Annette Island Airport

Annette Island Airport sits on the southern coast of Annette Island, serving the Metlakatla Indian Community, a Tsimshian settlement with no road connection to mainland Alaska. The airport occupies a single asphalt runway that once supported military operations during World War II and now functions primarily for general aviation, charter flights, and the occasional scheduled air taxi. Its remote location — 15 air miles south of Ketchikan and accessible only by water or air — makes it a vital link for a community of roughly 1,400 residents who depend on reliable transport for medical visits, supplies, and seasonal employment. The airport is not open 24 hours; operations align with flight schedules and daylight, particularly during the long winter months. Peak activity occurs early on weekdays, with Monday mornings seeing the heaviest traffic as workers and supplies move in and out.

Getting There

Reaching Annette Island Airport requires planning, as no direct road connects it to the nearest city, Ketchikan. The most common approach is to take the Metlakatla Ferry from Ketchikan's cruise ship dock, a 30-minute crossing that operates several times daily, weather permitting. Once at the Metlakatla ferry terminal, the airport is a short walk or a quick taxi ride (there are a few local drivers) — approximately 1.5 miles north along the island's only paved road. Alternatively, visitors can fly from Ketchikan to Annette Island on a charter floatplane, which lands on the water near the runway; this cuts travel time to 10 minutes but costs significantly more. Private boat owners can dock at the community's small boat harbor, then walk to the airport. For those driving within Metlakatla, the road is straightforward but unlit at night, and parking at the airport is free but limited to a small gravel lot. No rental cars are available on the island, so arranging transport with a local contact is advisable. Flight schedules are irregular and often weather-dependent; calling ahead to the air taxi company is essential.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal building at Annette Island Airport is a single-story structure that prioritizes function over comfort. On arrival, passengers step directly from the tarmac into a small waiting room equipped with a few plastic chairs, a counter for check-in, and a bulletin board listing flight notices. There is no jet bridge, no baggage carousel — luggage is hand-loaded from aircraft and brought inside. Security consists of a simple screening area; for small planes, passengers often walk straight to the aircraft after verifying identification with the pilot. Restrooms are available but basic — a single unisex stall with a sink. There is no food or beverage service, no vending machines, and no Wi-Fi. A small office adjacent to the waiting area houses airport staff, who can assist with flight coordination and emergency contacts. Passengers spending time here should bring their own snacks, water, and reading material. The atmosphere is quiet and unhurried; conversations with fellow travelers are common, as many are locals who know each other. Departures involve a simple boarding call, often by the pilot walking into the terminal to announce the flight. The terminal is locked when no flights are scheduled, so arriving early may mean waiting outside. Dress warmly, as the building is heated but can feel cool in winter.

Annette Island Airport and the Region

The airport is more than a transit point — it is the gateway to Metlakatla, one of Alaska's most culturally rich and historically significant Native communities. The Metlakatla Indian Community, composed primarily of Tsimshian people, was established in 1887 when a group of Tsimshian from British Columbia, led by Anglican missionary William Duncan, relocated here to preserve their culture and avoid forced assimilation. Today, the community maintains strong traditions in fishing, carving, and dance, evident in the totem poles scattered throughout the town and the annual Metlakatla Heritage Festival. The surrounding geography is quintessential Southeast Alaska: temperate rainforest with towering Sitka spruce, ferns, and moss-covered terrain, frequent rain, and abundant wildlife. Sitka black-tailed deer, black bears, and bald eagles are commonly seen, and the waters around Annette Island teem with salmon and halibut. Fishing is the economic mainstay, with the Annette Island Packing Company operating a major cannery that provides seasonal employment. For visitors, the region offers guided fishing charters, kayaking, and hiking on trails that wind through old-growth forest. The nearby Tsimshian Cultural Centre showcases artifacts, regalia, and stories. History buffs can explore remnants of the WWII-era naval air station, including a decaying hangar and concrete foundations — a poignant reminder of the island's military past. The airport itself, though modest, is a lifeline: it enables medevac flights for emergencies, transports mail and supplies, and connects residents to the larger world. Without it, Metlakatla would be even more isolated, relying solely on ferries and boats that can be shut down by winter storms. Understanding this context makes a stop at Annette Island Airport feel less like a simple layover and more like an introduction to a resilient community that has thrived in one of America's most remote corners.

Practical Information

Annette Island Airport is not staffed 24/7; it operates in conjunction with scheduled flights, typically from early morning (around 5 AM) until early afternoon or when the last flight departs. The busiest times are Monday at midnight (midnight is 12 AM, reflecting early-week charters) and early Tuesday through Thursday mornings. Contact the Metlakatla Indian Community administrative office at (907) 886-3301 for current flight information and airport contact details. There is no airport website; bookings are made through air taxi operators such as Taquan Air or Island Air Taxi, based in Ketchikan. Confirm all arrangements in advance and re-confirm the day of travel due to weather. Pack essentials: rain gear, a warm jacket (even in summer), and food/water. The terminal offers no cover outside, so wait inside if possible. One concrete piece of advice: always bring a backup plan — extra cash, a flexible itinerary, and a way to stay overnight if weather grounds your flight. The Ketchikan ferry runs less frequently in winter, so know the last departure time.