Ketchikan International Airport

Overview

Ketchikan International Airport (KTN) is the primary commercial airport serving the Ketchikan region in southeast Alaska. It is a small but essential gateway for passengers traveling to and from the Inside Passage, a network of waterways and islands that make up Alaska’s Panhandle. The airport handles scheduled flights from major carriers like Alaska Airlines, connecting Ketchikan to hubs such as Seattle and Anchorage. Given the remote nature of the region, the airport is a vital link for both residents and visitors, supporting tourism, business, and cargo movement. Despite its name, the airport itself is located on Gravina Island, not on Ketchikan’s main island, which adds a unique ferry connection to the journey.

Ketchikan International Airport operates as a commercial service airport but also supports general aviation and floatplane operations, reflecting the importance of air travel in a region where road connections are limited. The terminal is modern enough to handle the passenger volume, which peaks during the summer tourism season and during fishing season when visitors flock to the area.

Location & Access

The airport sits on Gravina Island, approximately 4 miles from downtown Ketchikan. The two are separated by the Tongass Narrows, a narrow stretch of saltwater. To get between the airport and Ketchikan, passengers must use the Inter-Island Ferry Authority or a private water taxi. The public ferry operates regularly, is free for pedestrians, and charges a small fee for vehicles. The crossing takes about 7–10 minutes, making it a quick and scenic trip.

From the Ketchikan ferry terminal, taxis, rental cars, and hotel shuttles are available to reach hotels, the cruise ship docks, or other points on the island. The airport is also accessible by road on Gravina Island, but the only road leads to the ferry terminal. There is no bridge connecting the islands, so the ferry is the only land-based option for cars and pedestrians.

Nearby communities include Saxman (a small Native village) and Ward Cove, both reachable by road from Ketchikan’s main area. The airport primarily serves Ketchikan, but travelers heading to other southeast Alaska towns like Metlakatla or Hyder typically connect through here as well.

Facilities

Ketchikan International Airport offers a range of basic amenities to make travel comfortable, especially given the often rainy weather of southeast Alaska. Confirmed facilities include:

• Wheelchair-accessible car park: Designated spaces close to the terminal.
• Wheelchair-accessible entrance: Automatic doors and ramps for easy access.
• Wheelchair-accessible toilet: Restrooms equipped for passengers with mobility needs.
• Toilet: Standard restrooms available.
• Wi-Fi: Complimentary wireless internet in the terminal.
• Changing table(s): Baby changing facilities in restrooms.

The terminal is compact, so services are limited but sufficient. There is no on-site hotel, but the airport’s small size means easy navigation. Check with your airline for any additional amenities like lounges, as none are confirmed. For food and shopping, options are minimal; it’s best to bring snacks or eat in Ketchikan before your flight.

About the Region

Ketchikan is known as the “Salmon Capital of the World” and is a premier destination for sport fishing, especially for king, sockeye, and coho salmon. The city sits at the foot of mountainous islands covered in temperate rainforest—part of the Tongass National Forest, the largest national forest in the United States. Misty Fjords National Monument, a stunning wilderness of glacially carved fjords, waterfalls, and granite cliffs, is accessible by air or boat from Ketchikan.

Cruise ships make Ketchikan a regular port of call, bringing thousands of visitors during the summer. The town’s boardwalk, Creek Street, is a historic area with shops and galleries. The region is rich in Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian Native cultures, with totem pole parks like Saxman Totem Park and Totem Bight State Historical Park nearby.

Travelers come for outdoor adventures—fishing, kayaking, hiking, flightseeing, and wildlife viewing (bears, eagles, whales). The climate is mild but wet, with an average of 13 feet of rain per year; pack waterproof gear.

Practical Information

Airport Hours: The terminal opens daily but not 24/7. Typical hours align with flight schedules. Peak passenger times are around 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM, so plan accordingly.

Contact:

• Phone: +1 907-225-6800
• Website: http://www.borough.ketchikan.ak.us/130/Airport

The airport is operated by the Ketchikan Gateway Borough. For current flight information, ferry schedules, or parking details, check the official website or call ahead. There is no ATM on-site, so bring cash if needed. If you have a long layover, the ferry ride to Ketchikan’s downtown is a pleasant way to see the harbor and maybe grab a meal.