Airports in Skagway-Hoonah-Angoon County, Alaska: Private, Municipal, Regional(All)

Airports Serving Skagway-Hoonah-Angoon Census Area, Alaska

Skagway-Hoonah-Angoon Census Area spans a vast section of northern Southeast Alaska, including the communities of Skagway, Hoonah, Angoon, Gustavus, Tenakee Springs, Elfin Cove, and Pelican, with a combined population of approximately 3,900 residents. The census area encompasses some of Southeast Alaska's most iconic destinations including Glacier Bay National Park and the historic Klondike Gold Rush port of Skagway. None of these communities are connected by roads to each other or to the Alaska highway system, though Skagway has road access to the Klondike Highway leading to Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada. Aviation provides the essential transportation links between these scattered island and coastal communities, supplemented by the Alaska Marine Highway ferry system.

Skagway Airport (SGY) — Gold Rush Gateway

Skagway Airport sits in the narrow valley at the head of the Lynn Canal at an elevation of 44 feet, with a 3,550-foot paved runway flanked by steep mountains on both sides. The confined approach makes SGY one of the most challenging airports in Southeast Alaska for pilots, requiring visual flight rules approaches through the narrow Taiya Inlet corridor. Alaska Seaplanes operates scheduled commuter service from Skagway to Juneau and Haines using Cessna and de Havilland aircraft, with flight times of approximately 30 to 45 minutes to Juneau. One-way fares typically run 150 to 200 dollars.

Skagway receives approximately 1.2 million cruise ship visitors annually between May and September, making it one of the busiest cruise ports in Alaska. Most cruise passengers arrive by ship rather than air, but the tourist influx generates demand for flightseeing tours over the Juneau Icefield and surrounding glaciers. Temsco Helicopters and other operators offer helicopter glacier tours from the Skagway area during summer months, with prices ranging from 250 to 500 dollars per person depending on flight duration and whether a glacier landing is included.

Gustavus Airport (GST) — Glacier Bay National Park Access

Gustavus Airport serves as the primary air gateway to Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, one of Alaska's most visited national parks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The airport features a 6,720-foot paved runway at 36 feet elevation, substantially longer than most Southeast Alaska community airports due to its role serving park-bound travelers. Alaska Airlines operates seasonal daily jet service from Juneau to Gustavus from May through September using Boeing 737 aircraft, with a flight time of approximately 25 minutes. Year-round commuter service via Alaska Seaplanes connects Gustavus to Juneau with slightly longer flight times on smaller aircraft.

Glacier Bay Lodge, operated by the National Park Service concessioner, is located 10 miles from the airport in Bartlett Cove, with shuttle service provided for arriving guests. The park draws visitors for boat-based glacier viewing, whale watching, kayaking among icebergs, and backcountry hiking. Day-trip visitors can fly from Juneau to Gustavus and join park boat tours before returning the same evening during the summer season's extended daylight hours. Air taxi operators in Gustavus also offer charter flights into the backcountry of Glacier Bay for experienced wilderness travelers.

Hoonah Airport (HNH) — Icy Strait Point Gateway

Hoonah Airport features a 3,100-foot paved runway at 30 feet elevation on Chichagof Island, serving the Tlingit community of Hoonah with a population of approximately 760 residents. The airport supports scheduled commuter service to Juneau via Alaska Seaplanes. Hoonah has gained prominence as the site of Icy Strait Point, a cruise ship destination that attracts large cruise vessels with its wildlife viewing, zipline adventures, and Tlingit cultural experiences. While most cruise visitors arrive by ship, the airport supports tour operators, researchers, and residents traveling to and from Juneau and other Southeast Alaska communities.

Angoon Seaplane Base and Airstrip

Angoon is located on the western coast of Admiralty Island, home to Kootznoowoo Wilderness and one of the densest concentrations of brown bears in the world. The community of approximately 460 residents, predominantly Tlingit, maintains both a seaplane base and a 3,300-foot gravel airstrip. Alaska Seaplanes provides scheduled service connecting Angoon to Juneau, with flight times of approximately 30 minutes. Angoon serves as a gateway for visitors to the Admiralty Island National Monument and the Pack Creek Bear Viewing Area, where guided viewing permits are required during the summer season.

Tenakee Springs and Smaller Community Access

Tenakee Springs, a small community of approximately 130 residents on the northeast coast of Chichagof Island known for its natural hot springs, maintains a seaplane dock that receives scheduled floatplane service from Juneau via Alaska Seaplanes. Elfin Cove, a tiny fishing community at the entrance to Cross Sound with approximately 20 year-round residents, is accessible by floatplane from Juneau or Gustavus. Pelican, a fishing community of about 85 residents on Lisianski Inlet, has both a floatplane dock and a short gravel airstrip. All of these communities depend on a combination of air service and the Alaska Marine Highway for transportation, with ferry schedules varying significantly by season.

Connecting Through Juneau International Airport (JNU)

Juneau International Airport serves as the commercial aviation hub for all Skagway-Hoonah-Angoon communities, offering Alaska Airlines jet service to Anchorage, Seattle, and seasonal additional destinations. Commuter connections from census area communities to Juneau are provided primarily by Alaska Seaplanes, with most routes operating one to several times daily depending on demand and weather. Travelers connecting from census area communities to Lower 48 destinations should plan overnight stays in Juneau to account for weather-related commuter flight delays that are common throughout the year in Southeast Alaska. Hotel options in Juneau include properties near the airport and downtown, with rates ranging from 130 to 300 dollars per night during summer season.

Airport facilities in a county are typically governed by regional airport authorities or county commissions that oversee operations, safety standards, and capital improvements. There are 4 Airports locations in Skagway Hoonah Angoon County, Alaska.

County residents can use this directory to identify which airports serve their area, whether they need commercial airline service, general aviation access, or cargo shipping connections. Contact the airport administration office directly for permitting, noise complaints, or facility inquiries.

Residents of Skagway Hoonah Angoon County can contact their local airport authority for information about noise abatement programs, land use around airport property, and community engagement meetings. For flight bookings and airline services, visit the airport's official website directly.

You may also find Airports locations in neighboring counties including Skagway-Hoonah-Angoon.

Skagway-Hoonah-Angoon Census Area encompasses some of Southeast Alaska's most spectacular destinations, from the glacial wonderland of Glacier Bay to the gold rush history of Skagway and the Tlingit cultural heritage of Hoonah and Angoon. The aviation network connecting these communities through Juneau provides essential year-round transportation for residents and seasonal access for the millions of visitors drawn to this region's natural and cultural attractions. Flexible scheduling, advance booking during the busy summer cruise season, and awareness of weather patterns help ensure smooth travel through this magnificent corner of the Alaska panhandle.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How early should I arrive at the airport?

Most of the time, you should get to the airport at least two hours before your domestic flight and at least three hours before your international flight. This will allow you enough time to check in, pass through security, and make your way to your gate.

2. What should I do if my flight is delayed or cancelled?

If your flight is delayed or canceled, you should contact your airline as soon as possible. They will usually tell you what your options are, which could include getting a refund or rebooking on a later flight.

3. What is clear at the airport?

Clear is a TSA pre-check program that speeds up the security screening process for low-risk travelers who have already been approved.

Members of the Clear program are able to use dedicated security lanes where they do not have to remove items such as shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, and light jackets. This process allows for a faster and more convenient screening experience for Clear members.

To become a member of Clear, an individual must provide their biographic information and fingerprints for a background check, and then pay an annual fee.

4. Are masks required in airports?

The TSA will no longer require airport employees or patrons to wear a face covering or face mask inside the airport terminal or on airport-operated ground transportation.

5. Can you bring food through airport security?

Yes, you can bring food through airport security.

Solid foods like sandwiches, fruits, and granola bars, are allowed in your carry-on and checked baggage.

Some liquid and gel-like foods, such as yogurt, jelly, and hummus, are also permitted in your carry-on bag as long as they are in containers that hold 3.4 ounces or less.

6. How much is airport parking?

The cost of airport parking can vary greatly depending on the airport, the length of time you will be parked, and the type of parking spot you choose.

On average, hourly parking rates can range from $1-$4 per hour, while daily rates can range from $8-$30 per day. Long-term parking rates can range from $8-$20 per day.

7. Can I leave the airport during a layover?

Yes, If your layover is long enough, you may be able to leave the airport and explore the destination city. It's also a good idea to check with your airline to see if they offer any tours or other options for passengers with long layovers.

8. Can I sleep in an airport?

Yes, you can sleep in an airport, however, the amenities and comfort levels of sleeping in an airport can vary greatly depending on the airport you are in.

Some airports also offer amenities like sleeping pods, capsule hotels and lounges for passengers who want to rest or sleep before their flight. Some airlines also offer resting rooms or lounges for their premium customers.