Toksook Bay Airport (OOK)

Toksook Bay Airport (IATA: OOK, ICAO: PAOO) is a state-owned, public-use airport that serves as the essential transportation lifeline for the remote community of Toksook Bay, Alaska. Located on Nelson Island in the Bering Sea, the village is not connected to the state’s road system, making the airport critical for passenger travel, mail, cargo, and medical evacuations. It provides the primary link for residents to the regional hub of Bethel and the wider world, ensuring access to vital supplies and services year-round.

Activated in November 1978, the airport represented a significant advancement for the Yup'ik community, replacing older, less reliable landing areas and enabling more consistent and safer air service. Its establishment has been fundamental to the community's stability and connection to the outside world. The airport is situated approximately one mile west of the main village. Given the small size of Toksook Bay, it is easily accessible on foot or by local modes of transport such as all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) in the summer and snowmachines in the winter. There are no conventional taxi services or car rental agencies available.

Operations at Toksook Bay Airport are exclusively domestic and consist of scheduled and chartered air taxi services. Major regional carriers, including Grant Aviation and Yute Commuter Service, operate flights primarily to and from Bethel (BET), with connections to other nearby villages. The airport handles several thousand passenger enplanements annually. Aircraft used on these routes are typically small propeller planes suited for gravel runways and remote operations.

Facilities at the airport are minimal, reflecting its function as a basic transit point. A small terminal building provides a heated waiting area and restrooms for passengers. There are no restaurants, shops, or passenger lounges within the terminal. The airport features a single gravel runway, which is maintained to accommodate the small aircraft that serve the region.

Travelers using Toksook Bay Airport should plan to arrive at least 60 minutes before their flight. Air travel in this part of Alaska is highly dependent on weather, and flights are frequently delayed or canceled due to fog, high winds, or winter storms, so building flexibility into travel plans is essential. Baggage allowances are significantly more restrictive than on larger commercial airlines due to aircraft size limitations. It is crucial to confirm weight and size limits with the airline beforehand. Upon arrival, transportation into the village must be pre-arranged or coordinated locally.