Wiley Post Will Rogers Memorial Airport
Utqiaġvik, US · 2 mi southwest of city center
Getting to the city
| Mode | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel or Employer Shuttle (Prearranged) Shuttle · By reservation only | 5–15 minutes depending on destination | Often included with lodging or employer travel |
| Local Taxi Service Taxi · On demand; call or arrange in advance | 5–10 minutes to most parts of Utqiaġvik | Varies by destination and operator |
Insider notes
Utqiaġvik has a subarctic/Arctic climate with very cold, windy winters and frequent low visibility, so allow extra buffer time for weather-related delays and dress in full cold-weather gear for walking between aircraft and the terminal.[7]
Most long-distance itineraries require connecting through Anchorage or another Alaska hub, so consider longer layovers to protect against delays from BRW's challenging Arctic operating conditions.[6][10]
Ground transport options are limited; confirm arrangements with your hotel or a local taxi company in advance, as there is no large, formal ground transportation center at the airport.[8]
Wiley Post–Will Rogers Memorial Airport (IATA: BRW, ICAO: PABR) is the primary commercial air gateway for Utqiaġvik, the largest community on Alaska's North Slope and the northernmost city in the United States.[6] Owned and operated by the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities, the airport sits on the Chukchi Sea coast at about 71°N latitude, making it the northernmost airport with regular airline service in U.S. territory.[6] It plays a critical role in connecting Utqiaġvik and surrounding villages to the rest of Alaska for passenger travel, freight, mail, and essential medical and governmental transport.
The airport is named in honor of aviator Wiley Post and humorist Will Rogers, who were killed in a 1935 plane crash near Barrow during a flight through Alaska.[9] Scheduled passenger service has long been provided by Alaska Airlines and regional carriers, typically with mainline jets and turboprop aircraft linking Utqiaġvik to hubs such as Anchorage and other North Slope communities.[6][10] The single paved runway supports year-round operations in a harsh Arctic climate characterized by long, very cold winters and short, cool summers.[7] Despite its modest size and limited terminal amenities, the facility is a vital node in Alaska's rural aviation network, supporting local residents, visiting workers for the oil and gas industry, and scientific researchers operating in the Arctic region.