Klawock Airport

Klawock Airport is not merely a runway, but the aerial gateway to Prince of Wales Island, one of the most picturesque corners of the United States. For many travellers, the introduction to the region's wild nature and rich culture begins right here, in the city of Klawock. This small yet strategically important airport serves as a vital link between remote communities and the rest of the world, offering not luxury, but something far more valuable — access to real adventures.

The main feature of Klawock Airport is its intimacy and functionality. You will not find huge terminals or duty-free shops here; instead, from the very first minutes, you will feel the authentic atmosphere of Alaska. The main traffic consists of small propeller aircraft, which are ideally suited for flights in the changeable weather conditions of Southeast Alaska.

For travellers, the airport's greatest asset is its location. It is the starting point for exploring the Tongass National Forest, enjoying world-class salmon fishing, and discovering the heritage of the indigenous peoples — the Tlingit and Haida. It is the ideal choice for those seeking seclusion with nature and valuing quick access to unique routes far from the tourist bustle.

For your convenience, we have gathered the main contact information for Klawock Airport (KLW). Given that this is a small regional airport, some services operate differently than in major international hubs.

• Official Website: Like many small airports in Alaska, Klawock does not have its own separate website. Official information (status, characteristics, manager contacts) can usually be found on the portal of the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF).
• Inquiry Service Phone: For general information, you may try contacting the airport manager. However, for questions related to flight schedules and tickets, you should contact the airline directly.
• Airport Address: Klawock Airport, Klawock, AK 99925, USA.
• Email: There is no direct public email address for general inquiries. It is recommended to use the contact forms on the official Alaska Department of Transportation website to communicate with the managing organization.
• Social Media: The airport does not maintain official pages on social networks.
• Lost Luggage Information: Extremely important: for all issues related to lost or damaged luggage, you must appeal directly to your airline's support service, not the airport administration.
• Passenger Support Contacts: Passenger support, including questions regarding booking, flight check-in, special assistance, and other services, is provided exclusively by the airlines operating flights to Klawock Airport.

Klawock Airport (KLW) is a small regional airport serving the city of Klawock and Prince of Wales Island in Alaska. Given its location and size, transport options here differ from those found in large metropolises. Planning your trip to and from the airport is a key aspect of a comfortable journey to this picturesque corner.

Taxis and Private Transfers are the most common and convenient way to reach the airport. Several local taxi and shuttle services operate in Klawock and neighbouring communities. It is strongly recommended to book a car in advance, especially if you are travelling during the high tourist season or arriving/departing on a late flight. The journey from the centre of Klawock will take just 5-10 minutes. The cost will depend on the specific carrier and the distance to your destination on the island.

Car Rental is an ideal option for those planning to explore Prince of Wales Island on their own. Several car rental companies offer their services, and arrangements can often be made to have the car delivered directly to your flight at the airport. As with taxis, vehicles should be booked well in advance, as their quantity on the island is limited. This gives you the freedom to move around the vast territory of the island without depending on taxi schedules and availability.

Regarding public transport, there are no regular city bus routes, metro, or trains connecting the airport with settlements here. The entire transport system of the island relies on private cars, taxis, and shuttles.

For those arriving at the airport in their own or a rented vehicle, parking is provided. Typically, in small airports like Klawock, parking is located in the immediate vicinity of the terminal and offers spaces for both short-term and long-term stays at reasonable prices.

If your plans include travelling around the region, it is worth knowing about other air harbours. The main transport hub of Southeast Alaska is Ketchikan International Airport, from where you can reach Prince of Wales Island by small plane or ferry. Other nearby airports, mainly for local aviation, include Hydaburg Seaplane Base and Wrangell Airport.

Klawock Airport (KLW) is a small regional airport serving primarily local flights. Its structure is as simple and clear as possible for passengers, making navigation intuitive and fast.

The airport consists of one compact passenger terminal, which serves both departing and arriving passengers. Due to the small size of the building, all key zones are within walking distance of each other. You will not have to worry about long transfers or searching for the right gate — everything is located in one common space.

The Departure and Arrival zones are essentially combined here. Upon entering the terminal, you will immediately see the check-in counters. After checking in luggage and receiving a boarding pass, passengers proceed to a small waiting area. The arrival zone is located right here as well — luggage is usually delivered directly to the main hall of the terminal, where arriving passengers collect it. There is no complex airport map simply because it is unnecessary.

Check-in and security procedures at Klawock Airport are very quick due to the low passenger traffic. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 60-90 minutes before departure to complete all formalities without rushing. It is practically impossible to get lost in the terminal, as all its parts are clearly visible from the central hall.

The history of Klawock Airport (KLW) is not just a history of civil aviation, but a chronicle of strategic transformation. Its roots go back to the Second World War, when it was built as a military facility. Approximately in 1942, the Klawock Army Airfield appeared on Prince of Wales Island. Its main task was the defence of Alaska and support for military operations within the Aleutian campaign, making it an important link in protecting the northern borders of the United States.

With the end of the war, the strategic value of the military airfield decreased, and a new stage of its history began. The facility was transferred to civil use, transforming from a military base into a vital transport hub for the local population. This transformation was a key moment for the isolated island community, as the airport became the main bridge connecting it with mainland Alaska and the rest of the world.

In the following decades, Klawock Airport developed in accordance with the needs of the region. Instead of chasing passenger traffic records, all modernisations were aimed at ensuring the safety and reliability of flights in harsh climatic conditions. Reconstructions of the runway and navigation equipment allowed for year-round and stable air connections, which is critically important for mail delivery, cargo, and emergency medical evacuations.

Today, Klawock Airport (KLW) is a symbol of resilience and connection. It not only serves local residents but also opens doors for tourists wishing to experience the unique nature of Prince of Wales Island and the culture of indigenous peoples. Thus, its history is a fascinating journey from a secret military airfield to an indispensable transport artery supporting the economy and social life in one of the most beautiful and remote corners of North America.

Klawock Airport (KLW) is a small regional airport serving mainly local flights in Alaska. Given its compact size, the range of services for passengers is basic and designed to meet essential needs before departure. Travellers should plan their stay in the terminal in advance, as many amenities common to large airports are absent here.

There are no restaurants or shops on the airport premises. Passengers are advised to take care of food and drinks in advance or bring them along. Vending machines with snacks and drinks may be installed in the terminal building, but their availability is not guaranteed.

A main waiting area is equipped for passengers. Specialized VIP lounges or business lounges are absent at the airport. Opportunities for charging electronic devices, as well as access to wireless internet (Wi-Fi), will likely be limited or unavailable. It is better to have a portable charger for your technology with you.

Banking services, including ATMs and currency exchange points, are not provided in the airport building — for these, one should go to the city of Klawock. Medical assistance is limited to basic first aid supplies. No special play areas or mother-and-child rooms are provided for passengers with children. The airport ensures basic accessibility for passengers with disabilities; however, it is recommended to inform the airline in advance about the need for special assistance.

There are no hotels in the immediate vicinity of the airport. Accommodation options, such as hotels and lodges, can be found in the city of Klawock itself. Conference room or business centre services are also not provided at the airport.

When planning a trip through Klawock Airport (KLW), it is important to consider that this is a small regional air station, and dining options on its premises are very limited. There are no restaurants or cafes in the traditional sense within the terminal building, so travellers should take care of food and drinks in advance.

For those looking for a quick snack, the only option might be vending machines with snacks and drinks, although their presence and assortment are not guaranteed. It is strongly recommended to bring water, sandwiches, or other snacks with you, especially if you are travelling with children or follow a specific diet. The airport has no establishments offering vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or Halal dishes.

If you have enough time before departure, the best option is to visit one of the establishments in the city of Klawock itself, which is located in the immediate vicinity of the airport. There you can find small local cafes or eateries where you can have a full lunch and perhaps try local cuisine, for example, fresh fish dishes. Since all establishments are located outside the security zone, be sure to calculate the time for the return journey to the airport and passing through security control.

Planning a trip through Klawock Airport will be easier if you consider a few tips. Given that this is a small regional airport, arriving 3-4 hours before departure, as in large hubs, is not required. Typically, it is sufficient to arrive 90 minutes before the departure of a domestic flight. This time will be enough to check in, drop off luggage, and pass through security without rushing.

Check-in and security control procedures in a small airport usually go faster, but the rules remain standard for the USA. To save time, check in for your flight online and prepare all documents in advance. When passing through TSA screening, be prepared to remove laptops and other large electronics from your carry-on luggage. All liquids must comply with the 3-1-1 rule: containers up to 100 ml (3.4 oz) in a transparent bag with a volume of no more than 1 litre (1 quart).

Flights from Klawock are often operated on small aircraft where seat selection can matter. A window seat will gift you unforgettable views of the Alaskan landscapes, while an aisle seat provides more freedom and the ability to leave the cabin faster upon arrival. Remember that on some types of aircraft, the crew may ask you to change seats for proper aircraft balancing.

In your carry-on luggage, besides personal items, you can take food and an empty water bottle, which can be filled after security. It is strictly prohibited to carry weapons, flammable substances, and sharp objects. If you plan to transport specific equipment, for example, fishing gear or bear spray, be sure to check the rules for its carriage with your airline in advance.

Klawock Airport is not a major transfer hub, so most passengers either begin or end their journey here. If you have a transfer at another, larger airport (for example, in Anchorage), allocate sufficient time for it — at least 2-3 hours to calmly proceed to the next flight. Regarding customs control, it is absent at Klawock Airport, as it serves only domestic flights within the USA.

To save money, book tickets in advance and try to travel light to avoid extra charges for luggage. In case of a flight delay, which can happen in Alaska due to weather conditions, first contact the airline representative to find out about the flight status and your rights to compensation (meals or accommodation). Given the modest size of the terminal, be prepared for waiting options to be limited. Have a book, a charged power bank, and a little patience with you.