Merle K (Mudhole) Smith Airport

Merle K. (Mudhole) Smith Airport sits on the Copper River Delta, 13 miles east of Cordova, Alaska, serving as the sole commercial air gateway to this coastal community of about 2,200 people. The airport, named after the pioneering bush pilot Merle K. Smith, does not connect to any road network leading out of the region — Cordova remains one of the few towns in Alaska inaccessible by road from the rest of the state. Instead, the airport handles flights from Anchorage and other nearby communities, mostly on Alaska Airlines and Ravn Alaska. The single runway (runway 4/22) is 5,500 feet long, sufficient for regional jets like the Boeing 737. Despite its remote location, the airport is well-maintained and sees a steady flow of passengers, especially during the summer fishing season and the spring Copper River salmon run. The busiest times are around noon on weekdays, when flights to Anchorage depart.

Getting There

Cordova is not connected to any other town by road, but from Cordova itself the airport is accessible via the Copper River Highway, a mostly gravel road that runs east from the town. The drive takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Most visitors use a taxi or a hotel shuttle; there is no public bus. Taxis can be arranged in advance, and some lodges offer complimentary airport transfers. If you have a rental car — rare in Cordova but available from a few local agencies — the airport has ample parking. The road can be rough in places, so allow extra time if it has been raining. For those arriving by ferry on the Alaska Marine Highway (which docks at Cordova), the airport is a short taxi ride away, but be sure to check ferry schedules carefully as they are infrequent. There is no direct road from the airport to any other community; you must go through Cordova first.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal at Merle K. (Mudhole) Smith Airport is compact and functional. Handicapped-accessible features include an accessible entrance, accessible car parking, and accessible toilets. The building contains a small waiting area with chairs, a counter for airline check-in, and a security checkpoint. There are no restaurants or shops inside the terminal — only a vending machine with snacks and drinks. Passengers should bring their own food if they expect to wait. Free Wi-Fi is not always reliable; it is best to download entertainment beforehand. The atmosphere is quiet and community-oriented; staff are often locals who can answer questions about Cordova. On arrival, baggage claim is a single carousel. The entire process from curb to gate takes only a few minutes. There is no lounge. Because the airport can be quiet, it is advisable to arrive at least 30 minutes before your flight to ensure sufficient time for check-in and security.

Merle K. (Mudhole) Smith Airport and Cordova

Cordova is a town defined by its isolation and its intimate connection to the surrounding wilderness. Commercial fishing — particularly salmon, halibut, and crab — drives the local economy, and the airport is the lifeline that transports the catch and brings in supplies and visitors. The Copper River Delta, one of the largest contiguous wetland ecosystems in North America, lies just to the east, and the Chugach National Forest envelopes the town. Outdoor recreation is a primary draw: visitors come for guided fishing trips, kayaking among icebergs in Prince William Sound, and hiking trails like the one to the historic 1906 copper mine at the end of the Copper River Highway. The Cordova Museum and the Ilanka Cultural Center offer insights into the area’s Eyak and Russian heritage. Wildlife viewing is exceptional — black and brown bears, bald eagles, sea otters, and migrating birds are common sights. The annual Copper River salmon season in May brings a surge of activity, with seafood buyers and chefs flying in to sample the first catch. The airport itself is a point of pride: its name, Mudhole, acknowledges the original muddy airstrip, while Smith honors the pilot who first used it. For residents, the airport is not just a transport hub but a symbol of connection to the outside world, carrying everything from mail to medical evacuees. Without it, Cordova would be accessible only by boat or ferry, a journey of several hours from Whittier. Travelers should plan their visits around the short summer season (June to August) for the best weather and maximum daylight, but be prepared for rain — Cordova receives over 150 inches of precipitation annually.

Practical Information

The airport terminal is not staffed 24/7; opening hours are limited to flight times. On Mondays through Thursdays, the busiest times are around noon (12 pm to 1 pm), so plan your arrival accordingly. The phone number for the airport is +1 907-424-3202. For flight information, contact the airline directly. There is no hotel at the airport; accommodations are in Cordova. If you have a layover, note that there is no place to eat inside the terminal, so bring snacks. Weather can delay flights significantly, especially in winter when ice and fog are common. Always check your flight status before heading to the airport. One concrete piece of advice: If you are flying out of Cordova during the salmon season, book your flight well in advance — seats fill quickly with commercial fishermen and seafood processors.