Hooper Bay Airport

Hooper Bay Airport (HPB) is not merely a runway at the edge of the world, but a true vital artery for the town of the same name on the coast of the Bering Sea. Located in the heart of the Yukon-Kuskokwim region in Alaska, it serves as the only year-round link to the outside world for the local population. For travellers, it is the gateway to the harsh yet mesmerizing nature of the wild western USA.

The main feature of Hooper Bay airport is its indispensable role in the life of this isolated settlement. This is not an airport where you will find duty-free shops and business lounges. Instead, it offers something more valuable: reliable connection. It is used to deliver mail, essential goods, and medicines, as well as to transport passengers to other settlements in the state. For tourists, the airport is the starting point for exploring the unique ecosystem of the Yukon River Delta, bird watching, and experiencing the culture of the indigenous Yup'ik people. Despite its modest size, its importance to the region cannot be overestimated.

Below you will find the main contact information for Hooper Bay Airport (HPB). Please note that this is a small regional airport, and some standard services familiar to major hubs may be provided differently.

• Official Website: Hooper Bay Airport does not have its own official website. It is managed by the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF), on whose resources general information can be found.
• Phone: You can contact the airport administration by phone. However, for questions related to schedules and tickets, it is recommended to contact the airline directly.
• Address: The airport is located directly in the city of Hooper Bay, Alaska 99604, USA.
• Email: There is no specialized email address for general inquiries. It is recommended to use the telephone for communication.
• Social Media: The airport does not maintain official pages on social networks.
• Lost Luggage Information: Issues regarding lost or damaged luggage are handled exclusively by the airlines. Please contact the support service of the carrier you flew with.
• Passenger Support Contacts: Passenger support, including questions about booking, ticket changes, and special services, is provided by the airlines operating flights to Hooper Bay.

When planning a trip to Hooper Bay Airport, it is important to consider the unique location and features of this region of Alaska. Hooper Bay is a settlement not connected to the main road network of the USA, so familiar urban modes of transport are absent here. You can get to the airport, which is located in close proximity to the residential area, in several ways.

On Foot. The airport is located practically within the village limits, so the simplest and most common way to reach it is to walk. In good weather, a walk from most houses will take no more than 10-15 minutes. This is the most reliable and free option if you do not have too much luggage.

Local Taxi and Private Transport. There are no official taxi services in Hooper Bay. Their role is fulfilled by local residents using personal transport. Depending on the season, these may be pickup trucks, quad bikes (ATVs), or snowmobiles in winter. It is better to arrange a ride in advance, possibly through your accommodation or local acquaintances. The cost is usually low and negotiable. This is the best choice if you have heavy suitcases or if the weather is poor.

Transport Rental and Parking. There are no standard car rental agencies here. Sometimes it is possible to arrange with locals to rent a quad bike or snowmobile, but this is more of a private service than an organized business. regarding parking, the airport has an area where you can leave your transport (for example, an ATV), but this is more of an informal stand rather than a guarded car park.

Recommendations for Travellers. Hooper Bay Airport serves as an important transport hub for connecting with other remote settlements, such as Chevak or Scammon Bay. Always check transfer possibilities in advance, especially if you are arriving on a late flight. Local hospitality is your main assistant in solving transport issues in this amazing corner of Alaska.

Hooper Bay Airport (HPB) is a small regional airport serving the town of the same name in Alaska. Its structure is extremely simple and intuitive, making it convenient for passengers who are not used to large and complex aviation hubs.

The airport operates one small terminal, which handles all flights — both arrivals and departures. The terminal building is very compact, and all key zones are located within a single common space. There is no separation into domestic and international sectors or multiple terminals, so the concept of "transfer between terminals" does not apply to Hooper Bay.

The airport layout is simplified to the maximum. Immediately upon entry, you will see the check-in counters (usually belonging to one or two regional airlines), the security screening area, and a small waiting room for departing passengers. The arrival area usually consists of a simple separate exit where passengers go after disembarking from the aircraft, and a place for baggage claim, which is delivered directly to the building.

Check-in and screening procedures at Hooper Bay Airport are very fast due to the low passenger flow. Usually, all formalities take no more than 20-30 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport about an hour before departure to go through all stages and check in luggage without rushing. It is practically impossible to get lost in the terminal, as all its parts are in direct line of sight of each other, making navigation simple and quick.

The history of Hooper Bay Airport (HPB) is, above all, a story of survival and development of a remote community in Alaska. The exact date of the founding of the original runway is lost in the mid-20th century, when aviation became vital for connecting isolated settlements in the USA. Like many other airfields in the region, it began as a simple dirt strip serving small aircraft delivering mail, goods, and passengers to Hooper Bay.

A key event in the airport's history was its complete relocation in the early 21st century. The old airport, located too close to the coast, suffered from regular flooding and erosion, which posed a threat to flight safety and connection stability. As a result of a large-scale project completed around 2007, a new airport was built and opened on a higher and safer site. This modernization became a crucial stage ensuring the reliable and year-round operation of the town's air gateway.

One of the airport's main achievements is its inclusion in the federal Essential Air Service (EAS) programme. This programme subsidizes flights to remote settlements, guaranteeing Hooper Bay residents stable air connections with regional centres such as Bethel. This is not just a matter of convenience, but a vital necessity ensuring the delivery of food, medicines, and the possibility of emergency medical evacuation.

An interesting fact: moving an entire airport is a task of colossal complexity for such a small community. This project demonstrated the exceptional importance of aviation for the region and became an example of successfully solving infrastructure problems in the harsh conditions of Alaska. Today, Hooper Bay Airport continues to fulfill its historic mission — to be a reliable bridge connecting residents with the rest of the world, and its history is an integral part of the history of the town itself.

The Hooper Bay Airport (HPB) is a small regional airport serving local airlines in Alaska. Its infrastructure is designed to meet the basic needs of passengers taking short flights. It is important to consider that the range of services here is minimal and differs significantly from large international airports.

The terminal building lacks restaurants, cafes, and shops. Passengers are advised to bring food, drinks, and all necessities with them. Also, there are no specialized high-comfort waiting lounges or VIP areas here. Facilities for Wi-Fi connection and stationary charging stations for electronic devices are generally not provided, so it is worth ensuring your gadgets are charged in advance.

There are no bank branches, ATMs, or currency exchange points on the airport territory. Medical points, mother and child rooms, as well as conference halls and business centres are not provided. Most of these services can be found in the town of Hooper Bay itself.

The airport is equipped to serve passengers with reduced mobility in accordance with basic accessibility standards. If you require special assistance, it is recommended to notify your airline in advance. There are no hotels directly on the airport grounds, however, accommodation options can be found in the immediate vicinity in the town.

Hooper Bay Airport (HPB) is a small regional airport serving the town of the same name in Alaska, USA. It is important to understand that due to its size and remote location, infrastructure for passengers, including dining outlets, is minimal here. Travellers should not expect a selection comparable to major aviation hubs.

In the airport building, there are no restaurants or cafes in the traditional sense. There is no separation into a general area and a secure area (airside/landside) with various establishments. Facilities for a full lunch or dinner are not provided within the terminal territory.

The only thing one might count on is, perhaps, a vending machine selling drinks and packaged snacks. However, its presence and assortment are not guaranteed. It is impossible to find specialized dishes, including vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options, at the airport. It is recommended to take care of your meals in advance.

The best advice for travellers departing from Hooper Bay airport is to eat before travelling to the airport or bring food and drinks with you. This is the most reliable way to avoid hunger while waiting for a flight, especially in case of a delay.

To ensure your journey through Hooper Bay airport goes as smoothly as possible, take advantage of these tips. Hooper Bay Airport (HPB) is a small regional airport, so many procedures here are faster than in large hubs, but preparation is still important.

Arrival Time and Check-in. Despite the airport's modest size, it is recommended to arrive approximately one to one and a half hours before the departure of a domestic flight. This will give you enough time to check in for the flight, drop off luggage, and pass through security without rushing. Online check-in, if available from your airline, will help save time.

Passing Security Control. The screening point in small airports usually operates quickly. Nevertheless, the rules are standard: be ready to present your boarding pass and ID, remove all metal items from your pockets, and take out laptops and liquids in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag, from your carry-on luggage.

Choosing a Seat on the Plane. Aircraft departing from Hooper Bay are typically small. If you have the opportunity to choose a seat, select a window seat for the best views of the unique Alaskan landscapes. An aisle seat will provide more convenience if you need to stand up during the flight. Seats at emergency exits usually offer more legroom, but certain restrictions apply to them.

Hand Luggage. It is forbidden to carry sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances in hand luggage. Liquids are permitted in containers of no more than 100 ml each, packed in one transparent resealable bag with a volume of no more than 1 litre. Power banks and spare lithium batteries should be carried only in hand luggage.

Passengers with Transfers and Customs Control. Hooper Bay Airport serves only domestic flights within the USA, so there is no customs or passport control here. If you have a transfer planned at a larger airport, for example in Anchorage, study its layout in advance and ensure you have enough time between flights — especially considering possible weather delays in Alaska.

Saving Time and Money. To avoid excess baggage fees, weigh your luggage at home. Travel light if possible. Bring an empty water bottle to fill after passing security, and light snacks — this will help save on purchases at the departure or arrival airport.

Flight Delay or Cancellation. Weather in Alaska can be unpredictable, which sometimes leads to delays. In the event of a flight delay, contact your airline representative for information. Keep all receipts for food or accommodation if the delay requires additional expenses — the airline may compensate them. It is useful to have a book or a charged power bank with you to pass the waiting time.