Fairbanks (Eielson AFB)

Imagine an airfield where the runways are surrounded by majestic permafrost, and in winter, the sky above them is illuminated by the magical Northern Lights. Eielson Air Force Base is not just a transport hub, but a true aviation outpost in the heart of Alaska, named after the legendary polar pilot Carl Ben Eielson. Although this facility is closed to commercial flights and mass tourism, it plays a key role in the life of the region and is of immense interest to aviation history enthusiasts as a site with one of the longest runways in North America.

Features and Advantages of the Airport:

Despite the fact that the ordinary traveller cannot buy a ticket for a flight to Eielson, this facility possesses unique characteristics that make it a landmark on the US map:

• Extreme Location: The airfield is located just 180 kilometres south of the Arctic Circle. This makes it an ideal testing ground for equipment in harsh Arctic conditions, where winter temperatures can drop to extreme values.
• Impressive Infrastructure: It houses the second-longest runway in North America (over 4.4 km), originally built for heavy bombers of the mid-20th century.
• Historical Significance: The base bears the name of an aviation pioneer who was the first to fly across the Arctic Ocean. This place is imbued with the spirit of northern exploration and aviation achievements.

• Official Airport Website: www.eielson.af.mil
• Information Desk Phone: +1 907-377-1110 (Base Operator)
• Airport Address: Eielson AFB, Alaska 99702, USA (approximately 42 km southeast of Fairbanks)
• Email: 354fw.pa.publicaffairs@us.af.mil (Public Affairs Office)
• Airport Social Media: Eielson Air Force Base pages are available on Facebook and Twitter (X) for tracking base news.
• Lost Luggage Information: There is no baggage tracing service as the airfield does not serve commercial civilian flights. Military personnel should contact the passenger terminal (AMC Terminal).
• Passenger Support Contacts: +1 907-377-3807 (Visitor Control Center)

Since Eielson Air Force Base is an active military facility with restricted access, transport connections here are organised specifically. There are no direct public transport routes to the base terminal itself, and most visitors (military personnel, contractors, or air show guests) arrive here by private or rented transport. It is important to remember that a special pass or escort is required to enter the territory.

If you are arriving in the region by a civilian flight, your point of entry will be Fairbanks International Airport. It is located approximately 40 kilometres from the base, and this is where the journey begins for most travellers.

Car and Rental

A private car is the most reliable and common way to get to the base. The journey from the city centre of Fairbanks or from the civilian airport takes about 30–45 minutes depending on weather conditions. The route is extremely simple: you need to get onto the Richardson Highway (AK-2 South) and head southeast. Signs for Eielson AFB are clearly visible. You can rent a car directly in the city or at the civilian airport arrivals area, as there are no rental points on the military base itself.

Taxi and Transfer

Taxi services and ride-hailing apps (such as Uber or Lyft) operate in the region but have limitations. A civilian taxi can only take you as far as the Visitor Control Center, located at the Main Gate. Entry onto the base territory for commercial transport without special accreditation is prohibited.

• Approximate Cost: A trip from downtown Fairbanks to the base gates will cost between 60 and 90 USD one way.
• Travel Time: About 35–40 minutes.

Public Transport

Public transport options are extremely limited. The MACS city bus network serves Fairbanks and the nearby city of North Pole, but regular routes do not reach directly to the Eielson gates. There is no rail service or metro in this area. Tourists should not rely on the bus as a way to get to the base.

Parking

At the main gates of the base, next to the Visitor Control Center, there is a small car park equipped for those applying for a pass or waiting for hosts. Within the base territory itself, parking spaces are distributed between residential zones and service buildings, but they are intended only for authorised vehicles.

Alternative Airports

In case of difficult weather conditions or when planning a major trip across Alaska, tourists sometimes use Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. However, it is worth noting that it is located at a significant distance — over 400 km, and a car journey from there will take at least 6–7 hours. For local flights to remote corners, small airfields are used, such as Dawson City Airport (in Canada) or McGrath Airport, but they do not have direct connections to the military base.

Unlike major civilian hubs, the airport structure at Eielson AFB is distinguished by extreme conciseness and functionality. You will not find confusing mazes of multiple buildings or underground trains here. The entire passenger flow is serviced through a single terminal — the Air Mobility Command (AMC) Passenger Terminal.

Number of Terminals and Their Purpose

The entire complex consists of one small but well-equipped building designed to serve military personnel, their family members, and civilian employees eligible for travel. The absence of a division into international and domestic sectors in the usual sense makes navigation intuitively clear. This terminal accepts both cargo and passenger aircraft (so-called "Patriot Express" or rotational flights).

Layout and Navigation

The terminal layout is maximally simple and linear:

• Entrance Area: Located on the car park side, leading directly to the check-in counters.
• Check-in Zone: Here, document checks (military IDs, travel orders, passports) and baggage drop-off take place.
• Security Screening Zone: Located immediately behind the check-in counters. Procedures are identical to TSA standards, yet conducted with military strictness.
• Waiting Hall (Sterile Area): A holding area for passengers who have passed screening, equipped with basic amenities before boarding.

Features and Amenities

Since Fairbanks International Airport takes on the main civilian functions in the region, the Eielson terminal does not have Duty Free shops or luxury boutiques. However, comfortable conditions for waiting have been created here:

• Family Room: Equipped for travellers with small children.
• Dining: There are no full-service restaurants in the "sterile" zone, but vending machines with snacks and drinks are available.
• Wi-Fi: Free wireless internet is generally available throughout the terminal.

Departure and Arrival Zones

There are no transitions between zones, as passenger flows are separated by time rather than space. Arriving passengers enter the baggage claim area almost immediately after leaving the airfield. The baggage belt is in close proximity to the exit, allowing one to leave the terminal 15–20 minutes after landing.

Processing Times

Time recommendations here differ from civilian airports:

• Check-in: For AMC flights, a specific "Roll Call" time is often set. Passengers are recommended to arrive no later than 2–3 hours before departure to complete all formalities, including baggage weighing and special permit checks.
• Security Screening: Queues are rarely long due to the limited number of passengers, but the screening process itself is thorough and does not tolerate haste.

Navigation Recommendations

The main advice for those departing from Eielson is to closely monitor information boards and public address announcements. Since there is only one terminal, it is impossible to get lost, but it is important to clearly follow the instructions of the staff (Passenger Service Agents). If you are awaiting a Space-A flight (travel subject to available seats), be prepared for schedule changes, and your presence in the waiting hall is a key condition for boarding.

The history of this unique airfield is a chronicle of northern exploration, engineering feats, and rapid technological progress. What began as a modest auxiliary site amidst swamps and permafrost has, over decades, turned into one of the most strategically important aviation hubs in the Pacific region.

The Birth of "Mile 26"

The foundation of the future airbase was laid in 1943, at the height of the Second World War. Initially, the facility bore the rather prosaic name "Mile 26 Satellite Field". Its original purpose was to serve as a backup airfield for the neighbouring Ladd Field. At that time, there were only two runways and the simplest of shelters here. However, the geographical location — proximity to polar routes — quickly made the immense potential of this point on the map obvious.

A Hero's Name and Massive Expansion

The official opening of the base as an independent military facility took place slightly later, and it received its current name on 4 February 1948. The airfield was named in honour of Carl Ben Eielson, a famous polar pilot and explorer. It was he who became famous for completing the first airmail flight from Alaska to the continental US, as well as for his daring Arctic expeditions, forever inscribing his name in aviation history.

In the 1950s, a period of active construction began. Due to the harsh climate and distance from major cities, engineers essentially had to build an autonomous settlement. Residential quarters, schools, and, most importantly, a significantly extended runway were erected. This was necessary to accommodate heavy bombers and reconnaissance aircraft patrolling the northern frontiers.

The Era of Modernisation and the Newest Fighters

Throughout the second half of the 20th century, the base was constantly modernised, adapting to new types of aircraft — from piston planes to KC-135 jet tankers. However, the most significant stage in recent history was the decision to deploy squadrons of fifth-generation F-35A Lightning II fighters here. Preparation for their arrival, which began in the second half of the 2010s, became one of the largest construction projects in the region in recent decades, turning Eielson into the most advanced aviation site in Alaska.

Records and Achievements

The airfield is famous not only for its equipment but also for unique operational capabilities that distinguish it from other bases:

• All-Weather Operation: The base personnel, proudly calling themselves "Icemen", maintain full runway combat readiness even at temperatures below -50°C, which requires special skill and specialised equipment.
• RED FLAG-Alaska Exercises: This is where some of the world's most famous tactical air exercises take place. Several times a year, the sky over Fairbanks is filled with the roar of hundreds of aircraft from partner countries, practising complex manoeuvres on a vast training range.

Interesting Historical Facts

• Battle with Nature: During the construction of the base, engineers had to solve the complex task of insulating buildings from the permafrost. Many old structures stand on special stilts or are equipped with active ground cooling systems so that the heat from the houses does not melt the ice under the foundation, which could lead to structural collapse.
• "Dragon Lady": In different years, the legendary U-2 reconnaissance aircraft ("Dragon Lady") were based here, using Eielson's ultra-long runway for takeoff and landing after their high-altitude missions over the Arctic.
• Autonomous Energy: Due to its isolation, the base has its own coal-fired combined heat and power plant. It is one of the oldest operating facilities of this type, providing heat and light to the entire military town, making it independent of external grids.

The level of service and range of amenities at the Eielson AFB terminal differ significantly from the usual standards of civilian airports. Here, priority is given to functionality, discipline, and meeting the basic needs of military personnel and their families. Passengers should not expect luxury boutiques or spas, but everything necessary for a comfortable wait for departure is provided here.

Restaurants, Cafés, and Shops

Inside the passenger terminal itself (AMC Terminal), opportunities for shopping and dining are limited. There are no full-cycle restaurants or Duty-Free shops here.

• In the Terminal: Vending machines with soft drinks, coffee, sandwiches, and snacks are available. This is the main way to have a snack after passing security.
• On Base Territory: The main infrastructure is concentrated in the Base Exchange (BX) shopping centre, located near the residential zone. There is a food court with popular American chain cafés (fast food, pizzerias, coffee shops), as well as a large department store where you can buy electronics, clothing, Alaska-themed souvenirs, and essentials. Visiting the BX is recommended before checking in for your flight.

Lounges and VIP Services

The concept of business lounges does not apply in the military terminal. The waiting area ("sterile area") is a single spacious hall with seats and televisions.

• DV Lounge (Distinguished Visitor Lounge): There is a separate small room for senior command staff and honoured guests, but access there is strictly regulated and cannot be purchased for money or obtained via airline loyalty cards.

Connectivity and Electronics

Staying connected at Eielson is quite simple, despite the remoteness of the region:

• Wi-Fi: Free wireless internet access is usually provided in the passenger terminal building. The connection speed is sufficient for checking email and messaging apps.
• Charging Stations: The waiting hall has a sufficient number of power outlets (US standard, 110V) for charging mobile devices and laptops before the flight.

Financial Services

Currency exchange points are absent on the base territory, as all transactions are conducted exclusively in US Dollars. It is better to exchange foreign currency in advance or in major cities.

• ATMs: Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) serving cards of major payment systems are installed in the terminal and in the main base buildings (BX, Commissary).
• Banks: A credit union branch (e.g., Global Credit Union) operates on the base, providing a full range of banking services for personnel.

Medical Assistance

Health safety is given paramount attention. In case of minor indisposition in the terminal, you can ask the duty staff for a first aid kit. For more serious cases, a full-fledged medical clinic (354th Medical Group) operates on the base, capable of providing qualified assistance. In emergency situations, transport to hospitals in the city of Fairbanks is carried out.

Services for Passengers with Children

Military flights are often taken by entire families, so the terminal infrastructure is friendly to young travellers:

• Family Room: A specially equipped room (Nursery/Family Room) where parents can feed a child in peace, change them, or simply let the little one rest from the noise of the main hall.
• Play Area: A small corner with toys and a television broadcasting cartoons is often set aside in the waiting hall to brighten up the wait for boarding.

Accessibility

Being a US federal facility, the terminal fully complies with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards. The building is single-storey, which eliminates problems with stairs. Entrance groups are equipped with ramps and automatic doors, and restrooms are adapted for passengers with reduced mobility. Terminal staff are always ready to assist with boarding and disembarking from the aircraft.

Accommodation: Hotels on Base and Nearby

For transit passengers and those arriving for duty, accommodation options are provided directly on the garrison territory:

• Gold Rush Inn: The main base hotel (Eielson Lodging). Offers comfortable rooms and suites for families. Located a few minutes' drive from the terminal. Booking here is available only for authorised persons and often requires advance reservation due to high demand.
• Off-Base Options: The nearest civilian hotels and motels are located in the city of North Pole (about 15 minutes' drive) or in Fairbanks. This is a good option if there are no vacancies on the base ("Non-Availability").

Business Services

There are no specialised conference halls or business centres with meeting room rentals in the passenger terminal. Such premises exist in the administrative buildings of the base or at the Gold Rush Inn, but their use requires prior approval from the command. To print documents or send a fax, passengers can appeal to staff at the information desk, who generally try to assist with minor administrative matters.

The gastronomic landscape of Eielson Air Force Base differs radically from familiar civilian airports. You will not encounter 24-hour fine dining restaurants or wine bars in the departure zone here. The catering system is organised based on military priorities: functionality, speed, and heartiness. The main rule for a passenger here is: "eat on base first, then go to the terminal".

Dining in the Terminal (AMC Passenger Terminal)

Inside the passenger terminal itself, opportunities for dining are minimal. This space is designed for short waits and processing, not for leisure.

• Check-in Zone and "Sterile" Zone (Airside): Only vending machines are available in both sectors.
• Assortment: Soft drinks, water, chips, chocolate, biscuits, and sometimes long-life sandwiches. There is no hot food here.
• Recommendation: If you have a long flight ahead (for example, to Japan or the continental US), it is strongly recommended to eat a substantial meal before passing security control.

Main Dining Area: Food Court at Base Exchange (BX)

The main attraction for all hungry travellers is located in the Base Exchange shopping centre, situated a few minutes' drive from the terminal (Landside zone). This is a classic American food court where you can eat quickly and inexpensively before a flight.

• Establishments: Usually, popular chain brands are represented here, such as Burger King (burgers), Subway (sandwiches), Charleys Philly Steaks (steak sandwiches), and Anthony’s Pizza.
• Average Bill: Prices here are lower than in civilian airports, as goods are not subject to sales tax. Lunch will cost on average 8–12 USD.
• Opening Hours: Be attentive: establishments close quite early, usually at 18:00–19:00. On weekends and holidays, the schedule may be reduced.

Places for a Full Lunch

If you have time to spare (more than 2 hours before check-in), you can visit separate establishments on the base territory for a calmer meal:

• Yukon Club: The base's main club with a sports lounge atmosphere. They serve classic American "comfort food": steaks, barbecue wings, burgers, and salads. This is the best place to relax before the journey.
• Bowling Centre (Strike Gold Lanes): A grill bar operates at the bowling alley, preparing excellent breakfasts and hot snacks (chips/fries, nuggets, pizza).

Local Cuisine and Signature Dishes

On the base itself, the cuisine is strictly American and standardised. However, there are some peculiarities:

• Anthony’s Pizza: For many American military personnel who have served abroad, the taste of this pizza is a kind of "taste of nostalgia". It is a hearty, simple pizza with thick dough — a local "classic".
• Alaskan Delicacies: To try authentic reindeer steak, fresh salmon, or halibut, you will have to go outside the base gates to the city of North Pole or Fairbanks. Such dishes are rarely found on the military facility territory, except perhaps on the Yukon Club menu during special events.

Dietary Catering

Finding specialised food on a military base can be challenging, so it is worth preparing in advance:

• Vegetarians and Vegans: The most reliable option is Subway at the food court, where you can assemble a sandwich (Veggie Delite) or salad. At Burger King, the plant-based Impossible Whopper burger is often available.
• Halal and Kosher: There are no certified Halal or Kosher restaurants on the base. It is recommended to choose fish or vegetarian dishes.
• Gluten-Free: In fast food, there is a high risk of cross-contamination. It is safest to visit the Commissary grocery store (next to the BX) and buy packaged gluten-free snacks, fruit, nuts, or yoghurts for the journey.

Final Recommendation

The best strategy for a passenger departing from EIL: visit the food court at Base Exchange or the Yukon Club 1.5–2 hours before the reporting time for the flight. If your airline's rules allow bringing food on board (which is often permitted on military charters, except for liquids), buy a sandwich or salad "to go", as food on board may be chargeable or limited.

Travelling through a military airfield is an experience that differs strikingly from flying with civilian airlines. There is less bustle and fewer queues here, but far more rules and discipline. To ensure your departure from Eielson Air Force Base goes smoothly, especially considering the harsh conditions of Alaska, it is worth heeding the following recommendations.

Arrival Time: Do Not Be Late for Roll Call!

The main difference with military flights (especially Space-A) is the concept of Roll Call. This is not just the end of check-in, but a critical reference point.

• Golden Rule: Arrive at the terminal at least 1 hour before the start of Roll Call, not before the aircraft departure time. Often this means arriving 3–4 hours before takeoff.
• Winter Factor: Consider road conditions. Even if the base is close, snowfall or ice on the Richardson Highway can double travel time. It is better to arrive early and drink coffee from a machine than to be a couple of minutes late and lose your seat.

Check-in and Security: Readiness No. 1

The screening procedure here is conducted according to TSA standards, but with military thoroughness. Be prepared for your documents to be checked several times.

• Documents to Hand: Keep your ID card, passport (for overseas flights), and copies of orders in an easily accessible pocket. Do not pack them away until you board the aircraft.
• Dress Code: There are clothing requirements for passengers on military flights. Avoid provocative clothing, open shoes (flip-flops), or clothes with offensive slogans. You may simply not be allowed on board if dressed inappropriately.

Seat Selection: Hierarchy and Courtesy

Forget about online seat selection. Seating on board military charters (Patriot Express) or cargo planes happens differently.

• Distribution Principle: Seats are often allocated depending on rank and mission status, or on a first-come, first-served basis at check-in.
• Tip: If you are flying as a family, inform the agent at check-in as early as possible. Staff try not to separate families, but on busy flights, this is not always possible. Be polite and patient — arguing with terminal staff is inappropriate here.

Hand Luggage: Warmth is Important

Besides the standard bans on liquids (3-1-1 rule) and sharp objects, there is specific advice for those departing from Alaska.

• Winter Gear: Always take a warm jacket into the aircraft cabin, even if you are flying to warm destinations. Boarding often takes place outdoors, and the temperature on the airfield can be extremely low. Furthermore, in military aircraft (especially cargo C-17s or C-130s), the cabin temperature can be cool.
• Entertainment: Unlike civilian liners, there may not be an in-seat entertainment system here. Be sure to take a book, a tablet with downloaded films, and a power bank (although there are sockets in the terminal, there may not be enough on board).

Customs and Documents

If your flight is heading to Japan (Misawa, Yokota airbases) or Korea:

• Do not check documents in luggage: This is the most common mistake. Your passport and orders must be with you.
• Pen: Have a black pen with you to fill out customs declarations on board. Stewards cannot always provide them to all passengers.

Transit and Transfers: Allow a Buffer!

This is perhaps the most important tip. Military flights are subject to mission needs, not a schedule.

• Risk of Delays: A flight may depart later, change route, or be delayed due to maintenance.
• Connection with Civilian Flights: If you have a commercial flight planned upon arrival (for example, in Seattle or Anchorage), allow a minimum of 4–6 hours for the transfer, or better yet — a full day. Never buy non-refundable tickets for connecting flights if flying via Space-A.

Economy and Comfort

• Food to Go: As already mentioned, there are no restaurants in the terminal. Pack a lunch box at home or buy sandwiches at the Base Exchange before arriving at the airport. Food on board military charters may be chargeable (USD cash only) or absent entirely on cargo flights (MRE rations are issued there, but it is better to have your own food).
• Transport: Taxis to the base gates are expensive. Arrange in advance with colleagues, friends, or your "sponsor" (for new arrivals) to drive you directly to the terminal. This will save you upwards of 60 USD.

What to Do in Case of Flight Delay?

The motto of Space-A travellers is "Semper Gumby" (Always Flexible).

• Plan "B": Always have a financial reserve or credit card in case you have to spend a couple of nights in a hotel waiting for the aircraft to be fixed or the weather to improve.
• Communication: Follow the terminal's Facebook page — this is the most prompt source of information about schedule changes (Roll Call updates).