Northway Airport

Northway Airport sits 3.5 miles northwest of the community of Northway, Alaska, near the border with Canada's Yukon Territory. It serves primarily general aviation and occasional medevac flights, but it is no longer a hub of activity. The single runway (5/23) is paved and in fair condition, but the terminal and other buildings stand empty. This airport once saw regular traffic during the Cold War era as a refueling stop, but today it functions as a ghost strip where the most reliable service comes from the radio operator.

Getting There

Northway is located along the Alaska Highway, roughly 70 miles east of Tok, Alaska, and about 15 miles west of the Canadian border at Beaver Creek. To reach the airport from the highway, turn north onto Northway Road (gravel) and follow it for about 3.5 miles. The road is generally passable in dry conditions but can become muddy or snowy depending on the season. There is no public transportation to the airport. Most visitors arrive by private aircraft or personal vehicle. The nearest town with services is Tok, which has fuel, lodging, and a small grocery store. From Tok, the drive takes about an hour. The airport itself has no rental cars or taxis; any ground transport must be arranged in advance. The Alaska Highway is a well-maintained two-lane road, but be prepared for long stretches without services. In winter, temperatures can drop below -40°F, making vehicle reliability critical.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal building at Northway Airport is a single-story structure that appears abandoned. The doors are typically locked, and there is no public waiting area, restroom, or concession. The building shows signs of neglect—peeling paint, broken windows, and an overall sense of disuse. On the ramp, a few derelict aircraft and old equipment hint at busier days. The radio operator, reached on 122.8 MHz, is often the only human contact. They may offer assistance, such as water, but cannot provide fuel without prior arrangement. There is no security screening, no baggage claim, and no airline counters. For pilots and passengers, the experience is one of self-sufficiency: bring your own supplies, including food, water, and any emergency gear. The runway itself is in fair condition, with some cracks and vegetation along the edges, but it is usable for most general aviation aircraft. There is no lighting for night operations. The airport is unattended; the radio operator may or may not be present on the frequency during busy times listed as Monday noon, Tuesday 7 pm, Wednesday 3 am, Thursday 2 pm.

Northway Airport and Northway

Northway is a small community with a population of around 200, primarily of Athabascan descent. The area has been inhabited for thousands of years, but the modern village formed around a U.S. Army airfield built during World War II as part of the Northwest Staging Route, a chain of airfields used to ferry aircraft to the Soviet Union under Lend-Lease. After the war, the military left, and the community shifted toward subsistence living and small-scale tourism. The Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge, which surrounds Northway, offers exceptional opportunities for wildlife viewing—moose, bears, wolves, and waterfowl—as well as fishing for salmon and grayling. The Northway people are known for their intricate beadwork and traditional crafts, which can sometimes be purchased at the village store or during cultural events. The Alaska Highway passes nearby, attracting road travelers seeking adventure in the remote interior. However, the airport itself is a relic. Once a bustling refueling stop for military and civilian traffic, it now stands largely deserted. The contrast between its past and present is stark; travelers who remember the airport in the 1990s speak of a courtesy car, a restaurant, and a lively atmosphere. Today, the buildings sit empty, and the only sounds are wind and the occasional aircraft. For those willing to venture beyond the fence, the village offers a glimpse of rural Alaskan life—quiet, self-reliant, and deeply connected to the land. The main attractions are not in the airport but in the vast wilderness around it: hiking, fishing, and solitude. The airport serves as a gateway to this wilderness, but it offers nothing itself. Visitors should come with realistic expectations and a spirit of adventure.

Practical Information

Northway Airport (IATA: N/A, ICAO: PAOR) is a public-use airport operating on a limited schedule. Based on the busiest times—Monday at noon, Tuesday at 7 pm, Wednesday at 3 am, Thursday at 2 pm—the radio operator is most likely to be available during those windows. However, the airport itself is open for aircraft operations at all times, weather permitting. For assistance, call +1 907-883-5128. There is no website. Fuel is available only on a call-out basis and requires prior arrangement—contact the radio operator or phone number at least 24 hours in advance. No other pilot services exist; there is no hangar, no maintenance, and no courtesy car. Pilots should ensure they have sufficient fuel to reach an alternative airport such as Tok (about 70 miles west) or Burwash Landing, Yukon (about 60 miles east). During winter, be prepared for extreme cold and ensure aircraft winterization. The runway is not plowed regularly; check with the radio operator for snow conditions. There are no lodging options at the airport. The nearest accommodations are in Tok or at roadhouses along the Alaska Highway. For those determined to visit the village of Northway, inquire locally about lodging or camping. One concrete piece of advice: treat Northway as a stop of last resort, not a destination. Confirm fuel availability before departure, bring all supplies, and file a flight plan with a clear alternate in mind.