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8 Best Airports to Visit in Alaska

Alaska, the Last Frontier, is a vast wilderness of glaciers, fjords, and northern lights, where air travel is essential for accessing its remote beauty. As a culinary gem where rugged wilderness meets innovative flavors, Alaska’s airports offer not just flights but gateways to fresh seafood, craft brews, and Native-inspired dishes that set the tone for your adventure. Whether you’re searching for the best airports in Alaska, exploring Alaska airports near me, or planning an Alaska travel 2025 trip, this guide to the 8 best airports to visit in Alaska will help you choose the perfect entry point. Discover top Alaska airports, best Alaska airports for travelers, Alaska airport amenities, Alaska airport guide, map of Alaska airports, Alaska airport services, Alaska aviation hubs, top airports in Alaska, Alaska airport transportation, and what to do in Alaska airports.

Use our Alaska airport blog to navigate Alaska travel hubs, best places to fly into Alaska, and Alaska airport attractions for an unforgettable 2025 journey.This guide highlights Alaska airport recommendations, best flights to Alaska, and Alaska culinary experiences, ensuring your trip starts and ends seamlessly. Let’s explore the top 8 airports in Alaska!

Why Alaska’s Airports Are a Must-Know for Travelers This Year

Alaska’s airports are more than transit points they’re vital lifelines in a state where roads are scarce and wilderness vast. With over 400 airports (mostly small bush strips), the state relies on air travel for 80% of inter-community transport, per the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities. Alaska is a culinary gem where rugged wilderness meets innovative flavors, and airport dining from Anchorage’s fresh salmon to Juneau’s Dungeness crab offers a taste of the frontier. In 2025, expansions at Ted Stevens Anchorage International (ANC) and Fairbanks International (FAI) improve passenger experiences, with ANC handling 5.5 million passengers and ranking as the world’s 4th busiest cargo airport, per AIAS.

Whether you’re a family seeking Alaska family travel airports, a business traveler needing Alaska airport services, or a tourist wondering what to do in Alaska airports, this guide covers the best Alaska airports for travelers. Smaller airports like Sitka Rocky Gutierrez (SIT) provide bush plane access to remote fjords. No massive hubs like ATL, but connections to Seattle (SEA) make Alaska travel hubs accessible. Curated from Simple Flying’s busiest airports and Travel Triangle’s top 10, use a map of Alaska airports to plan your route and pair flights with Alaska attractions near airports.

1. Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC): The State’s Main Gateway

Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) is the best airport in Alaska, serving as the primary international hub with 5.5 million passengers in 2024 and ranking 4th globally for cargo, per AIAS. It’s a top Alaska airport for its connectivity to the Lower 48 and beyond.

Why Visit ANC?

  • Features: Two terminals (South for passengers, North for cargo/military), 40 gates, and nonstops to 25+ U.S. cities plus seasonal international routes to Frankfurt and Vancouver.
  • Amenities: Alaska Lounge (complimentary for elites, $50 day pass), free Wi-Fi, pet relief areas, and family play zones; 2025 expansions add more lounges and art installations.
  • Culinary Connection: Alaska is a culinary gem; ANC’s Kumara’s Table serves king salmon poke bowls and reindeer sausage ($15–$25).
  • Access: Economy parking $10/day; free shuttle to terminals.

Tips

ANC’s summer cargo boom means more flights; book via Alaska Airlines. It’s the best Alaska airport for travelers to Southcentral.

2. Fairbanks International Airport (FAI): Interior Alaska’s Hub

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Fairbanks International Airport (FAI) is a top Alaska airport and key gateway to the Interior, with 2 million passengers in 2024, per Simple Flying.

Why Visit FAI?

  • Features: Single terminal with 15 gates, nonstops to Seattle, Denver, and seasonal Frankfurt, serving Denali and aurora viewers.
  • Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, pet relief, and family areas; 2025 lounge upgrades with local art.
  • Culinary Connection: FAI’s Hearthfire Café offers reindeer chili and berry pie ($10–$20).
  • Access: Economy parking $9/day; free shuttles.

Tips

FAI’s winter aurora flights increase; book via Alaska Airlines. It’s a Alaska aviation hub for Interior explorers.

3. Juneau International Airport (JNU): Southeast’s Scenic Portal

Juneau International Airport (JNU) is a best Alaska airport for travelers to the Panhandle, with 1.5 million passengers in 2024, per Simple Flying.

Why Visit JNU?

  • Features: Single terminal with 8 gates, nonstops to Seattle and Sitka, and seaplane base for fjord access.
  • Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, pet relief, and harbor views; 2025 terminal expansion adds gates.
  • Culinary Connection: JNU’s airport café serves Dungeness crab rolls ($15).
  • Access: Parking $10/day; free shuttle to seaplane dock.

Tips

JNU’s cruise season (May–September) peaks; book seaplanes via Wings. It’s a top Alaska airport for coastal access.

4. Sitka Rocky Gutierrez Airport (SIT): Island Adventure Hub

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Sitka Rocky Gutierrez Airport (SIT) on Japonski Island is a top airports in Alaska for Southeast, with 400,000 passengers, per Simple Flying.

Why Visit SIT?

  • Features: Single terminal with 6 gates, nonstops to Juneau and Petersburg, and seaplane access.
  • Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, pet relief, and local art; 2025 runway extension for larger planes.
  • Culinary Connection: SIT’s cafe serves Sitka salmon chowder ($12).
  • Access: Parking $8/day; ferry to town ($5).

Tips

SIT’s whale watching season (May–September); book via Taquan Air. It’s a best Alaska airports for travelers to islands.

5. Bethel Airport (BET): Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta Gateway

Bethel Airport (BET) is a Alaska aviation hub for the Southwest, with 300,000 passengers, per Simple Flying.

Why Visit BET?

  • Features: Single terminal, 2 runways, and nonstops to Anchorage via Ravn and Grant Aviation.
  • Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, pet relief, and community lounge; 2025 terminal remodel.
  • Culinary Connection: BET’s cafe serves Yup’ik salmon strips ($10).
  • Access: Parking $5/day.

Tips

BET’s summer solstice festival; book Ravn via Ravn Alaska. It’s a Alaska airport services pick for remote travel.

6. Ketchikan International Airport (KTN): Misty Fjords Portal

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Ketchikan International Airport (KTN) on Gravina Island is a top Alaska airport for Southeast, with 600,000 passengers, per Simple Flying.

Why Visit KTN?

  • Features: Single terminal with 4 gates, nonstops to Seattle and Juneau, and ferry access to town.
  • Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, pet relief, and seaplane dock; 2025 terminal expansion.
  • Culinary Connection: KTN’s cafe serves smoked salmon ($15).
  • Access: Parking $10/day; ferry to Ketchikan ($5).

Tips

KTN’s cruise season (May–September); book seaplanes via Taquan. It’s a best Alaska airports for travelers to fjords.

7. Wrangell Airport (WRG): Prince of Wales Island Access

Wrangell Airport (WRG) on Wrangell Island is a Alaska aviation hub for Southeast, with 100,000 passengers, per Simple Flying.

Why Visit WRG?

  • Features: Single terminal, 1 runway, and nonstops to Petersburg via Ravn.
  • Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, pet relief, and community lounge; 2025 runway resurfacing.
  • Culinary Connection: WRG’s cafe serves halibut tacos ($12).
  • Access: Parking free.

Tips

WRG’s bear season (June–August); book Ravn via Ravn Alaska. It’s a Alaska airport services pick for wildlife.

8. Homer Airport (HOM): Kenai Peninsula Beauty

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Homer Airport (HOM) on the Kenai Peninsula is a top airports in Alaska for fishing and scenery, with 200,000 passengers, per Simple Flying.

Why Visit HOM?

  • Features: Single terminal, 3 runways, and nonstops to Anchorage via Ravn.
  • Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, pet relief, and floatplane dock; 2025 terminal remodel.
  • Culinary Connection: HOM’s cafe serves halibut fish & chips ($15).
  • Access: Parking $7/day.

Tips

HOM’s halibut season (May–September); book charters via Kachemak Air. It’s a best Alaska airports for travelers to the Peninsula.

Final Thoughts

Alaska’s 8 best airports to visit in Alaska, from ANC’s international hub to HOM’s scenic portal, offer seamless entry to the Last Frontier. Alaska is a culinary gem where rugged wilderness meets innovative flavors, pairing flights with salmon and crab. Whether exploring top Alaska airports, Alaska airports near me, or Alaska travel 2025, this Alaska airport guide covers best Alaska airports for travelers and hidden gem airports. Use a map of Alaska airports for Alaska travel hubs, Alaska airport amenities, and Alaska airport transportation. Discover what to do in Alaska airports, top airports in Alaska, and Alaska airport services for an unforgettable 2025 adventure!

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