Robert (Bob) Curtis Memorial Airport (ORV)

Robert (Bob) Curtis Memorial Airport (IATA: ORV, ICAO: PFNO) is a state-owned, public-use airport that serves as a vital transportation link for the remote Iñupiat village of Noorvik, Alaska. Located in the Northwest Arctic Borough, the airport is not a tourist destination but an essential piece of infrastructure, providing the community with year-round access to mail, cargo, medical services, and passenger travel. Its role is critical in a region where road networks are nonexistent, making air travel the primary means of connection to the outside world. The airport is named in honor of Robert "Bob" Curtis, a respected bush pilot who served the region for many years.

Situated approximately one nautical mile north of Noorvik's central village area, the airport is easily accessible to residents. Travel between the village and the airport is typically accomplished on foot or by using all-terrain vehicles in the summer and snowmachines during the winter months. There are no conventional taxi, rideshare, or rental car services available. The airport features a single gravel runway and primarily handles domestic, scheduled air taxi services operated by regional carriers such as Bering Air and Ravn Alaska. These airlines provide essential flights connecting Noorvik to the regional hub, Ralph Wien Memorial Airport (OTZ) in Kotzebue, where passengers can connect to larger aircraft for travel to Anchorage and other destinations. The airport facilitates several thousand passenger enplanements annually.

Traveler facilities at Robert (Bob) Curtis Memorial Airport are basic and functional, reflecting its role as a remote transit point. The airport consists of a small, single-story terminal building that provides shelter, a waiting area with limited seating, and restroom facilities. Visitors should not expect amenities such as restaurants, shops, lounges, or Wi-Fi services. Operations are streamlined and far less formal than at larger commercial airports.

For those traveling through Noorvik, it is advisable to confirm check-in times directly with the airline, though arriving 45 to 60 minutes before a scheduled departure is a common practice. All ground transportation should be arranged in advance with local contacts. Travelers must also be prepared for potential flight delays or cancellations, as weather conditions in Arctic Alaska can change rapidly and significantly impact aviation schedules. All baggage and cargo are subject to weight and size limitations typical of small bush aircraft.