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Old Harbor

About the Airport

Old Harbor Airport (OLH) is not merely a runway, but a true aerial gateway serving as the entry point to the wild and rugged beauty of Kodiak Island in Alaska. For travellers seeking seclusion and adventure, and for the local community for whom aviation is a vital link to the outside world, this small airport is the starting point. Forget the hustle and bustle of metropolises; here you are greeted by the grandeur of nature and the atmosphere of the authentic North of the USA.

Old Harbor. Source: Kupi.com Binoculars
IATA Code OLH
ICAO Code None
City Old Harbor
Distance to centre approx. 1 km
Status Domestic
Annual passengers approx. 3,000
Popular Airlines Island Air Service

The main feature of Old Harbor Airport is its intimacy and functionality. There are no huge terminals or hundreds of flights here; everything is simple, clear, and oriented towards the needs of passengers flying on small propeller aircraft. The airport consists of a single runway and a modest building where check-in and boarding take place quickly and without unnecessary fuss. Its main advantage is its location. It is within walking distance of the settlement itself, making it incredibly convenient for arrivals. For many tourists, this is where unforgettable expeditions begin: fishing, bear viewing, and exploring the pristine nature of one of the most picturesque corners of Alaska.

Contact Information

  • Official Website: Old Harbor Airport does not have a separate official website. It is recommended to check the websites of the airlines operating flights to this airport for current information on flights and services.
  • Information Desk Phone: There is no unified information service for passengers. For all questions regarding schedules, tickets, and luggage, please contact your air carrier directly.
  • Airport Address: Old Harbor Airport (OLH), Old Harbor, Alaska, 99643, USA.
  • Email: A public email address for passenger communication is not provided.
  • Social Media: The airport does not maintain official pages on social networks.
  • Lost Luggage Information: In case of loss or damage to luggage, you must immediately contact your airline's baggage tracing service. The airport does not handle these matters.
  • Passenger Support Contacts: Passenger support is provided exclusively by the airlines. To resolve any issues, please contact your carrier's call centre.

How to Get to the Airport

Old Harbor Airport (OLH) is a small but vital air harbour for the settlement of the same name on Kodiak Island in the USA. Given the remote location and compact size of Old Harbor, the usual methods of getting to an airport found in large cities have their own specifics here. The airport is located in immediate proximity to the residential area, so the travel time from any point in the settlement is only a few minutes.

Public transport in the form of regular buses, trains, or metro is absent in Old Harbor. The entire transport system is oriented towards private transport and light aviation.

Taxi and Transfer. There are no official taxi services in the settlement. Typically, transport services are provided by local residents or guesthouse owners by prior arrangement. It is extremely important to organise your transfer in advance, ideally at the stage of booking your accommodation. The cost of the trip is usually negotiable and is the most reliable way to get to the airport with luggage.

Car Rental. It is impossible to find offices of major rental companies here. The main means of transport are quad bikes (ATVs) and off-road vehicles. You can rent such transport from local residents, but, as with transfers, all details must be agreed upon long before the trip.

Parking and Walking Distance. The airport has a small unguarded area where vehicles can be left free of charge. Since the village is very small, many prefer to get to the airport on foot. If you are travelling light, the walk from the centre will take no more than 5-10 minutes.

The airport is also a starting point for flights to other nearby locations, such as Zachar Bay (Seaplane Base), Larsen Bay, or the larger regional hub — Kodiak Benny Benson State Airport.

Terminals and Map

Old Harbor Airport (OLH) is a small regional airport serving local airlines in Alaska, USA. Its structure is extremely simple and focused on the convenience of passengers travelling short distances. There is no complex system of multiple buildings here, making navigation intuitively clear even for those visiting for the first time.

The airport operates one compact terminal, which combines all necessary zones. You do not need to worry about transfers between terminals — everything is located in one building. Departure and arrival zones are located next to each other and are clearly marked. The airport layout is very simple: a small waiting area, check-in counters, and the boarding gate are all within walking distance.

Check-in and security screening procedures at Old Harbor Airport are generally very fast. Thanks to the low passenger flow, there are practically no long queues here. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport in advance, in accordance with your airline's rules, to complete all formalities without rushing.

To navigate the terminal, it is sufficient to follow the signs, but its dimensions are so small that getting lost is practically impossible. If you have any questions, airport staff or airline representatives are always ready to help. Simplicity and compactness are the main advantages of OLH airport, ensuring passengers a calm and comfortable start or end to their journey.

Airport History

The history of Old Harbor Airport (OLH) is inextricably linked with the events of World War II. It was founded in the early 1940s not as a civilian facility, but as a military airfield, Fort Tidball Army Airfield. Its main task was to ensure the protection of Kodiak Island and the Aleutian chain as part of the USA defence strategy in the Pacific region. This military past laid the foundation for the future aviation hub, which today serves as a vital artery for the local community.

After the war ended, the need for a large military presence in the area diminished, and the airfield was transferred to civilian control. This transition became a key stage in its development: the former military facility was transformed into a state airport for public use. Since then, it has served the small town of Old Harbor, providing passenger and cargo transportation that is critically important for this isolated settlement in Alaska.

Instead of massive expansions and the construction of giant terminals, the development of Old Harbor Airport has focused on maintaining its reliability and safety. Major modernisation works have concerned keeping its single gravel runway and basic infrastructure in working order. The airport's main achievement can be considered not passenger records, but its uninterrupted operation over decades, allowing residents to receive mail, goods, and medical assistance, and tourists to discover the beauty of Alaska's wild nature.

One of the most interesting facts about Old Harbor Airport is its "double life": from a military outpost, it turned into a peaceful transport hub. Today's passengers land on a runway that was once ready to receive military aircraft. This small airport is a living reminder of how the military infrastructure of the last century found a new application, becoming an integral part of modern life in remote corners of the world.

Services and Amenities

Old Harbor Airport (OLH) is a small regional airport serving the town of the same name in the state of Alaska, USA. Given its modest size, the range of services here is basic and designed to meet the essential needs of passengers before departure.

There are no restaurants, cafes, or shops in the terminal building. Travellers are advised to carry necessary snacks and drinks with them. Also, there are no specialised luxury lounges or VIP areas here. All passengers wait for their flights in the general hall.

Wi-Fi connection is not provided at the airport. The number of electrical outlets for charging gadgets is limited, so it is better to bring a portable power bank. Financial services such as banks, ATMs, or currency exchange points are absent on the premises. It is recommended to handle all monetary transactions in advance.

Specialised services for passengers with children, such as mother and child rooms or play areas, are not provided. Travellers with reduced mobility should contact the airline in advance to request assistance and escort at the airport. In emergency cases, you can ask airport staff for medical assistance.

There are no hotels, business centres, or conference rooms on the airport grounds. Accommodation options can be found in the town of Old Harbor itself, where small guesthouses and lodges are located.

Where to Eat

Passengers departing from Old Harbor Airport (OLH) should note that there are absolutely no cafes, restaurants, or vending machines with food and drinks on its premises. In this regard, travellers are strongly advised to eat in the town of Old Harbor before arriving at the airport or to bring necessary snacks with them. This is especially important if you are travelling with children or follow a specific diet (such as Halal or other dietary requirements).

Traveller Tips

To ensure your journey through the airport of Old Harbor goes as smoothly as possible, it is important to consider its specific nature as a small and remote air hub in Alaska. The main advice is to definitely confirm your flight with the airline on the day of departure. The weather here is changeable, and flights may be delayed or cancelled. Arrive at the airport at least 60 minutes before departure.

Arrange transport to and from the airport in advance. Public transport does not run here, and taxi services are extremely limited, so it is better to agree on a transfer beforehand. It is also worth carrying some cash, as opportunities for cashless payment in the town and at the airport itself may be limited.

Check-in and screening procedures usually go quickly, but security rules are standard for the USA. Pack liquids up to 100 ml in a transparent bag and keep electronics ready for inspection. Place all important documents, medications, and valuables in your hand luggage. A window seat will gift you unforgettable views of the rugged beauty of Alaska during the flight.

In case of a flight delay or cancellation, immediately contact your airline representative for information on further actions. Given the remote location, be prepared that finding alternative options may take time. If you are flying with a connection, clarify whether you will need to re-check your luggage at the transit airport.

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