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 on track to restore scheduled air service to Anchorage after a 22-year hiatus, following a petition to the U.S. Department of Transportation to rejoin the Essential Air Service (EAS) program.
Two carriers, Kenai Aviation and Reeve Air Alaska, are bidding for the contract, proposing 3 to 6 weekly flights and requesting federal subsidies between $1 million and $1.4 million.
The reintroduction of flights aims to support local businesses, the community, and improve access to essential health services, including a new clinic opening in Seward.
The U.S. Department of Transportation will make a decision on the proposals after a public comment period, which closes on December 19.

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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.