St George Airport

New Saint George Airport (PBV) sits on the west side of St George Island, one of the remote Pribilof Islands in the Bering Sea. It is the only commercial air access for a community of roughly 100 residents whose lives revolve around subsistence fishing, crabbing, and the legacy of the fur seal harvest. The airport consists of a single asphalt runway—1,850 metres long and in notably good condition—and a small terminal building. Flights are infrequent: PenAir (now part of Ravn Alaska) used to operate, but as of recent years, service is primarily via small charter operators from Anchorage or Cold Bay. The airport is not open every day; schedules are weather-dependent and often seasonal, with peak activity during summer months when daylight extends and the Bering Sea is more forgiving.

Getting There

St George Island is reachable only by air or sea. From Anchorage, the flight distance is about 1,300 kilometres southwest, typically involving a stop in Cold Bay or King Salmon. Travel time is roughly three to four hours in a small turboprop like a Saab 340 or Cessna Caravan. There are no scheduled commercial flights on a daily basis; travel must be arranged through a charter company or as part of a tour (e.g., birding or cultural tourism groups). By sea, the Alaska Marine Highway does not serve St George; private vessels or occasional freight barges are the only alternative. Once on the island, the airport is about 3 kilometres from the main village—a walk of 30 minutes on unpaved roads, or a lift from a local. There is no taxi service or rental car. Most accommodations arrange airport pickup. Planning is essential: confirm your flight at least 48 hours ahead, and be prepared for cancellations due to fog, high winds, or low cloud. The island has no cell phone coverage outside the village; bring a satellite phone if you need reliable communication before arrival.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal is a single-storey building, functional and no-nonsense. Upon arrival, passengers walk from the aircraft across the tarmac to a small door. Inside, a combined waiting area and check-in zone holds about 20 seats. The floor is linoleum, the walls are painted a faded institutional blue, and the lighting is fluorescent—giving the space a slightly depressing atmosphere, especially during gray weather. A counter serves as both check-in and baggage claim. There is no jet bridge, security screening is minimal (though you still need ID), and no food or beverage options beyond a vending machine that is often empty. The duty-free selection is virtually nonexistent—a few shelves with overpriced souvenirs and snacks. What the terminal lacks in amenities it makes up for in practicality: it is wheelchair-accessible with a ramp and a designated parking space, and the staff are usually accommodating. The real strength is outside: the runway surface is exceptional for a remote Alaskan airport, well-maintained and smooth. For departure, arrive at least an hour early; the check-in process is quick, but aircraft loading is unsheltered in wind and rain—dress for the Bering Sea weather.

New Saint George Airport and St George

St George Island is part of the Pribilof Islands, a group of four volcanic islands in the Bering Sea. The island's name comes from the Russian explorer Gavriil Pribylov, who discovered the islands in 1786 for their massive fur seal colonies. For over a century, the Pribilofs were the center of the North American fur seal trade, and the indigenous Unangax̂ (Aleut) people were forcibly relocated to St George and St Paul to harvest seals. Today, the population of St George is around 100, mostly Unangax̂, and the village retains a strong cultural identity with subsistence hunting, fishing, and traditional crafts. The island is also a world-class birding destination: millions of seabirds nest on the cliffs, including red-legged kittiwakes, puffins, and cormorants. The St George Island State Historical Park protects the old Russian Orthodox church and village site. For travelers, the attraction is raw nature and remote isolation—no paved roads, no supermarkets, and a landscape of windswept tundra. Visitors come for the birding, the history, or simply to experience one of the most remote inhabited places in North America. The airport is the lifeline: without it, the community would exist on intermittent barge deliveries. Flights carry mail, medical supplies, and the occasional tourist. The runway's good condition is a matter of survival, not comfort. If you come, expect to slow down: the island has no daily schedule beyond the flight arrival. The airport's quiet hours—and its infrequent operation—mirror the island's pace.

Practical Information

New Saint George Airport (PBV) is not open daily. According to FAA records, operating hours are limited, and the busiest times are typically Monday 8 pm, Tuesday 7 pm, Wednesday 4 am, and Thursday 8 pm—likely corresponding to charter or cargo flights. Always call ahead: +1 907-842-5511 (this number connects to the St George city office, which can relay to the airport). The website is the FAA airport lookup page (nfdc.faa.gov), but for practical information, contact the City of St George directly. There are no ATMs, no car rentals, and no hotels within walking distance of the terminal; arrange lodging and transport before arriving. Pack all food, water, and medications, as the island's store has limited stock. Finally, one concrete tip: if you are flying out, bring a printed boarding pass or written confirmation; the terminal's computer system occasionally goes offline, and handwritten manifests are still used. In such a place, a backup is not paranoia—it's common sense.