Coldfoot Airport - CXF in Cold Bay, Alaska

Coldfoot Airport (CXF): Gateway to Alaska's Central Brooks Range

Coldfoot Airport (IATA: CXF) is a remote bush airstrip serving Coldfoot Camp, the northernmost truck stop in the United States, located along the Dalton Highway in Interior Alaska roughly 250 miles north of Fairbanks. While the Dalton Highway does provide a surface connection, Coldfoot Airport remains essential for air charter access, emergency medical evacuation, and quick access to the vast wilderness surrounding Gates of the Arctic National Park and the southern Brooks Range. Bush carriers and air taxi operators out of Fairbanks regularly serve CXF, bringing in supplies, researchers, and wilderness travelers headed into one of Alaska's most spectacular and inaccessible regions.

The airport sits at an elevation of approximately 1,042 feet and sees extreme temperature swings — from bitter Arctic winters with temperatures below -50°F to brief but warm Interior Alaska summers. The FAA Alaskan Region and Alaska DOT&PF Division of Statewide Aviation classify Coldfoot as a critical rural access facility. For the small permanent population working at Coldfoot Camp's truck stop, fuel station, and visitor services, plus the seasonal influx of researchers and adventure travelers, the airport provides rapid connectivity to Fairbanks medical facilities during emergencies that the long Dalton Highway drive cannot adequately serve.

Frequently Asked Questions About Coldfoot Airport

What kind of aircraft serve Coldfoot Airport (CXF)?

Coldfoot primarily serves single and twin-engine bush aircraft, air taxis, and charter planes from Fairbanks-based operators. No scheduled commercial airline service is available.

Can I fly privately to Coldfoot Airport?

Yes, CXF is a public-use airport. Pilots should review current NOTAMs and check runway conditions, which can be affected by frost heave and seasonal maintenance.

How close is Coldfoot Airport to Gates of the Arctic National Park?

Coldfoot Camp is one of the primary staging points for guided and independent expeditions into Gates of the Arctic. Air charters from Coldfoot can access remote park airstrips and river corridors.

Who operates Coldfoot Airport?

Coldfoot Airport is maintained by the State of Alaska DOT&PF Division of Statewide Aviation as part of the rural essential air access network.

Practical Information for Coldfoot Airport (CXF)

Travelers arriving at Coldfoot Airport will find Coldfoot Camp's services — lodging, a diner, and a fuel station — within close proximity of the strip. Air charter operators based in Fairbanks, including those offering flightseeing tours over the Brooks Range, use CXF as a northern base. Fuel availability should be confirmed in advance with local camp operators. Given the Arctic environment, pilots must be prepared for rapidly changing weather and should carry survival gear appropriate for remote Alaska operations as required by FAA Alaskan Region recommendations.

Coldfoot is also a hub for accessing the Koyukuk River drainage and remote Brooks Range villages. Researchers from the University of Alaska and various federal agencies operating in the region frequently transit through CXF. The airport's remote character means there are no instrument approach procedures beyond a GPS approach, and pilots should be comfortable with mountain flying techniques and Arctic weather assessment before operating in this corridor. Contact the FAA Alaskan Region Flight Service for current Alaska aviation weather briefings before any flight into or out of Coldfoot.