Mudhole Smith Airport

Merle K. (Mudhole) Smith Airport is not merely a runway at the edge of the world, but a vital artery connecting the secluded city of Cordova in Alaska to the rest of the globe. Since no overland roads lead to the city, this airport serves as the main gateway for travellers, fishermen, and adventurers seeking to reach this picturesque region. Named after aviation pioneer Merle K. Smith, the airport is the starting point for exploring the glaciers, fjords, and abundant wildlife of Prince William Sound.

Despite its modest size, the airport plays a key role in the life of the entire region. It is a crucial transport hub not only for passengers but also for commercial fishing, healthcare services, and even the US Coast Guard. A unique feature of the airport is its location surrounded by wilderness: during takeoff and landing, it is not uncommon to spot moose or large flocks of migratory birds. The airport primarily services Alaska Airlines flights, which operate Boeing 737 jet aircraft, linking Cordova with Anchorage and Yakutat. This ensures stable and reliable connections for locals and city guests all year round.

• Official Website: Up-to-date information on airport operations, flight status, and available services can be found on its official page on the Alaska Department of Transportation website: dot.alaska.gov/central/airport/cdv.
• Help Desk Phone: For general inquiries, you can contact the airport manager's office at: +1 (907) 424-3461.
• Airport Address: Mudhole Smith Airport is located at: Mile 13, Copper River Highway, Cordova, AK 99574, USA.
• Email: The airport does not have a public email address for passengers. It is recommended to use the telephone for communication.
• Social Media: There are no official airport pages on social media. The main source of information is the official website.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, you must contact your airline representative directly. Airport services do not handle luggage tracing.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For all questions related to booking, ticket changes, and flight rules, please contact your airline's support service. For questions about airport infrastructure, use the main contact phone number.

Mudhole Smith Airport (CDV) is located approximately 18 kilometres east of the city centre of Cordova, and there are several ways to reach it. Choosing the best option depends on your budget, amount of luggage, and plans for further travel around this picturesque region of the USA.

Taxi and Transfer — the simplest and fastest way to get to the airport. The trip from the city centre will take about 15-20 minutes. Several local taxi services operate in Cordova, but it is recommended to book a car in advance, especially during the peak tourist season. This is a convenient, albeit more expensive option, which is ideal for travellers with bulky luggage or those who value comfort.

Car Rental — an excellent choice for independent tourists planning to explore the surroundings. Several rental companies offer their services in the city. Although their offices may not be located within the airport itself, many of them organise car delivery to the terminal or a transfer to their counter. A rented car gives you freedom of movement and the opportunity to enjoy the unique nature of Alaska at your own pace.

It is important to know that there is no regular public transport, such as city buses, to Mudhole Smith Airport. However, some hotels and lodges provide a free or paid shuttle for their guests. Be sure to check this information when booking accommodation — it may prove to be a very convenient and cost-effective solution.

For those arriving at the airport in their own or rented vehicle, parking is available. It is located in the immediate vicinity of the terminal and offers spaces for both short-term and long-term parking. Given that the airport is small, finding a free space is usually not difficult.

Mudhole Smith Airport (CDV) is a small and very compact air terminal, making navigation extremely simple. If you are accustomed to huge international hubs, you will be pleasantly surprised by its intimacy and efficiency.

Structure and Navigation

The airport operates with just one passenger terminal. It is a small building where all necessary services are united under one roof. There is no complex system of floors, long corridors, or confusing passageways, as there is simply no need for them. Getting lost here is practically impossible.

Departure and Arrival Zones

All passenger service processes take place in one common space. Immediately upon entering the building, you will see the airline check-in counters. After checking in and dropping off your luggage, you proceed to the security checkpoint, which is also located here. The departure area consists of a small waiting lounge with a boarding gate. The arrival area is located nearby and consists of a baggage claim belt. The entire journey from the entrance to the boarding gate or from the aircraft stairs to collecting your suitcase takes minimal time.

Procedure Times and Recommendations

Due to the compactness of the terminal, flight check-in and security screening usually take no more than 15-20 minutes. However, despite this, it is recommended to arrive at the airport in advance — at least 1.5 hours before a domestic flight departure. This will allow you to complete all formalities without haste, especially if you are travelling with a large amount of luggage or during the peak tourist season.

The history of Merle K. (Mudhole) Smith Airport, located in the city of Cordova, Alaska, USA, is closely linked to the events of World War II. Its construction was initiated by the US Army in the early 1940s as part of a strategic programme to strengthen Alaska's defences. Initially, the airfield was built for military needs and was intended to service heavy bombers and transport aircraft, playing an important role in protecting the country's northern borders.

The airport received its unusual official nickname "Mudhole" in honour of its famous namesake, Merle K. "Mudhole" Smith. He was a legendary aviation pioneer, the founder of Cordova Airlines, and his nickname reflected the harsh and often muddy working conditions at Alaska's early airfields. After the war ended, the military facility was transferred to civil use, becoming the main air gateway for the isolated city.

One of the most dramatic and significant moments in the airport's history occurred on March 27, 1964. The Great Alaskan Earthquake, one of the most powerful in recorded history, practically cut off Cordova from the outside world, destroying port facilities and railway tracks. During this critical period, the airport became a true lifeline, ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid, medicines, food, and the evacuation of people. This event forever cemented its status as a vital infrastructure facility for the region.

In the following decades, Mudhole Smith Airport has repeatedly undergone modernisation to meet modern aviation standards. Significant work has been carried out to reconstruct the runway, a more modern passenger terminal has been built, and navigation systems have been improved. Today, it continues to fulfil its key function — connecting Cordova, which has no access to Alaska's main road network, with Anchorage and other cities, playing an indispensable role in the economy and daily life of the local community.

Mudhole Smith Airport (CDV), despite its compact size, offers passengers a basic set of services ensuring a comfortable wait for their flight. Here you will find everything necessary for a short stay before departure or after arriving in Cordova.

In the airport terminal, there is a small cafe where you can have a snack or drink coffee, as well as a shop with essential goods and souvenirs. Comfortable lounges are equipped for waiting for flights; however, there are no specialised VIP zones here.

Passengers can use free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal, as well as find outlets for charging electronic devices. ATMs for cash withdrawals are available at the airport. Currency exchange points are absent, so it is recommended to take care of this in advance.

The airport is equipped to serve passengers with reduced mobility, including accessible restrooms and ramps. For travellers with small children, mother and child rooms are provided. If necessary, airport staff can provide first aid.

There are no hotels directly on the airport territory, but various accommodation options can be found in the nearby city of Cordova. Specialised conference halls or business centres are not provided at Mudhole Smith Airport, but free internet allows for solving urgent work issues.

When planning a departure from Merle K. (Mudhole) Smith Airport (CDV), it is important to consider that this is a small regional airport serving the city of Cordova, and the choice of catering establishments here is extremely limited. Passengers are advised to eat in the city before travelling to the airport or to bring food with them.

The airport's single terminal lacks full-service restaurants or cafes with a wide menu. Typically, the only available options are vending machines offering a standard set of snacks (crisps, chocolate) and soft drinks. Sometimes a small snack bar may operate in the building, but its opening hours are irregular and depend entirely on the flight schedule, so it is not worth relying on.

If you wish to try local cuisine, especially the famous Copper River Salmon, this must be done in one of the restaurants or cafes in the city of Cordova itself. The airport does not offer such options. The same applies to special dietary preferences: it is impossible to find vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or halal dishes at the airport. Travellers with strict dietary requirements are strongly advised to carry their own snacks.

Thus, Mudhole Smith Airport is a place where you can buy a drink or a quick snack from a machine while waiting for a flight. For a full lunch or dinner, it is necessary to plan time to visit establishments in Cordova before arriving at the airport.

To ensure your journey through Mudhole Smith Airport goes as smoothly and comfortably as possible, take advantage of our tips. Simple planning will help avoid stress and save time at the Cordova airport.

Arrival time at the airport. For domestic flights within the USA, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 1.5–2 hours before departure. This time will be sufficient to check in luggage without haste, pass security control, and reach the boarding gate. Nevertheless, it is always useful to check your airline's recommendations.

Check-in and security control. The fastest way to check in for a flight is to do it online on the website or in the airline's app. This will allow you to head straight to the baggage drop counter or, if you are travelling light, to the security checkpoint. Be prepared in advance: take your laptop and other large electronics out of your bag, and pack liquids in a transparent bag.

Choosing a seat on the plane. Seat selection depends on your preferences. Seats by the window will offer you beautiful views during takeoff and landing. Seats by the aisle are convenient if you plan to get up during the flight or want to exit the plane faster. For more legroom, choose seats by the emergency exits, but remember that this imposes certain responsibilities.

Hand luggage. Remember the rules for carrying liquids: containers with a volume of no more than 100 ml are allowed, packed in a single transparent zip-lock bag. It is forbidden to take sharp objects, flammable substances, and weapons on board. Medicines and baby food are usually allowed above the norm but may require additional inspection.

Saving time and money. To save money, book parking at the airport in advance online. Bring an empty reusable water bottle to fill it after passing security control, and light snacks to avoid spending extra in the airport cafe.

Flight delays. In case of a flight delay, first contact your airline representative to find out the reason and the estimated departure time. Depending on the duration of the delay and its cause, you may be offered meal vouchers or even hotel accommodation. Remain calm and clarify your rights as a passenger.