Koyukuk, US 🇺🇸 Small Airport Scheduled Service
ICAO
PFKU
IATA
KYU
Elevation
149 ft
Region
US-AK
Local Time
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Loading...GPS Code: PFKU
Local Code: KYU
Location: 64.876099° N, -157.727005° E
Continent: North America
Type: Small Airport
Koyukuk Airport (IATA: KYU, ICAO: PFKU) is a state-owned, public-use airport serving the remote community of Koyukuk in the Yukon-Koyukuk Census Area of Alaska. As the village is not connected to the statewide road system, the airport serves as a critical lifeline, providing residents with essential access to goods, mail, medical services, and transportation to regional hubs. Its primary role is functional, facilitating the movement of people and cargo rather than serving as a tourist gateway. The airport is a fundamental piece of infrastructure that sustains the isolated community.
Opened in December 1951, the airport's history is intertwined with the development of bush aviation in Alaska. Its significance lies in its consistent, decades-long function as the primary link between Koyukuk and the outside world. The facility enables year-round access that would otherwise be limited to seasonal river travel. The airport is located one nautical mile west of the Koyukuk central business district. Given the small size of the community, the airport is easily accessible on foot or by local transportation methods such as all-terrain vehicles or snowmachines, depending on the season. There are no formal taxi, shuttle, or car rental services available.
Operations at Koyukuk Airport consist exclusively of unscheduled, on-demand domestic flights operated by regional air taxi and charter services. These carriers provide connections to larger airports like Galena (GAL) and Fairbanks (FAI), where travelers can connect to the wider air transportation network. The airport does not serve any major airlines or international destinations. Passenger volume is modest, consisting primarily of local residents and essential service personnel, with annual enplanements numbering in the hundreds.
Facilities at the airport are minimal and purely functional, designed to support basic aviation needs. There is no traditional terminal building with amenities such as lounges, restaurants, or retail shops. The primary infrastructure is its single gravel runway (6/24), which measures 4,000 by 100 feet. A small shelter may be available for passengers waiting for flights, but travelers should not expect comprehensive services.
For those traveling through Koyukuk Airport, it is essential to coordinate directly with the air carrier for flight schedules and recommended arrival times, as operations are highly dependent on weather and demand. All ground transportation from the airport into the village must be arranged in advance with local contacts. Travelers should carry any necessary food, water, or supplies, as no concessions are available on-site. The airport functions strictly as an origin and destination point; it is not a facility for connecting flights.
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Recent traveler reviews and experiences specifically for Koyukuk Airport (PFKU (KYU)) are extremely limited or unavailable in publicly accessible search results. Due to its nature as a small, state-owned public-use airport in a remote Alaskan location, detailed traveler sentiment, terminal experiences, or extensive feedback are not readily documented. The information available primarily concerns the airport's operational characteristics and facilities.
What Travelers (and operators) Might Appreciate:
Common Operational Considerations (Potential Complaints):
In summary, Koyukuk Airport functions primarily as a basic but crucial access point for a remote community in Alaska. While it provides essential air service, travelers should anticipate a minimalist experience with no amenities, basic runway conditions, and the challenges associated with extreme cold weather operations. Direct traveler feedback is not available to assess sentiment or satisfaction.
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| Destination | IATA | City | Aircraft Type | Airline | Details | Route Map |
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| Airline | Routes | Flights | Destinations | Last Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Wright Air Service
WRF
/ 8V
|
1 | 11 | 1 | Jan 25, 2026 |
| Designation | Length | Width | Surface | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
06/24 |
4000 ft | 75 ft | GRVL-DIRT-G | Active |
| Type | Description | Frequency |
|---|
There are no commercial taxi services available in Koyukuk. The village is extremely small, and transportation is typically pre-arranged with local contacts or by walking. ATVs and snowmachines are the primary modes of personal transport.
No car rental agencies operate at Koyukuk Airport or in the village. Koyukuk is not connected to the state road system, so rental cars are not an available or practical option.
There is no public transportation system, such as buses or shuttles, serving Koyukuk Airport or the community. The village is small enough to navigate on foot.