Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport - ANC in Anchorage, Alaska

Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC): Alaska's Premier Aviation Gateway

Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (IATA: ANC) is Alaska's largest and most strategically vital airport, serving as both the state's primary passenger gateway and one of the world's most important international air cargo hubs. Named for the late U.S. Senator Ted Stevens of Alaska, who championed aviation infrastructure for decades, ANC handles approximately 5 million passengers annually while simultaneously processing over 3 million metric tons of international air cargo — consistently ranking among the top five international cargo airports globally. The airport's geographic position at the top of the Northern Hemisphere, within 9.5 hours of 90% of the world's industrialized population, makes it an irreplaceable waypoint for trans-Pacific cargo routes connecting Asia and North America.

ANC serves as the operational hub for Alaska Airlines' extensive Alaska system, connecting the state's hub communities to the Lower 48 and international destinations. Major carriers including Delta, United, Korean Air, and Condor also operate passenger service to ANC. The cargo side features a who's who of international freight: FedEx, UPS, Atlas Air, Cargolux, Cathay Pacific Cargo, and dozens of other operators use ANC for fuel stops, crew changes, and trans-shipment operations around the clock. The FAA Alaskan Region, headquartered in Anchorage, oversees the airport's complex airspace environment, which also integrates Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson military operations and Lake Hood's world-record float plane traffic.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport

What airlines serve Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport?

Major carriers include Alaska Airlines (hub), Delta, United, American, Korean Air, and Condor for passenger service, plus FedEx, UPS, Atlas Air, Cargolux, and many cargo-only operators.

Why is ANC such an important cargo hub?

Anchorage's location puts it within 9.5 hours of 90% of the industrialized world, making it the optimal trans-Pacific fuel and cargo transfer point for freighters routing between Asia and North America.

How many runways does ANC have?

ANC operates two parallel primary runways (7L/25R and 7R/25L), each exceeding 10,000 feet, plus a cross-wind runway, allowing continuous 24/7 operations regardless of wind direction.

How do I get from ANC to downtown Anchorage?

Downtown Anchorage is approximately 6 miles from the airport. Rental cars, taxis, rideshare services, and hotel shuttles provide transportation. Public bus service is also available.

What makes ANC unique compared to other major US airports?

The combination of world-class passenger and cargo operations, adjacent military airfield, Lake Hood seaplane base, and the role as a trans-Pacific fuel hub makes ANC's operational environment uniquely complex and globally significant.

Visiting Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport

Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport features two passenger terminals — the main C/D concourse terminal and the international terminal — connected by an underground tunnel. The airport offers numerous dining options, rental car facilities from all major providers, and ground transportation connections throughout the Anchorage area. The airport's location on the western edge of Anchorage provides easy access to the Glenn Highway for travel to the Mat-Su Valley and points north, and the Seward Highway for travel to the Kenai Peninsula south of the city.

The FAA Alaskan Region, headquartered adjacent to ANC, manages some of the most complex airspace in the world at this location — integrating commercial passenger traffic, continuous cargo operations, military flights from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, and float plane departures from Lake Hood, all within a relatively compact geographic area. Alaska DOT&PF and the Municipality of Anchorage are currently executing a multi-year terminal modernization and infrastructure investment program at ANC. For travelers beginning or ending Alaska journeys, Ted Stevens International is where the adventure starts — the gateway to the state's extraordinary wilderness, wildlife, and communities that can only be reached by air.