Mertarvik Quarry Road Landing Strip

Common Complaints

• Dangerous Runway Conditions: The temporary runway was described as "dangerous" due to its narrow width (35 feet, half the average for the region), short length (2,000 feet, less than two-thirds the average), and uneven surface with a hill at the end.
• Restricted Operations: Medevac flights were often limited to daytime hours and optimal visibility and wind conditions, which were rare, particularly in winter. This limitation reportedly led to at least one fatality due to delayed medical treatment.
• Lack of Commercial Service: There were no commercial flights to Mertarvik, meaning residents relied on expensive charters for transportation and to bring in groceries, making fresh produce a valuable commodity.
• Minimal to Non-existent Facilities: The "landing strip" was essentially a repurposed road, implying a complete absence of typical airport terminal facilities, amenities, security checkpoints, or customs/immigration services.

The Mertarvik Quarry Road Landing Strip was a rudimentary, temporary solution that served a critical role for the relocating community under challenging conditions. A new, more robust Mertarvik Airport was scheduled for completion by the end of 2022 or 2023 to provide improved and safer air service to the village.