# FAI — Fairbanks International Airport > Machine-readable reference for FAI. Single-airport scope. Re-fetch when content_generated_at changes. Canonical: https://airport.flights/airport/fai HTML page: https://airport.flights/airport/fai Markdown alt: https://airport.flights/airport/fai.md JSON: https://airport.flights/api/airport/FAI.json (includes live arrivals + weather) Sitemap: https://airport.flights/sitemap-airports.xml Last refreshed: 2026-06-03T20:29:20.845+00:00 --- ## Identity - Name: Fairbanks International Airport - IATA: FAI - ICAO: PAFA - City: Fairbanks - Country: US (US) - Timezone: America/Anchorage - Distance from city: 3 mi (5 km) southwest of central Fairbanks - Runways: 4 - Terminals: 1 - Annual passengers: ≈1.1M - Hub for: Alaska Airlines - Official website: https://dot.alaska.gov/faiiap/ ## Overview Welcome Fairbanks International Airport (FAI) serves as an unexpected gateway to the Arctic, offering a mix of small-town convenience with intriguing Alaska-specific features. This one-terminal hub handles red-eye flights, local bush pilots, and intrepid aurora seekers under one roof. Located just 3 miles southwest of Fairbanks, the airport feels more like a community hub than a typical U.S. regional airport. With a 24/7 operation, you'll find a combination of local flair and practicalities, from a military lounge to floatplane operations. At a glance Handling approximately 1.1 million passengers annually, FAI is compact but efficient. Alaska Airlines, a hub carrier here, shares the runway spaces with aircraft as varied as Condor and local bush planes. The Main Terminal is the beating heart of the operation, significantly reducing walking distances while ensuring a quick pass through security—though lines can swell during peak morning and late-night hours as flights cluster. Despite its size, Fairbanks is critical for those exploring the true north regions of Alaska. Terminals & layout FAI's Main Terminal keeps everything within easy reach. Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, and i… ## Terminals (1) - **Passenger Terminal** — airlines: Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Condor, Delta Air Lines, Sun Country Airlines, United Airlines URL: https://airport.flights/airport/fai/terminals/main ## Dining (2) - **North Pole Coffee** URL: https://airport.flights/airport/fai/restaurants/north-pole-coffee - **The Local @ FAI** URL: https://airport.flights/airport/fai/restaurants/the-local-fai ## Lounges (1) - **YMCA Military Lounge** — access: Main Terminal, landside, military only URL: https://airport.flights/airport/fai/lounges/ymca-military-lounge ## Shops (2) - **Lower Level Gift Shop** URL: https://airport.flights/airport/fai/shops/lower-level-gift-shop - **Upper Level Gift Shop** URL: https://airport.flights/airport/fai/shops/upper-level-gift-shop ## Parking (5) - **Cell Phone Lot** — Waiting area URL: https://airport.flights/airport/fai/parking/cell-phone-lot - **Long Term Parking** — Long stay · $15/day, $2.00 - $15.00/hr, $90.00/week · next to terminal URL: https://airport.flights/airport/fai/parking/long-term-parking - **Public Parking** — East Ramp URL: https://airport.flights/airport/fai/parking/public-parking - **Public Parking (East Ramp)** — Remote · $5.00/day · 0.5 mi URL: https://airport.flights/airport/fai/parking/public-parking-east-ramp - **Short Term Parking** — Short stay · $20/day, $3.00 - $20.00/hr · next to terminal URL: https://airport.flights/airport/fai/parking/short-term-parking ## Ground transport (4) - **Hotel Shuttles** — Hotel transfer URL: https://airport.flights/airport/fai/transport/hotel-shuttles - **Local Bus Service** — Bus URL: https://airport.flights/airport/fai/transport/local-bus-service - **Local Taxi Services** — Taxi · : null},{ URL: https://airport.flights/airport/fai/transport/local-taxi-services - **Rideshare Pickup Zone** — Rideshare URL: https://airport.flights/airport/fai/transport/rideshare-pickup-zone ## Insider tips - _Quiet_: Overnight in the upstairs post-security gate area for a peaceful place to rest; it's open 24/7 with more seating and outlets. - _Time_: Grab breakfast early at North Pole Coffee around 4:30 a.m.; it's your best bet for espresso and pastries. - _Local_: The YMCA Military Lounge offers a quiet escape, but access is limited to those with military ID; it's on the lower level near baggage claim. - _Money_: For budget parking, use Public Parking (East Ramp) at $5/day, well-suited for longer stays. - _Time_: Arriving ahead of peak winter flights can save time as early departures and late arrivals can crowd security lines. - _Insider_: Enjoy the airfield views directly from the terminal for excellent plane-spotting opportunities that are rare for this kind of airport. - _Avoid_: Skip wandering during baggage claim; bags often show up quickly, so it's best to stay near the belt for a swift exit. ## Travellers notes mentioning FAI - [Anchorage vs Fairbanks vs Juneau: Where Alaska Airlines Winter Connections Actually Survive](https://airport.flights/notes/anc-anchorage-vs-fairbanks-vs) — by Tomás Reyes, 2026-07-08 A maintenance‑side look at Ted Stevens Anchorage vs Fairbanks and Juneau for dark, icy Alaska Airlines connections, and when each airport makes sense in winter. - [Flying Out of Fairbanks or Driving to Anchorage? The Real Time and Money Math for Interior Alaska Flights](https://airport.flights/notes/fai-for-alaska-s-interior-flyers) — by Theresa Doan, 2026-07-06 For Interior Alaska travelers, starting at Fairbanks International Airport and using the short hop to Ted Stevens Anchorage International usually beats the 370‑mile drive once you count time, parking, and winter risk. --- ## Live data Live arrivals, departures, and weather are not in this static reference. Fetch: - https://airport.flights/api/airport/FAI.json — JSON with current live boards + weather (12h cache) - https://airport.flights/airport/fai/arrivals — HTML page with live arrivals - https://airport.flights/airport/fai/departures — HTML page with live departures