Nelson Lagoon Airport (NLG)

Nelson Lagoon Airport (IATA: NLG, ICAO: PAOU) is a state-owned, public-use airport that serves as the essential transportation link for the remote community of Nelson Lagoon, Alaska. Located in the Aleutians East Borough on the northern coast of the Alaska Peninsula, the airport is indispensable for delivering mail, cargo, medical services, and passenger travel to a village that is otherwise inaccessible by road. Its function as a lifeline is critical for the social and economic stability of the local population, which is heavily reliant on the commercial fishing industry.

Activated in December 1959, the airport has been a fundamental piece of community infrastructure for decades. Its history is directly tied to the need for a reliable connection to the outside world, bypassing the formidable challenges of maritime travel in the often-turbulent Bering Sea. The airport facilitates consistent access to essential goods and allows residents to travel for healthcare, business, and personal reasons, highlighting its profound significance in sustaining this isolated settlement.

The airport is situated adjacent to the village, making it easily accessible on foot or by all-terrain vehicle (ATV), which are the common modes of local transport. As there are no roads connecting Nelson Lagoon to other communities, the airport serves as the primary point of entry and exit for nearly all visitors and residents traveling to and from the area.

Operations at Nelson Lagoon Airport consist exclusively of domestic, intra-state flights, primarily scheduled commuter service and on-demand air taxi charters. Grant Aviation is the main airline providing scheduled passenger flights, typically connecting Nelson Lagoon with regional hubs like Cold Bay (CDB) and King Salmon (AKN). From these hubs, travelers can connect to Anchorage and other destinations. The airport handles a modest volume of traffic, with several hundred passenger boardings recorded annually. Facilities are minimal, consisting of a small building that serves as a basic shelter for waiting passengers. The airfield has a single gravel runway and lacks amenities such as restaurants or shops.

For those traveling through Nelson Lagoon Airport, practical planning is key. Flights are frequently subject to delays or cancellations due to the region's unpredictable and often severe weather. It is crucial to confirm flight statuses directly with the airline and build flexibility into travel itineraries. Baggage allowances on small commuter aircraft are typically more restrictive than on larger jets. Upon arrival, there are no taxi or rental car services available; ground transportation should be arranged in advance with local contacts.