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 poised to regain scheduled air service to Anchorage after a 22-year hiatus, following its City Manager's petition to the U.S. Department of Transportation for re-inclusion in the Essential Air Service (EAS) program.
Two carriers, Kenai Aviation and Reeve Air Alaska, are bidding for the route, proposing flights up to six times per week during peak months and requesting federal subsidies of approximately $1 million and $1.4 million respectively.
The re-establishment of air service is advocated to support local businesses, the community, and provide critical access to health services, including a new health clinic opening in Seward.

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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.