Ralph M Calhoun Memorial Airport (TAL)

Ralph M. Calhoun Memorial Airport (IATA: TAL, ICAO: PATA) is a state-owned, public-use airport that serves as a vital transportation lifeline for the remote community of Tanana, Alaska. Located in the state's interior at the confluence of the Yukon and Tanana rivers, the village is not connected to the contiguous road system, making the airport essential for resident travel, mail delivery, cargo shipments, and critical medical evacuations. It provides year-round access to Fairbanks and other regional hubs, supporting the social and economic well-being of the local population.

Activated in May 1950, the airport is named in honor of Ralph M. Calhoun, a pioneering bush pilot for Wien Alaska Airlines who was instrumental in the development of aviation in the region. Its history is intrinsically linked to the growth of air travel as the primary mode of transport in rural Alaska. The airport is situated one nautical mile west of Tanana's central business district. Given the small size of the village, access between the airport and town is typically accomplished on foot or by private vehicles such as trucks, all-terrain vehicles, or snowmachines, depending on the season. There are no commercial taxi, shuttle, or ride-sharing services available.

Operations at Tanana are exclusively domestic and consist of scheduled passenger service and general aviation. The primary airline serving the airport is Wright Air Service, which offers regular flights to Fairbanks International Airport (FAI), the main connection point for further travel. In a typical year, the airport handles a few thousand passenger enplanements. Beyond passenger travel, the airport is a crucial hub for air cargo and the U.S. Postal Service's Bypass Mail program, which supplies the community with essential goods.

Traveler facilities at Ralph M. Calhoun Memorial Airport are minimal, reflecting its function as a basic rural airfield. The airport has a small, functional terminal building that provides a modest waiting area and restrooms for passengers. There are no restaurants, cafes, gift shops, or passenger lounges on-site. The single runway is constructed of gravel.

For those traveling through Tanana, it is advisable to check with the airline for recommended arrival times, as procedures are less formal than at larger airports. Passengers should be prepared for potential weather-related delays, which are common in interior Alaska, and allow ample time for connections in Fairbanks. Baggage allowances on the smaller aircraft serving Tanana are often more restrictive than on major carriers. Visitors should plan to bring any necessary snacks or supplies, as no amenities are available for purchase at the terminal.