Shishmaref Airport (SHH)

Shishmaref Airport (PASH/SHH) is a state-owned, public-use airport that serves as a critical transportation lifeline for the remote Iñupiat community of Shishmaref, Alaska. Located on Sarichef Island, a narrow barrier island in the Chukchi Sea, the airport provides the only year-round access for residents, connecting them to essential services, supplies, and travel networks. Its role is fundamental to the community's survival, especially as Shishmaref faces significant challenges from coastal erosion and climate change, making reliable air transport indispensable for mail, cargo, medical evacuations, and passenger travel.

Activated in May 1972, the airport's history is intertwined with the modern needs of its isolated village. Its significance has grown over the decades as the primary conduit to the outside world, replacing historical reliance on sea travel, which is limited by seasonal ice. The airport is situated approximately one nautical mile north of the main village. Given the small size of the community and the absence of a road system connecting to other towns, access between the village and the airport is typically on foot or by local vehicles such as all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) or snowmobiles, depending on the season.

Operations at Shishmaref Airport consist exclusively of domestic flights, primarily scheduled air taxi and general aviation services. There are no international flights. Regional airlines, most notably Bering Air and Ryan Air Services, provide regular passenger and cargo flights connecting Shishmaref with regional hubs like Nome (OME) and Kotzebue (OTZ). From these hubs, travelers can connect to Anchorage and other destinations. The airport handles several thousand passenger enplanements annually, operating as a vital link in the state's Essential Air Service program.

Facilities at the airport are basic and designed for functionality in a challenging Arctic environment. The infrastructure includes a single asphalt runway and a small terminal building that houses a waiting area and check-in counters for the airlines. Travelers should not expect amenities such as restaurants, shops, lounges, or car rental agencies. For those traveling to or from Shishmaref, it is wise to confirm baggage weight and size limits with the airline, as small aircraft have strict restrictions. Flights are frequently subject to delays or cancellations due to severe weather, so building flexibility into travel itineraries is essential. Upon arrival, transportation into the village is typically arranged in advance or coordinated with local contacts.