Perryville Airport (KPV)

Perryville Airport (IATA: KPV, ICAO: PAPE) is a state-owned, public-use airport that serves as a critical transportation link for the remote Alaska Native village of Perryville. Located on the southern coast of the Alaska Peninsula, the airport provides essential year-round access for residents, connecting the isolated community to regional hubs for passenger travel, mail, cargo, and medical services. Given the absence of roads leading to the village, air travel is not just a convenience but a lifeline. The airport is situated approximately one nautical mile south of the village's central area. Access between the airport and the community is typically on foot or by all-terrain vehicles, as there are no taxi services or car rental agencies available.

The airport has a significant historical background, originating as Perryville Army Airfield during World War II. It was constructed by the United States Army Air Forces and served as an auxiliary field to the Fort Morrow Army Airfield at Port Heiden. This infrastructure was part of the strategic defense of the Aleutian Islands during the war. After the conflict, the airfield was transferred to the Territory of Alaska and transitioned to civil use, continuing its role as the primary aviation gateway for the region.

Operations at Perryville Airport are exclusively domestic and consist of scheduled commuter flights and general aviation services. The primary airline carrier is Grant Aviation, which offers regular flights connecting Perryville with larger regional centers, most notably King Salmon (AKN). From these hubs, travelers can connect to Anchorage and other destinations. The airport handles a modest volume of traffic, with annual passenger enplanements numbering in the hundreds. Facilities are basic and tailored to the airport's function in a remote environment. It features a single gravel runway and a small, simple building that serves as a shelter for waiting passengers. Travelers will not find amenities such as restaurants, shops, or lounges.

For those traveling through Perryville Airport, practical preparation is key. It is advisable to confirm check-in times directly with the airline, though arriving 60 minutes prior to departure is a common recommendation for regional Alaskan flights. All ground transportation must be arranged in advance with local contacts in the village. The weather on the Alaska Peninsula is notoriously unpredictable and can cause significant flight delays or cancellations; therefore, building flexibility and buffer time into connecting travel itineraries is essential. Passengers should also plan to be self-sufficient, bringing their own snacks, water, and entertainment, as no services are available at the airport itself.