Shishmaref Airport

Shishmaref Airport is not merely a transport hub, but a true "lifeline" for an isolated settlement on the coast of the Chukchi Sea. Located on the narrow barrier island of Sarichef, this small airfield serves as the only reliable link for the local Inupiat community with the outside world amidst the harsh Arctic tundra. Landing here turns into a thrilling adventure: the aircraft descends over the waters of the Bering Strait, revealing views of the endless northern expanses and the authentic lifestyle of Alaska's indigenous people to the passengers.

Airport Features and Highlights:

• Critical Importance: The airport is a vital artery for the delivery of food, mail, and medicines, as there are no roads connecting the village to the mainland.
• Gateway to the Arctic: An excellent starting point for exploring the culture of Alaska's indigenous peoples and visiting the Bering Land Bridge National Preserve.
• No Queues: Thanks to its small size and low passenger flow, check-in and boarding procedures are completed as quickly as possible and without stress.
• Scenic Views: During take-off and landing, stunning panoramas of the Shishmaref Lagoon and the Chukchi Sea open up.

• Official Airport Website: The airport does not have a dedicated website. Up-to-date information can be found on the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF) portal.
• Inquiry Service Phone: +1 907-443-2500 (Airport Manager's Office in Nome) or +1 907-451-2200 (DOT&PF Northern Region).
• Airport Address: Shishmaref Airport, 1 Mile South of Village, Shishmaref, AK 99772, USA.
• Email: There is no direct address. It is recommended to use the air carrier's contacts for inquiries.
• Airport Social Media: Official accounts are absent.
• Lost Luggage Information: Contact the airline that operated the flight directly (mainly Bering Air: +1 907-443-5464).
• Passenger Support Contacts: For questions regarding service and flights, contact Bering Air (tel. 800-478-5422 within Alaska) or the City of Shishmaref administration (+1 907-649-3781).

Getting to the airport in Shishmaref is a non-trivial task, as familiar urban infrastructure is absent here. Since the airport is located on a narrow island just 1.8 km from the settlement centre, logistics here are dictated by harsh weather conditions and the traditional Alaskan way of life. There are no buses, metro, or standard taxi services here, and "transport" often means a snowmobile or a quad bike.

Public Transport

There is a complete absence of a public transport system in Shishmaref. There are no shuttle buses or trains. The village is so compact that most locals move around on foot or by personal all-terrain vehicles. For a tourist, this means the necessity to arrange a meeting or transfer in advance.

Taxis, Transfers, and Private Rides

You will not find classic taxi services (like Uber or city taxi fleets) here. However, the locals are very hospitable and often earn extra money providing rides.

• Summer Season: The main means of transport are quad bikes (ATVs). You can be driven from your accommodation to the airstrip with a breeze directly over dirt roads or sand.
• Winter Season: When the tundra and lagoon freeze over, snowmobiles become the main transport.
• Cost: There are no fixed tariffs. Usually, a trip costs from 5 to 10 US Dollars per person, or it is included in the cost of accommodation if you are staying with local hosts.

Car Rental and Parking

There are no car rental points in Shishmaref. Delivering a car here from the "mainland" is practically impossible and economically unfeasible. As for parking, there is a small area near the airport building where locals leave their snowmobiles and quad bikes while meeting flights. The parking is free and unguarded.

Travel Time and Recommendations

The journey from any point in the village to the airport takes from 5 to 10 minutes by transport or about 20–30 minutes on foot (in good weather). Travellers are advised to clarify in advance with the airline or the hosting party who can meet or escort you to the flight, as mobile connectivity may work intermittently.

Regional Transport Hubs

Since roads to Shishmaref do not exist, the airport is the only window to the world. Flights here are operated from larger regional hubs. Most often, tourists and cargo arrive via Nome Airport, which is located approximately 196 km to the south. It is through Nome that the main connection with Anchorage and the rest of the world is maintained.

Other airports in the region that are important for navigation in this part of Alaska include:

• Ralph Wien Memorial Airport (Kotzebue) — another major centre located 170 km away, serving northern destinations.
• Point Hope Airport — located significantly further north, at a distance of about 236 km.
• Unalakleet Airport — located south of Nome, 362 km from Shishmaref.
• Gambell Airport — a remote airport on St. Lawrence Island (384 km).

Shishmaref Airport (SHH) differs radically from familiar international hubs. You will not find confusing mazes of corridors, travelators, or multi-level car parks here. The airport infrastructure is maximally utilitarian and adapted to the harsh conditions of the Arctic and small aviation, which is the only mode of connection with the outside world.

Terminal Structure

The airport features one small passenger terminal. It is a compact single-story building that functions as a waiting room, check-in area, and office for airline representatives. The terminal serves both departing and arriving passengers of all flights (mainly small aircraft of Bering Air and regional charters).

Zoning and Navigation

The airport layout is extremely simple and intuitive; it is impossible to get lost here:

• Check-in Zone: Located immediately at the entrance. There are no conveyor belts; the check-in counter is a small workspace for the airline employee.
• Waiting Room: A single heated room with seats where passengers await boarding. Given the Alaskan climate, providing a warm shelter is the terminal's main function.
• Departure and Arrival Zone: There are no jet bridges or shuttle buses at the airport. Boarding takes place directly from the terminal building onto the apron. Passengers walk a few dozen metres to the aircraft on their own.

Service Features and Procedures

Processes at Shishmaref Airport have specifics characteristic of "bush piloting" (flights to remote areas):

Check-in and Screening

There is typically no classic TSA security screening with metal detector frames and scanners here, as flights are operated on small aircraft (9–19 seats). However, the check-in procedure includes mandatory weighing. Airline staff weigh not only the luggage but often the passengers themselves (or ask for their weight) to properly balance the small aircraft. This is critically important for flight safety.

Processing Time

• Arrival at the Airport: It is recommended to arrive 30–45 minutes before departure. This time is quite sufficient to complete all formalities.
• Baggage Claim: Upon arrival, luggage is unloaded manually by pilots or ground staff directly onto the airfield or passed into the terminal building. The process takes 5–10 minutes after the engines stop.

Recommendations for Passengers

The main advice for navigating Shishmaref Airport is to focus on weather conditions and pilot instructions. Due to strong winds and icing, schedules can change instantly. There are usually no electronic boards in the terminal; all information is conveyed verbally by the carrier's representative. Be prepared that in strong winds, the walk from the building to the plane will require warm, windproof clothing.

The history of Shishmaref Airport is a chronicle of the struggle for survival in one of the harshest regions on the planet. Unlike major international hubs that emerged as commercial projects, this airfield was created out of a vital necessity to ensure a reliable connection for an isolated community with the "mainland".

Inception and Formation

In the first half of the 20th century, aviation in Alaska was just beginning to develop, and planes landed directly on sandy beaches or the frozen surface of the lagoon. Official infrastructure development began later, when the state of Alaska assumed obligations to ensure transport accessibility for remote settlements. The airfield in its modern sense was equipped in the second half of the 20th century, replacing makeshift landing sites.

Modernisation Stages

The development of the airport has always been dictated by complex climatic conditions and the geological features of Sarichef Island:

• Transition to Hard Surface: Initially, the runway was unpaved (gravel). This created huge problems during the spring thaw and autumn rains when the strip became soggy and unsuitable for landing. A crucial stage of modernisation was the paving of the runway, which allowed flights to be received year-round.
• Fighting Erosion: The airport's history is closely linked to Shishmaref's main problem — coastal erosion due to melting permafrost and storms. Over the years, engineering works have been carried out to reinforce the coastline to protect the runway from being washed away into the Chukchi Sea.
• Navigation Equipment: The installation of modern lighting systems and navigation lights allowed pilots to land safely in conditions of polar night and frequent fogs.

The Airport as a Witness to History

Shishmaref Airport has repeatedly become the centre of dramatic events related to natural disasters. During powerful Arctic storms, when water approached residents' homes, the airfield was considered the main point for emergency evacuation of the population. It remains a key element in discussions about the potential relocation of the entire village to the mainland: the existence of a reliable air bridge is a mandatory condition for the safety of residents while they remain on the island.

Interesting Facts

• Critical Elevation: The airport is located at an elevation of only about 4–5 metres above sea level. This makes it one of the most vulnerable airports in the USA in the face of global climate change and rising sea levels.
• Unique Logistics: In the airport's history, there were cases when, due to the impossibility of maritime navigation (ice) and the lack of roads, oversized cargo, including construction materials and machinery dismantled into parts, was delivered by plane.
• Pilot Skill: Landing in Shishmaref is historically considered a test of skill for "bush pilots". Strong crosswinds from the Bering Strait require virtuoso handling of small aircraft.

Given the remoteness and small size of Shishmaref Airport, passengers should not expect the level of service familiar to major international hubs here. The terminal is a compact room, the main function of which is to provide protection from the harsh weather conditions of Alaska. Services and amenities here are reduced to the necessary minimum.

Restaurants, Cafés, and Shops

There are absolutely no catering outlets or shops in the airport building. There are no cafés, vending machines with snacks, or souvenir stalls. Travellers are strongly advised to:

• Take care of food and water in advance by taking a snack and a thermos for the flight.
• Purchase necessary goods at the village's only store (General Store) before arriving at the airport if you are departing.

Communication and Electronics

The technical equipment of the terminal is basic. Wi-Fi for passengers is generally not provided or has extremely low speed, sufficient only for the airline's official needs. There are no specialised charging stations for gadgets; however, if you urgently need to charge your phone, you can politely ask an airline employee to use a spare socket if one is available.

Financial Services

There are no ATMs or currency exchange points at the airport. Opportunities for withdrawing cash in the settlement itself are also extremely limited. Since bank cards are not accepted everywhere (especially by private transporters on snowmobiles or local craftsmen), tourists should stock up on a sufficient amount of cash US Dollars while still in Anchorage or Nome.

Waiting Halls and VIP Services

The airport features one general waiting room. There is no separation into business class and economy, nor are there separate VIP lounges. The hall is equipped with simple seats and is heated, which is the most important convenience in Arctic winter conditions.

Medical Services

There is no medical post or pharmacy in the airport building. The nearest medical facility is the Shishmaref Clinic, located in the village itself. In case of an emergency, clinic staff can provide assistance, but it should be remembered that local medical capabilities are limited to primary care. Serious treatment requires medical evacuation to Nome or Anchorage.

Passengers with Children

There is no special infrastructure for children (mother and child rooms, play areas) in the terminal. Due to long waits and limited space, parents are advised to plan leisure for the child in advance (bring books, toys) and carry a supply of baby food and nappies, as there will be nowhere to buy them on site.

Services for Passengers with Reduced Mobility

The airport has a single-story layout, which facilitates access for passengers with limited mobility — there are no stairs or lifts. However:

• Boarding the aircraft is carried out from the ground via small ramps or the steps of the aircraft itself.
• There is no specialised equipment (ambulifts).
• Assistance with boarding and disembarking is provided by pilots and ground staff. It is recommended to notify the airline of the need for assistance when booking the ticket.

Accommodation: Hotels at the Airport and Nearby

There are no hotels at the airport itself. Hotel infrastructure in Shishmaref is not developed in the traditional sense. Tourists will not find familiar chain hotels or hostels via booking platforms here.

Accommodation options in the village (require prior arrangement):

• School Gym: In summer, travellers can sometimes arrange to sleep at the local school (Shishmaref School), provided they have their own sleeping bag.
• Renting Rooms from Locals: The most common option. Information can be obtained at the City Office building or via "word of mouth" upon arrival.
• Teacher Housing: Sometimes rooms intended for visiting specialists are rented out.

When planning a trip, be sure to resolve the accommodation issue before flying, as the number of places is extremely limited.

Business Services

There are no conference rooms or business centres at the airport. Fax or document printing services in emergency cases can be attempted at the city administration office or the post office in the village centre, but one should not count on this as a guaranteed service.

When it comes to dining at Shishmaref Airport, travellers should adjust their expectations immediately. Unlike standard airports with food courts and coffee shops, catering infrastructure in the SHH terminal is completely absent.

There are no restaurants, cafés, bars, or even vending machines with chocolates or fizzy drinks here. The airport is a small waiting room not designed for commercial activity. Therefore, the issue of food must be thought through in advance, at the trip planning stage.

Recommendations for Dining Before Departure and Upon Arrival

Since it is impossible to buy food directly in the terminal building, the following strategies are available to passengers:

• "Bring Your Own": This is the most reliable option. If you are flying from major hubs (Anchorage or Nome), be sure to buy sandwiches, pastries, and drinks there. In Nome, the choice of products is significantly wider and cheaper than in Shishmaref itself.
• Buying in the Village: If you are in Shishmaref and preparing for departure, visit the local shop (General Store) in the village centre. It is about a 15-20 minute walk from the strip. The assortment is limited to long-life goods: canned food, crackers, crisps, chocolate, instant noodles, and carbonated drinks.

Local Cuisine and Delicacies

You will not find restaurants serving haute cuisine in the airport or the village. However, the food culture of the Inupiat is unique. Nature itself serves as the "restaurant" here, and traditional food is what is obtained through hunting and gathering.

If you are lucky enough to be invited to visit local residents (which often happens thanks to their hospitality), you might try:

• Dried or Smoked Fish: A staple food product (salmon, whitefish), prepared during the summer season.
• Tundra Berries: Cloudberries, blueberries, or cranberries, often mixed with fat or sugar (Eskimo ice cream — "akutaq").
• Marine Mammal Meat: Dishes made from seal or walrus are the basis of the diet but have a specific taste and are offered only privately.

Specialised Diet (Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-Free)

For travellers with strict dietary restrictions, visiting Shishmaref and its airport can be a challenge:

• Vegetarians and Vegans: Finding fresh vegetables and fruits in the local store is not always possible; they are flown in and are expensive. There are no ready-made vegetarian dishes for sale. It is strongly recommended to carry a supply of freeze-dried foods, nuts, and protein bars with you.
• Gluten-Free and Halal: Specialised product labelling is practically non-existent in the village store. For Halal needs, rely entirely on your own supplies brought from the "mainland" or suitable fish options if available. Always check ingredients carefully.

Drinks and Water

There are no drinking fountains in the terminal. Considering that the water supply system in permafrost conditions has its own peculiarities, tourists are advised to consume only bottled or boiled water. Be sure to have a bottle of water with you before heading to the airport, as the flight may be delayed due to weather conditions, and there will be nowhere to buy water on site.

Price Range

If you decide to shop at the village store before departure, be prepared for high prices ("bush prices"). The cost of products here is 2–3 times higher than in the continental US due to the complex logistics of air cargo delivery.

Summary for the Passenger: Shishmaref Airport is not suitable for a full meal. Consider it a transit point. The best strategy is to eat a hearty meal before leaving your accommodation and keep a thermos of tea and a light snack in your carry-on luggage.

Travelling to Shishmaref is a unique experience that differs greatly from flights between major metropolises. The rules of small polar aviation ("bush flying") apply here, where safety and weather conditions take precedence over schedules and comfort. To ensure your visit goes smoothly, we have compiled key tips to help prepare for a flight to this remote corner of Alaska.

Optimal Arrival Time

Unlike major international hubs, there is no point in arriving at Shishmaref Airport 2–3 hours early.

• Recommended Time: Arrive 45–60 minutes before departure. This time is quite sufficient for communicating with the airline representative, weighing luggage, and processing documents.
• Why not arrive too early: The terminal is very small, and amenities are minimal. If you arrive too early, you will simply have nothing to do, and in winter, waiting can be uncomfortable if the room has not yet warmed up.

Check-in and Screening: Prepare to be Weighed

The check-in procedure here has its own specific features dictated by the physics of flying on small aircraft:

• Weighing Passengers: This is not a breach of etiquette but a strict safety requirement. The pilot needs to know the exact load weight to balance the aircraft. Be prepared to step on the scales together with your hand luggage or state your exact weight.
• Absence of Strict Screening: There are no shoe scanners or metal detector frames (TSA) here like in big airports. However, the pilot or airline agent has the right to visually inspect your belongings.
• Documents: Always keep photo identification (passport or ID) with you, even if the check seems formal.

Seat Selection: Views and Balance

It is usually impossible to book a specific seat (1A or 5F) online when purchasing a ticket for flights to Shishmaref.

• Seat Allocation: The final word always rests with the pilot. They will indicate where you should sit to ensure the correct centring of the aircraft.
• Best Views: If the pilot allows you to choose a seat ("free seating"), try to sit by the window. The flight over the Bering Strait and the lagoon is an incredible spectacle.
• Co-pilot Seat: On very small planes (e.g., Cessna 208 Caravan), there is sometimes an opportunity to sit next to the pilot (in the co-pilot's seat) if the flight is not full. This offers the best view but requires the commander's permission.

Hand Luggage and Baggage: The Soft Bag Rule

Planes flying to Shishmaref have very limited luggage space.

• Type of Bags: It is strongly recommended to use soft bags, backpacks, or duffle bags. Hard suitcases on wheels are difficult to place in the cargo hold of small aircraft, and they may be refused or sent on the next flight.
• Hand Luggage: There are often no proper overhead bins in such planes. "Hand luggage" is what you hold on your lap or place under the seat. Everything else is checked in as luggage upon boarding.
• What to Take in the Cabin: Keep your camera, medicines, and valuable documents with you. It can be cool or noisy in the cabin, so noise-cancelling headphones and a warm scarf will be useful.
• Prohibited Items: Rules for transporting dangerous substances (gas cylinders, flammable liquids) are observed even more strictly here, as a fire on a small vessel is fatal. Weapons and ammunition are transported only in checked baggage according to Alaska rules.

Tips for Transit Passengers

Almost all travellers fly to Shishmaref with a transfer in Nome or Anchorage. The main rule is to allow a large margin of time.

• Through Check-in: If you are flying with different airlines (e.g., Alaska Airlines to Nome, and then Bering Air to Shishmaref), your luggage will not be transferred automatically. You will have to collect it in Nome and re-register for the local flight.
• Connections: Leave at least 2–3 hours between flights in Nome. Weather in the Arctic is unpredictable, and flight delays from the village of 30–60 minutes are common.

Customs Control and Local Laws

Flights to Shishmaref are domestic, so there is no customs control. However, there is an important nuance:

• Alcohol: Many indigenous communities in Alaska have the status of "dry" or "damp" settlements, where the sale or importation of alcohol may be restricted or prohibited. Shishmaref falls into the category of settlements where the sale of alcohol is prohibited, and importation for personal consumption may be regulated. Please clarify current rules before flying to avoid confiscation or fines and to respect local laws.

Saving Time and Money

• Food with You: Products in Shishmaref are very expensive due to air delivery. Bring a supply of snacks, tea, and freeze-dried food from the "big city" (Anchorage). This will save you a significant amount.
• Cash: Always carry cash US Dollars in small denominations. Paying by card for a snowmobile transfer or a souvenir from a local craftsman is often impossible.
• Baggage: Check baggage allowances with the air carrier (Bering Air). Excess weight on small flights is expensive, and worse, excess cargo may simply not be taken on board if the plane is overloaded.

What to Do If the Flight Is Delayed

Delays and cancellations due to fog, wind, or blizzards are part of life in Shishmaref.

• Patience is Key: Do not demand pilots to fly in bad weather. Your safety is more important than the schedule.
• Have a Plan "B": Be mentally and financially prepared to stay in the village (or in Nome on the way here) for an extra day.
• Communication: If the flight is cancelled, contact your accommodation immediately. Everyone knows everyone in the village, and they will help you find a place to sleep if you are stuck.
• Food and Warmth: If the delay occurs at the airport, ensure you have water and warm clothes. There is no café in the terminal, so your personal supplies will be a lifesaver.