Gambell Airport

Gambell Airport is not merely a runway at the edge of the world, but a true aerial gateway to St. Lawrence Island in the Bering Sea. Located in the village of Gambell in the USA, it serves as a vital artery connecting this isolated Eskimo settlement with the mainland. For travellers, it is the starting point into a world of rugged Arctic nature, unique Yupik culture, and one of the finest birdwatching locations globally.

The main feature of Gambell Airport is its key role in the life of the local community. It ensures the delivery of mail, food, and medicine, and allows residents to reach major Alaskan cities for medical and educational services. The passenger terminal here is very modest, and the runway is gravel, which is typical for many remote airports in the region.

For tourists, the airport is the starting point for unique adventures. Ornithologists from around the world come here hoping to spot rare Asian birds that fly over to the island. Travellers should be prepared for Spartan conditions and changeable weather: strong winds and fog often force adjustments to flight schedules. The entire infrastructure of the airport is aimed at fulfilling its primary function—reliable transport connection—rather than providing comfort in the conventional sense.

Gambell Airport (GAM) is a small regional airport serving a remote settlement on St. Lawrence Island. Due to its size and specific nature, most communication is conducted through state management organisations or directly with the airlines.

• Official Website: Currently, the airport does not have its own official website. Basic information is available on the resources of the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (Alaska DOT&PF).
• Help Desk Phone: For questions regarding airport operations, you can contact the regional office of the Alaska Department of Transportation in Nome, which manages the airport: +1 907-443-3444.
• Airport Address: Gambell Airport, Gambell, AK 99742, USA.
• Email: There is no specialised email address for passengers. It is recommended to use the telephone for communication.
• Social Media: The airport does not have official social media accounts.
• Lost Luggage Information: For all issues related to lost or damaged luggage, you must contact the airline you travelled with directly. The main carrier operating flights to Gambell is Bering Air.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For information on schedules, ticket booking, and flight status, please contact your air carrier directly.

When planning a trip to Gambell, it is important to understand that this is a small and remote settlement on St. Lawrence Island in the USA. The transport infrastructure here differs radically from what one might find in major cities. Gambell Airport (GAM) is located in the immediate vicinity of the village, making the journey to it simple and quick.

Public Transport, Taxis, and Car Rental

In Gambell, there are no conventional forms of urban transport such as buses, trains, or a metro. There are no official taxi services or car rental companies. The main methods of movement for locals and guests are walking and riding on ATVs (Quad bikes). Given that the entire village can be crossed on foot in 15-20 minutes, getting to the airport poses no difficulty.

Travel Time and Cost

The journey from any point in the village to the airport building will take you no more than 5-10 minutes on foot. This is the most common and absolutely free method. If you have a lot of luggage, you can try to arrange help with one of the locals—you might be given a lift on an ATV. The cost of such a service, if offered at all, is informal and depends on personal agreement. Most often, this is done out of hospitality.

Parking at the Airport

There is no specialised paid parking at Gambell Airport. If you are travelling by ATV, it can be left without problems next to the terminal for the duration of your absence. The village infrastructure is simple, and finding a place for temporary vehicle parking is not difficult.

Recommendations for Travellers

The most reliable way to get to the airport is to simply walk there. If you are arriving in Gambell for the first time, it is recommended to contact your host (for example, a hotel or local guide) in advance to check if they can meet you, especially if you have heavy luggage. Overall, logistics in Gambell are very simple and do not require complex planning.

Gambell Airport (GAM) is a small regional airport serving the eponymous town on St. Lawrence Island. Its structure is extremely simple and functional, making navigation intuitively clear even for those visiting for the first time.

The airport operates one passenger terminal. It is a compact single-storey building that handles both arriving and departing flights. There is no division into multiple terminals or complex walkways, completely eliminating the possibility of getting lost. All main zones—check-in counters, the waiting area, and the baggage claim point—are located in one common space or in immediate proximity to each other.

The terminal layout is incredibly simple. Upon entering the building, you immediately find yourself in the main hall. Departure and arrival zones are effectively combined: passengers waiting for their flight and those meeting arrivals share the same room. Thanks to the airport's compact size, moving from the entrance to the check-in counter and then to the boarding waiting area takes mere minutes.

Check-in and security procedures are very quick, as passenger traffic here is low. Typically, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 60 minutes before departure. This time is more than sufficient to check in luggage and pass all formalities without rushing. The main advice for navigation is to simply follow the signs, of which there are few, as everything necessary is within sight.

The history of Gambell Airport (GAM) is not so much a story of massive construction and records, but a tale of survival and connection to the outside world for one of the most isolated settlements in the USA. Located on St. Lawrence Island in the Bering Sea, this airfield is a vital artery for the local community.

The airport was officially opened for civil use in December 1964. However, its origins are closely linked to the Cold War period. Initially, a military airfield built for the needs of the US Air Force was located on this site. Its strategic location, just 60 kilometres from the coast of Chukotka, made it a key facility for surveillance and airspace control.

The entire history of the airport is inextricably linked to its geographical position. During the years of tension, it was a silent witness to the confrontation between two powers. After the end of the Cold War, its military significance decreased, and the focus shifted entirely to civil needs: the delivery of mail, food, medicine, and ensuring passenger connections with mainland Alaska.

Major reconstructions comparable to the modernisation of large airports have not been carried out here. The main works have always been aimed at maintaining the runway and navigation equipment in working order under severe Arctic conditions. The airport's main achievement is not millions of passengers, but its continuous operation, which allows the residents of Gambell not to feel cut off from the world. It is the only thread connecting the island to the mainland all year round.

Perhaps the most interesting fact about Gambell Airport is the views that open up during takeoff and landing. In clear weather, one can see the shores of Russia with the naked eye, which vividly demonstrates how close the two continents are to each other at this point on the planet.

Gambell Airport (GAM) is a small regional airport serving the remote community of the same name on St. Lawrence Island in Alaska. Given its size and primary purpose—providing vital transport links—the range of services for passengers here is minimal and focused on basic needs. Travellers should prepare in advance for the absence of many amenities customary in major airports.

There are no restaurants, cafes, or shops in the airport terminal. Passengers are recommended to carry their own snacks and drinks. There are also no high-comfort lounges or VIP zones. Only a general waiting hall with basic amenities is provided for rest before departure.

Access to public Wi-Fi is not provided at the airport. Opportunities to charge electronic devices are limited, so it is strongly recommended to bring a portable charger (power bank) with you. You will not find bank branches, ATMs, or currency exchange points in the airport building. All financial matters should be settled in advance.

There is no dedicated medical point on the airport premises. In emergencies, assistance is provided by local services. Specialised services for passengers with children, such as play areas or mother and child rooms, are absent. Passengers with reduced mobility must notify their airline in advance of the need for special assistance so that staff can prepare for their arrival or departure.

There are no hotels at the airport or in its immediate vicinity. Accommodation options in Gambell itself are extremely limited and require booking well in advance of the trip. Business services, such as conference rooms or business centres, are not provided at the airport.

When planning a journey through Gambell Airport (GAM), it is important to consider that this is a very small and basic air terminal serving a remote settlement in Alaska. Due to its size and location, the airport building has a complete absence of restaurants, cafes, bars, or any other catering outlets.

The airport consists of a small room for waiting for flights, and there are no commercial services, including vending machines with food or drinks. The infrastructure is designed exclusively to perform basic functions—check-in, waiting for boarding, and baggage claim. Therefore, all travellers are strongly advised to have their own supply of food and water, especially if there is a wait for the flight.

Dining options in the village of Gambell itself are also extremely limited. There are no restaurants or cafes in the usual sense. A small local store may be open, selling basic products and packaged snacks, but one should not count on a full meal or specialised dietary dishes (such as Halal, vegetarian, gluten-free, etc.). Preparation for a trip to such remote places implies full autonomy regarding food.

Travelling through Gambell Airport, located in a unique corner of the USA on St. Lawrence Island, requires certain preparation. To ensure your trip goes smoothly, use these tips adapted to the specifics of a small regional airport.

Arrival and Check-in: The airport in Gambell is small, so there are no long queues typical of metropolises. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at least 1.5-2 hours before departure. This time is sufficient for check-in and luggage drop-off without rushing. The weather in this region is unpredictable and can affect the schedule, so it is better to have a time buffer. Security screening follows standard rules but usually proceeds faster than in major hubs.

Hand Luggage and Seat Selection: Liquids in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag, are allowed in hand luggage. Sharp objects and other prohibited items will be confiscated. Considering that flights from Gambell are operated on small aircraft, choose a window seat—you may be treated to stunning views of the Bering Sea and the rugged landscapes of the island.

Transfers and Control: Gambell Airport mainly serves local flights, most often to the city of Nome. It is not a transit hub for international flights. If you have a transfer planned in Nome or Anchorage, check with the airline in advance whether you will need to collect and re-check your luggage. Since these are domestic flights, there is no need to pass through customs and passport control.

Economy and Comfort: To save money, book tickets in advance, as their quantity is limited. Infrastructure at the airport is minimal, so bring snacks and water with you. Be sure to check your airline's baggage allowance to avoid extra charges on the spot. Time can be saved by using online check-in if it is available from your carrier.

Flight Delays: Flight delays and cancellations due to weather conditions are a common occurrence for Alaska. Always check the status of your flight on the airline's website. In case of a long wait, have a book, a charged power bank, and downloaded movies or music with you. Remain calm and follow the instructions of the airline representatives.