Alaska Airport Could Regain Air Service After 22-Year Hiatus

One community is set to be reincorporated into the federal government’s Essential Air Service program.

Ryan Ewing

Thursday, December 12, 2024 at 11:47 AM ET

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Edited By: tccjeremy

A Kenai Aviation aircraft [Credit: Kenai Aviation]

Key Takeaways:

Seward, Alaska, is seeking to reinstate scheduled air service, absent for 22 years, after its City Manager petitioned the U.S. DOT to restore the town to the Essential Air Service (EAS) program.
Two carriers, Kenai Aviation and Reeve Air Alaska, are bidding to provide flights to Anchorage, proposing up to six times per week during peak months and requiring federal subsidies between $1 million and $1.4 million.
Local officials advocate for the return of flights, citing benefits for local businesses, the community, and crucial access to a new health clinic opening in Seward.
The U.S. DOT will make a decision after a public comment period, which closes on December 19, on which carrier will be awarded the contract.

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Following a 22-year pause, Seward, Alaska, may once again see scheduled flights. The town’s airport last had scheduled air service in 2002.

According to a website article on Public Radio for the Central Kenai Peninsula (KBBI-AM 890 in Homer, Alaska), two carriers are bidding to serve Seward after City Manager Kat Sorensen petitioned the U.S. Department of Transportation to have the town restored to the EAS program.