Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport Guide

Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport sits 8 km southwest of downtown Anchorage, Alaska's largest city. Named for the late U.S. senator who championed Alaska's aviation infrastructure, the airport opened in 1951 and is operated by the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities. Three runways — the longest at 12,400 feet — handle both passenger and an extraordinary volume of cargo traffic year-round, 24 hours a day with no slot restrictions or curfews.

The airport's geographic position is a defining characteristic: it lies within 9.5 hours' flying time of 90 percent of the industrialized world, making it one of the busiest cargo hubs on the planet. It ranks among the top five airports globally for air cargo throughput, with roughly 140 wide-body cargo aircraft landing daily. Adjacent Lake Hood Seaplane Base, connected to the airport, is the world's largest and busiest floatplane base.

For passengers, Alaska Airlines dominates domestic routes, with American, Delta, United, Sun Country, and Air Canada also serving the airport. International seasonal service is provided by Japan Airlines, Korean Air, Condor, and Discover Airlines. The airport serves as the primary gateway to Alaska's remote communities, many of which have no road access.