Point Hope, US 🇺🇸 Small Airport Scheduled Service
ICAO
PAPO
IATA
PHO
Elevation
12 ft
Region
US-AK
Local Time
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Loading...GPS Code: PAPO
Local Code: PHO
Location: 68.348801° N, -166.798996° E
Continent: North America
Type: Small Airport
Point Hope Airport (PAPO/PHO) is a state-owned, public-use airport that serves as a critical transportation lifeline for the remote Iñupiat community of Point Hope, Alaska. Located on the Chukchi Sea coast, the airport provides the primary means of year-round access for residents, connecting the isolated village to regional hubs for essential services, cargo, mail, and passenger travel. Its role is fundamental to the economic and social well-being of the community, which is one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in North America.
Opened in October 1977, the current airport replaced an older, smaller airstrip to better accommodate the region's needs. Its development marked a significant improvement in reliable transportation for Point Hope, ensuring safer and more consistent operations. As a state-maintained facility, it represents a crucial piece of infrastructure in a region where geography and climate make ground transportation impractical. The airport is situated approximately one nautical mile northeast of the main village. Given the small size of the community, access is straightforward, with residents and visitors typically traveling the short distance by foot, all-terrain vehicle (ATV), or private vehicle.
Operations at Point Hope Airport are exclusively domestic, consisting of general aviation and scheduled passenger flights. The primary commercial carrier is Bering Air, which operates regular flights to Kotzebue's Ralph Wien Memorial Airport (OTZ). Kotzebue serves as the main regional hub, offering connections to Anchorage and other destinations throughout Alaska. The airport handles a modest volume of traffic, with Federal Aviation Administration data showing approximately 3,500 to 4,000 passenger boardings annually.
Facilities at the airport are basic and functional, designed to meet the essential needs of Arctic travel. The airport features a single gravel runway and a small terminal building that provides shelter, seating, and a check-in counter for the airline. There are no restaurants, shops, lounges, or other commercial amenities available within the terminal. Travelers should not expect services like Wi-Fi or extensive concessions.
For those traveling through Point Hope Airport, it is advisable to arrive 60 to 90 minutes before a scheduled departure to allow for check-in and cargo loading. Transportation to and from the airport should be arranged in advance, as no taxi or rental car services are available. All connecting flights are routed through Kotzebue, and passengers should book layovers with ample buffer time, as flights in this region are frequently subject to delays or cancellations due to severe weather. Bringing personal snacks and drinks is recommended.
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Traveler reviews and experiences for Point Hope Airport (PAPO/PHO) are extremely limited in publicly available recent information. Direct feedback on overall traveler sentiment, terminal facilities, amenities, and cleanliness is largely absent. Most available data pertains to operational aspects, flight information, and estimated wait times, suggesting a focus on functional utility rather than extensive passenger services.
What Travelers Love (Inferred from operational data):
Common Complaints (Inferred or explicitly stated operational details):
Point Hope Airport primarily serves as a functional gateway for the remote community of Point Hope, Alaska. While it offers efficient processing for security and immigration according to estimations, comprehensive traveler amenities and detailed feedback on the passenger experience are not readily documented. Travelers should anticipate a basic operational airport with limited services and plan accordingly, especially considering the recommendations for arriving early during peak times.
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| Destination | IATA | City | Aircraft Type | Airline | Details | Route Map |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Airline | Routes | Flights | Destinations | Last Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Bering Air
BRG
/ 8E
|
3 | 54 | 3 | Jan 31, 2026 |
|
Ryan Air Service
RYA
/ 7S
|
1 | 10 | 1 | Jan 12, 2026 |
| Designation | Length | Width | Surface | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
01/19 |
4000 ft | 75 ft | ASPH-F | Active |
| Type | Description | Frequency |
|---|
There are no formal taxi companies in Point Hope. Transportation from the airport must be pre-arranged. Visitors should coordinate with their local host or lodging provider for pickup services.
No car rental agencies operate at Point Hope Airport or in the village. The community is not connected to the main road system. Local transportation is primarily by all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) or snowmachines, which are not available for standard rental.
There is no public transit system, such as buses or shuttles, serving the airport or the village of Point Hope. The community is small and generally navigable on foot.