Wiley Post-Will Rogers Memorial Airport

Welcome to the aerial gateway at the "Top of the World"! Wiley Post-Will Rogers Memorial Airport is not merely a transport hub, but a true legend of polar aviation, situated where the land of Alaska meets the waters of the Arctic Ocean. It is the only year-round route connecting the northernmost city in the USA with the mainland, giving it the special status of a "lifeline". Landing here marks the beginning of an adventure, as the view from the window offers breathtaking vistas of the boundless tundra and icy expanses.

Features and Advantages of the Airport:

Utqiagvik Airport is unique due to its location and significance for the region. Despite its modest size, it possesses a number of characteristic features that make it memorable for every traveller:

• Geographical Record Holder: This is the northernmost airport within the United States of America. A flight here is a chance to cross the Arctic Circle and find yourself in the realm of permafrost.
• Incredible Views: Thanks to the absolutely flat landscape and location right on the coast, passengers can see the Arctic Ocean immediately after disembarking the aircraft. During the winter period, the airfield becomes an excellent platform for observing the Northern Lights.
• Unique Runway: The runway is built on permafrost and paved with asphalt, which is an engineering achievement for such latitudes. It is capable of receiving modern jet liners, including the Boeing 737.
• Historical Memory: The airport's name preserves the memory of the famous aviator Wiley Post and humorist Will Rogers. Not far from the airfield, a memorial marker is installed at the site of their demise, reminding us of the heroism of Arctic pioneers.
• Critical Infrastructure: Since there are no roads connecting Utqiagvik with the rest of the world, the airport is a vital artery. It is through here that fresh produce, mail, and medicines arrive in the city.

If you need to contact the administration of Wiley Post-Will Rogers Memorial Airport (BRW), please use the following contact details. Please note that this is a small regional airport, and some services, such as baggage tracing, are provided directly by the airlines.

• Official Website: You can find basic information about the airport on the official page of the Alaska Department of Transportation: dot.alaska.gov/ncr/brw/.
• Information Desk Phone: For general enquiries, you can contact the airport manager's office by phone: +1 (907) 852-5211.
• Airport Address: 1737 Ahkovak St, Utqiagvik, AK 99723, USA.
• Email: An official email address for passengers is not provided. It is recommended to use the telephone for communication.
• Social Media: The airport does not have official accounts on social networks.
• Lost Luggage Information: For all issues related to lost, delayed, or damaged luggage, you must contact your airline's support service directly.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For assistance within the airport building, please approach your airline's representatives at the check-in counter or call the airport information service.

Getting to Wiley Post-Will Rogers Memorial Airport (BRW) in Utqiagvik is not difficult, as it is located in the immediate vicinity of the city. Given the compact size and unique location of this northernmost city in the USA, transport options here are specific and differ from those found in major metropolises.

Taxi and Hotel Transfer

The most common and convenient way to get to the airport is by taxi or hotel shuttle. A trip from any point in the city will take just 5-10 minutes. Several local taxi services operate in Utqiagvik. Given the unpredictable weather, it is recommended to book a car in advance. Many hotels offer their guests free or paid transfers to the airport, so be sure to check this possibility when booking accommodation. This is the most reliable option, especially during the winter period.

Car Rental and Private Transport

If you have rented a vehicle (usually an SUV or pickup truck adapted to local conditions), you can easily drive to the airport yourself. The road network in the city is minimal, and it is practically impossible to get lost. The airport has a car park where you can leave your vehicle. In the context of a small town, parking usually presents no difficulty and may be free of charge.

Public Transport Features and Walking

It is important to know that Utqiagvik lacks a public transport system in the traditional sense—there are no city buses, metro, or trains here. The distances are so small that in good weather, you can walk to the airport from some parts of the city. However, this option should only be considered during the summer months and under favourable weather conditions, as the Arctic climate can be harsh and changeable.

Wiley Post-Will Rogers Memorial Airport (BRW) is a small regional airport serving the city of Utqiagvik in Alaska, USA. Its structure is extremely simple and adapted for passenger comfort in northern conditions. The airport operates one passenger terminal, which handles all flights—both arrivals and departures.

The terminal is a compact single-storey building, making navigation through it extremely easy. All main zones—check-in counters, security screening, the waiting lounge, and baggage claim—are within walking distance of each other. Thanks to the small size and logical layout, getting lost here is practically impossible, and signs help to orient yourself quickly.

Since there is only one terminal, there is no need for transfers between buildings. Departure and Arrival zones are located in different parts of the same building. After check-in, passengers pass through the single security checkpoint and enter a cosy waiting lounge with a boarding gate. The baggage claim area is located immediately at the exit for arriving passengers and consists of a simple belt or distribution area.

Check-in and security screening at Utqiagvik Airport typically take very little time due to low passenger traffic. Long queues here are a rarity. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 60 minutes before departure for a domestic flight to calmly check in luggage and complete all formalities. Given the region's harsh weather conditions, always check the status of your flight in advance, as schedule changes are possible.

The history of Wiley Post-Will Rogers Memorial Airport (BRW) is inextricably linked with the history of Arctic exploration and serves as a tribute to two outstanding Americans. The airport is named in honour of the famous pilot Wiley Post and the nationally beloved humorist Will Rogers, who tragically died in a plane crash near Point Barrow (the former name of Utqiagvik) on 15 August 1935. This tragedy drew the entire country's attention to the importance and dangers of flying in the Far North.

The airfield itself was built significantly later, during World War II, by the US Army as a military facility. In the post-war years, its role transformed, and it became a key civil facility ensuring the isolated city's connection with the rest of the world. Initially having only a dirt runway, the airport underwent several stages of modernisation to meet the growing needs of the region.

The largest reconstruction took place in the 1980s. During this period, the runway was paved with asphalt and lengthened, allowing it to receive larger and more modern aircraft, such as the Boeing 737. A new passenger terminal was also built, replacing the older, more modest building. These improvements significantly increased flight safety and comfort for passengers.

Today, BRW Airport is not just a transport hub, but a true "lifeline" for the residents of Utqiagvik. It plays a crucial role in supplying the city with food, mail, and essential goods, and also serves as a base for scientific expeditions and support for the oil and gas industry. Working in extreme weather conditions—with strong winds, polar nights, and low temperatures—is the main daily achievement of the airport staff, ensuring uninterrupted communication for America's northernmost city with the rest of the world.

Wiley Post-Will Rogers Memorial Airport (BRW) is a small regional airport serving the city of Utqiagvik. The level of service here corresponds to its size and remote location, providing passengers with basic amenities necessary for a comfortable wait for their flight.

Dining and shopping options at the airport are quite limited. Typically, a small café or snack bar operates in the terminal, where you can drink coffee and eat a sandwich. A vending machine may also be available. A souvenir shop offers goods reflecting local culture and travel essentials.

For the convenience of passengers, free Wi-Fi is provided in the terminal building. The waiting lounge has power outlets allowing you to charge mobile phones, laptops, and other electronic devices before your flight.

Specialised VIP lounges or business lounges are absent at the airport. Banking services and currency exchange points are not provided here, so it is recommended to take care of cash in advance. However, an ATM may be installed in the terminal. Medical assistance is limited to basic first aid supplies, and for serious cases, it is necessary to contact city medical facilities.

The airport is equipped to serve passengers with reduced mobility in accordance with accessibility standards. For travellers with small children, changing tables are usually provided in the restrooms. There are no designated play areas for children.

There are no hotels directly on the airport territory. The nearest accommodation options are located in the city of Utqiagvik itself, which can be reached by taxi or shuttle in a few minutes. Conference rooms and business centres are not provided at the airport.

When planning a flight through Wiley Post-Will Rogers Memorial Airport (BRW) in Utqiagvik, it is important to remember that this is a small regional airport serving a remote region. Consequently, the choice of dining establishments here is limited, but you will be able to find everything necessary for a comfortable wait.

In the airport's single terminal, there is a small café which is the main place to grab a bite. It is located in the public zone (landside), before passing through security control. It is strongly recommended to eat here, as in the sterile zone (airside) after screening, the choice is typically limited to vending machines with drinks and snacks.

The café menu offers basic and filling dishes suitable for both a quick snack and a more substantial lunch. Here you will find:

• Hot drinks: Coffee, tea, hot chocolate.
• Quick snacks: Sandwiches, pastries, crisps, and sweets.
• Hot dishes: Soups of the day, burgers, hot dogs, and other simple American dishes.

Although it is difficult to find exquisite traditional Inupiat cuisine here, sometimes special offers using local products, such as fish or venison, may appear on the menu.

Passengers with special dietary needs (vegetarians, vegans, or those on a gluten-free diet) should be prepared for a very limited selection. Please note that Halal options are generally not standard in this region. It is best to check the ingredients of dishes with the café staff. If you have strict dietary restrictions, the most reliable option is to bring food with you. Prices in the café may be higher than the average in the USA, which is due to the high cost of delivering products to this Arctic region. The establishment's opening hours depend directly on the flight schedule—it opens before departures and closes after the last planes have left.

Travelling through Wiley Post-Will Rogers Memorial Airport is a unique experience requiring a little preparation. Despite being a small regional airport serving the northernmost city in the USA, Utqiagvik, standard aviation rules apply. It is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 1.5–2 hours before departure. This time is usually sufficient, as there are no large queues here. Registration and security screening processes are much faster than in major hubs, but TSA (Transportation Security Administration) rules apply in full.

When choosing a seat on the plane, prefer a window seat. In clear weather, unforgettable views of the Arctic tundra and the coast of the Arctic Ocean will open up to you. Regarding hand luggage, remember the standard restrictions: liquids in containers no larger than 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag, as well as the ban on carrying sharp and flammable items. Given the remoteness of the region, be sure to check your airline's baggage allowance, as smaller aircraft with strict weight restrictions may be used on these routes.

Passengers with connections should note that the airport in Utqiagvik is not a major transit hub. Most flights are direct to Anchorage or Fairbanks. If you have a layover planned, be prepared for limited options for long waits in the terminal. Since the airport mainly serves domestic flights, customs control is irrelevant for most travellers. It is conducted only for rare international charter flights.

To save time and money, book flight tickets in advance, as the number of flights is limited and demand can be high, especially during the tourist season. It is also wise to bring light snacks with you, as the selection at the airport and prices in the city may surprise you. Packing light luggage will help avoid excess weight fees, which can be significant with regional carriers.

The main advice for those travelling through Utqiagvik is to be prepared for flight delays. Severe weather conditions, such as blizzards, strong winds, or fog, are a common occurrence for the Arctic and often cause schedule changes. Always have essential items (medicines, warm clothing, a charger) in your hand luggage, maintain contact with the airline for up-to-date information, and treat possible delays with understanding—safety in such conditions is paramount.