owned, public-use airport that serves as a vital transportation link for the remote village of Napakiak, Alaska. Located in the Bethel Census Area, the airport is not a leisure travel destination but an essential piece of infrastructure, providing year-round access for residents to receive mail, cargo, medical services, and transportation to the regional hub of Bethel. Its role is critical in a region unconnected to the statewide road system, where air travel is the primary means of movement.

Opened in July 1973, the airport is part of Alaska's extensive network of rural airstrips that connect isolated communities. Its history is tied to the state's commitment to providing basic services to its most remote populations. The airport is situated approximately one nautical mile south of Napakiak’s central village. Given the small size of the community and the absence of a local road network, travelers and residents typically access the airstrip on foot, by all-terrain vehicle (ATV) in the summer, or via snowmachine in the winter.

Operations at Napakiak Airport consist exclusively of unscheduled domestic air taxi services. There are no large commercial jets or international flights. Regional carriers, such as Grant Aviation and Yute Air, operate frequent flights using small propeller aircraft like the Cessna 208 Caravan or Piper Navajo. These flights connect Napakiak primarily with Bethel Airport (BET), where passengers can transfer to larger aircraft serving Anchorage and other destinations. Passenger volume is modest, reflecting the small population of the village it serves.

Travelers should be aware that facilities at Napakiak Airport are extremely limited. There is no terminal building, restaurant, lounge, or retail shop. The airport consists of a single gravel runway and may have a small shelter for passengers waiting for their flight. There are no rental car services or formal ground transportation options available.

For those traveling through Napakiak, flexibility is key. Air taxi schedules are highly susceptible to weather conditions, and delays or cancellations are common. It is advisable to pack essentials and be prepared for schedule changes. Baggage allowances on these small aircraft are typically more restrictive than on major airlines. All onward travel to destinations outside the region requires a connection in Bethel, so passengers should allow ample time between flights to account for potential weather-related disruptions.