Kotlik Airport (KOT)

Kotlik Airport (IATA: KOT, FAA LID: PFKO) is a state-owned, public-use airport serving the city of Kotlik, a traditional Yup'ik village in the Kusilvak Census Area of Alaska. As the community is not connected to the statewide road system, the airport serves as an essential, year-round lifeline, providing critical access for residents and facilitating the transport of mail, cargo, and essential supplies. Its primary role is to connect Kotlik with regional transportation hubs, ensuring the mobility and well-being of the local population.

Activated in November 1974, the airport's history is intertwined with the development of modern transportation in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta. Its significance lies in its consistent and reliable function as the primary gateway to the outside world, overcoming the geographical isolation imposed by the region's riverine and tundra landscape. The airport is located less than one mile northeast of the village center, situated on the bank of the Kotlik Slough. Access between the village and the airport is typically accomplished by a short walk or via local transportation methods like all-terrain vehicles in the summer and snowmachines during the winter.

Operations at Kotlik Airport are exclusively domestic, consisting of scheduled and charter air taxi services. Regional carriers, such as Grant Aviation, provide regular flights connecting Kotlik to larger hubs, most notably Bethel (BET). From these hubs, passengers can connect to Anchorage and other destinations. The airport handles a modest volume of traffic consistent with the small community it serves, with the Federal Aviation Administration recording 3,747 passenger boardings in the 2022 calendar year.

Facilities at Kotlik Airport are basic and functional, designed to meet the fundamental needs of air travel in a remote environment. The airport features a single gravel runway and a small shelter or terminal building for passengers waiting for flights. Travelers should not expect conventional airport amenities such as restaurants, retail shops, or rental car services. There is no TSA screening; security protocols are handled by the airline at the check-in counter.

For those traveling through Kotlik, it is crucial to confirm flight statuses directly with the airline, as schedules are highly susceptible to weather-related delays and cancellations. Arriving 45 to 60 minutes prior to departure is generally sufficient. Transportation from the airport is not formalized, so arrangements should be made in advance with local contacts. Since there are no concessions, visitors are advised to bring their own snacks and water.