Tin City Long Range Radar Station Airport (TNC)

Tin City Long Range Radar Station Airport (PATC/TNC) is a public and military-use airport that serves the Tin City Long Range Radar Site on the westernmost point of the North American mainland. Its primary role is providing logistical support for the United States Air Force installation, which is a critical component of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) system. The airport also offers a vital transportation link for government personnel and a small number of authorized visitors to this extremely isolated region of Alaska.

Established in the 1950s during the Cold War, the airport was built in conjunction with the radar station as part of the Aircraft Control and Warning (AC&W) network. Its purpose was to monitor Soviet airspace across the Bering Strait. The airport’s history is directly tied to this military and strategic significance, serving as an essential supply and transport hub for the continuous operation of the radar site for over half a century.

The airport is located at Cape Prince of Wales on the Seward Peninsula, approximately 90 miles northwest of Nome. Situated just a few miles from the former mining settlement of Tin City, its location is one of the most remote in the United States. Access to the airport and the surrounding area is almost exclusively by air, as there are no roads connecting it to other communities.

Operations at Tin City are limited. There are no major domestic or international airlines providing regular service. Instead, the airport is served by regional air taxi operators, such as Bering Air, which offer chartered or limited scheduled flights primarily from Nome. The traffic consists mainly of military contract flights, general aviation, and air taxi services. Passenger volume is extremely low, catering only to personnel associated with the radar station or pre-approved visitors.

Traveler facilities at the airport are nonexistent. It is a functional airstrip without a public terminal building, lounges, shops, or restaurants. The infrastructure consists of a single gravel runway and basic support buildings for airport and military operations. Visitors should not expect any of the amenities typically found at a commercial airport.

For those authorized to travel to Tin City, all arrangements must be made well in advance. Flights are highly susceptible to delays and cancellations due to the region’s severe and unpredictable weather. Upon arrival, there are no public ground transportation options like taxis or rental cars; all onward transport must be pre-coordinated with the receiving party at the radar station. Travelers should pack for harsh arctic conditions, regardless of the season, and carry essential supplies, as no services are available upon landing.