Ralph M Calhoun Memorial Airport

Ralph M. Calhoun Memorial Airport sits on the north bank of the Yukon River, serving the remote Alaskan community of Tanana—accessible only by air or river for most of the year. The airport is named after a local trapper and pilot who played a key role in establishing aviation in the region. With a single gravel runway measuring 4,000 feet, it handles small aircraft like the Cessna Caravan and Piper Navajo, operated by regional carriers such as Warbelow's Air Ventures and Tanana Air Service. The airport is not open every day; operations depend on demand and weather, typically aligning with scheduled flights and mail deliveries. For travelers heading to interior Alaska, this airport represents one of the few reliable connections between Tanana and the outside world.

Getting There

Tanana is approximately 130 air miles west of Fairbanks, and no road connects the village to any highway system. The only practical way to reach the airport is by air from Fairbanks International Airport or from other bush communities. Flights from Fairbanks take about 60 to 90 minutes, depending on aircraft and conditions. During summer, the Yukon River is navigable, and some travelers arrive by boat, then walk or take a short taxi ride (if available) to the terminal. Winter access is almost exclusively by air, as ice roads are not maintained to Tanana. The airport is located about one mile south of the village center; walking or a local ride share—often arranged informally—are the common ways to cover that distance. There is no public transit or rental car service. If you are flying in, confirm your flight schedule with the carrier beforehand, as cancellations due to fog or low clouds are common, especially in fall and spring.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal is basic—a single-story building with a waiting area, check-in counter, and a small baggage claim area. No jet bridges; passengers walk across the tarmac to board. The interior is utilitarian: linoleum floors, plastic chairs, and a wall-mounted television that may show local weather. Restrooms are available, but there is no food service or vending machines. The airport is only staffed during flight times, so if you arrive early, you may find the doors locked. Seasonal decorations sometimes appear—a string of Christmas lights or a poster for the Tanana Cultural Center. The atmosphere is quiet and unhurried; passengers greet each other by name, and the agent often knows everyone on the flight. Prepare for temperature extremes: the terminal is heated in winter but can be chilly in fall and spring. Bring snacks, water, and entertainment for any wait. Check-in is straightforward—show ID, weigh your bag (carry-on weight is strictly enforced on small planes), and board when called. There is no security screening in the usual sense, but pilots may do a quick passenger ID check.

Ralph M. Calhoun Memorial Airport and Tanana

Tanana is a historic Athabascan village with a population of around 230 people, situated at the confluence of the Tanana and Yukon Rivers. This location has been a trading and meeting point for indigenous peoples for centuries, and the Russian and American fur trade later used it as a hub. The village maintains a strong subsistence lifestyle—fishing for salmon, hunting moose and caribou, and gathering berries. Visitors come to Tanana for cultural immersion, to experience rural Alaska, or for guided fishing and hunting trips. Key attractions include the Yukon River ferry (free, operates in summer), the Tanana Cultural Center which displays artifacts and hosts language classes, and the historic St. James Episcopal Mission church. The surrounding area offers opportunities for birdwatching (sandhill cranes, eagles), river tours, and photography of vast wilderness. The airport is more than a transit point; it is the community's lifeline for mail, medical evacuations, and cargo. Its closure due to flooding or ice conditions directly impacts the village's supply chain. Understanding this—and the community's reliance on aviation—gives the traveler perspective. When visiting, respect local customs: ask permission before taking photos, be mindful of private property, and support local businesses such as the Tanana General Store or the small café that opens during barge seasons. The airport's presence has shaped modern Tanana, allowing students to fly to Fairbanks for boarding school and elders to receive medical care in town.

Practical Information

The airport is not open on a daily basis. Flight schedules vary by season, with more frequent services in summer (often twice daily) and reduced frequency in winter (sometimes only a few times a week). Always confirm with the airline before planning travel. The airport is managed by the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities. Contact: (907) 366-7314 (Tanana Airport manager's office, hours vary). No official website; check airline websites for schedule. Phone numbers for regional carriers: Warbelow's Air Ventures (907) 474-0510, Tanana Air Service (907) 366-7300. There are no hotels in Tanana, but some residents offer informal lodging; inquire at the village council office (907) 366-7139. Pack for all weather: rain gear, warm layers, insect repellent (summer) and insulated boots (winter). Most importantly, if flying from Fairbanks, ensure your return flight is booked in advance—last-minute seats are often full. The one piece of advice that will serve any traveler: bring cash. There is no ATM in Tanana, and card services are unreliable. Small flights may require payment in cash, and local vendors do not accept credit cards.