White Mountain Airport (WMO)

White Mountain Airport (PAWM/WMO) is a state-owned, public-use airport that serves as a vital transportation link for the remote Iñupiat village of White Mountain, Alaska. Located on the Seward Peninsula, the airport provides the primary means of year-round access for residents, connecting the isolated community to the regional hub of Nome and the rest of the state for essential passenger travel, mail, cargo, and medical services. Its importance is heightened by the lack of road access connecting White Mountain to other communities. The airport also gains seasonal prominence as an official checkpoint during the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, bringing a unique influx of activity and attention.

Situated approximately one nautical mile southwest of the central village, the airport is easily accessible to residents. Travelers typically reach the airstrip via a short walk or by local modes of transport such as all-terrain vehicles in the summer and snowmachines in the winter. There are no paved roads leading to the airport from outside the community, reinforcing its role as an air-service-dependent facility.

Operations at White Mountain Airport are exclusively domestic and consist of small-scale commercial and general aviation flights. There are no major airlines; instead, regional air taxi operators like Bering Air and Ryan Air Services provide scheduled and charter services using small propeller-driven aircraft. These flights primarily connect White Mountain with Nome (OME), where passengers can access further flights to Anchorage and other destinations. Due to the small size of the aircraft, passenger volume is modest and flights are highly dependent on local weather conditions, which can be severe and unpredictable.

The airport's facilities are basic, reflecting its function as a rural airstrip. It features a single gravel runway and minimal infrastructure. There is no traditional terminal building, and travelers will not find amenities such as lounges, restaurants, or retail shops. A small shelter may be available for protection from the elements while waiting for a flight. For practical travel, it is essential to confirm flight schedules directly with the air carrier, as they can change with little notice due to weather. Baggage allowances are typically restrictive on the small aircraft used for these routes. All ground transportation from the airport must be pre-arranged with local contacts, as there are no taxi or rental car services available.