Alaska airports boarded 4.9 million passengers in 2023, reflecting a 4.2% increase from 2022. The Last Frontier's unique geography and remote communities make air travel vital, with the top six airports accounting for 82.6% of all passengers. Our latest infographic highlights these essential hubs that connect Alaska to the world.
Alaska’s Top Airports
Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) served 2,681,818 passengers in 2023, accounting for a remarkable 54% of Alaska’s enplanements. Located in Anchorage, the state’s largest city, ANC is a critical gateway for both passenger travel and cargo. Notably, it ranked as the second busiest cargo hub in the U.S. and fourth worldwide in 2023, emphasizing its global importance.
Fairbanks International Airport (FAI) handled 548,679 passengers in 2023. Positioned in Fairbanks, a key access point for exploring the Arctic and viewing the Northern Lights, FAI supports residents, tourists, and those heading to Denali National Park.
Juneau International Airport (JNU) welcomed 440,279 passengers in 2023. Serving Alaska’s capital city, JNU is a lifeline for Juneau, a city that can only be reached by air or sea. It connects government officials, residents, and visitors to the rest of Alaska and beyond.
Bethel Airport (BET) recorded 153,548 passengers in 2023. BET serves as a hub for the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta region, providing essential connections for remote communities. Its role extends beyond transportation, offering critical links for supplies and services to the area.
Ketchikan International Airport (KTN) saw 148,645 passengers in 2023. Situated on Gravina Island, KTN is accessible by ferry and serves the city of Ketchikan, known as the "First City" of Alaska due to its location at the southern end of the Inside Passage. KTN connects travellers to stunning fjords and wilderness adventures.
Sitka Rocky Gutierrez Airport (SIT) served 96,214 passengers in 2023. Located in the picturesque town of Sitka, SIT provides access to a unique blend of Native Alaskan and Russian heritage, as well as breathtaking coastal landscapes and wildlife viewing opportunities.
The Rest of Alaska accounted for 858,831 passengers in 2023, highlighting the extensive network of smaller airports that serve the state’s remote and rugged communities.
Anchorage: The Heart of Alaskan Aviation
As the largest hub, ANC is Alaska’s aviation lifeline. Not only does it handle over half of the state’s enplanements, but its position as a major cargo hub emphasizes its global significance. With its location at the crossroads of major cargo routes, ANC remains a vital artery in international logistics.
Exploring Alaska's Vastness by Air
From Anchorage to Fairbanks, Alaska’s airports don’t just serve as travel hubs—they are lifelines, connecting communities across rugged landscapes and icy waters. They ensure access to essential goods, services, and the unmatched beauty of the Last Frontier.
Discover the collection of airport code merchandise at YHM Designs, and celebrate the wonder of travel. Don’t forget to share this infographic with fellow adventurers!
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Source: U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Illustration by YHM Designs.