# Ralph Wien Memorial Airport (OTZ)

> Kotzebue, US · 1 mi S of city center

Web: https://airport.flights/airport/otz
JSON: https://airport.flights/api/airport/otz.json

## Facts

- **IATA**: OTZ
- **ICAO**: PAOT
- **Timezone**: America/Nome
- **Runways**: 2
- **Terminals**: 1
- **Official site**: https://www.alaskaair.com/content/airports/alaska/kotzebue/ralph-wien-memorial

## Overview

Ralph Wien Memorial Airport (OTZ) is the primary aviation gateway for Kotzebue and the wider Northwest Arctic region of Alaska, providing essential year-round air links for communities that are not connected by road. Located on the south side of Kotzebue on the Baldwin Peninsula, the state-owned public-use airport supports scheduled passenger service, vital cargo operations, and medical, mail, and governmental flights that sustain daily life in this remote part of the state. The airport handles on the order of tens of thousands of passengers per year and functions as a regional lifeline for residents, workers, and visitors moving between Anchorage, other major Alaskan hubs, and smaller village airstrips.

Named in honor of pioneer bush pilot Ralph Wien, who died in a crash near Kotzebue in the 1930s, the airport reflects Alaska’s long history of bush flying and reliance on air transport. Today it is served primarily by Alaska Airlines and regional carriers such as Bering Air, with flights that connect to Anchorage and to numerous remote communities across Northwest Alaska. With two paved runways able to accommodate both jet and turboprop aircraft, Ralph Wien Memorial Airport plays a critical role in the regional aviation network, especially during harsh winter conditions when sea and land travel are limited. Its modest terminal and airfield infrastructure are oriented toward reliability and utility rather than extensive amenities, focusing on moving people, cargo, and critical supplies efficiently in challenging Arctic conditions.

## Terminals (1)

- **Main Terminal** — 3 gates · Alaska Airlines, Bering Air
  A single small terminal building handles all commercial passenger flights, with basic services geared toward regional operations.

## Parking (1)

- **Main Airport Parking Lot** — Surface lot · Adjacent to terminal

## Ground transport (5)

- **Hotel Courtesy Vehicles** — Shuttle · 5-10 min to local lodging · Coordinated with reservations
  Some local lodges or hotels may offer pickup if arranged ahead of time with your reservation.
- **Hotel or Lodge Shuttle (pre-arranged)** — Shuttle · 5–10 minutes · Often included with lodging or modest fee · By reservation aligned with flight times
- **Local Taxi Companies** — Taxi · 5-10 min to downtown Kotzebue · On demand
  Taxis can usually be arranged in advance or by phone through local operators in Kotzebue.
- **Local Taxi Service** — Taxi · 5–10 minutes to most of Kotzebue · Variable, typically a short local fare · On demand; may require phone call from the terminal
- **Walk or Pre-arranged Ride** — Rideshare · 15–25 minutes on foot, shorter by car · Free to walk or fuel/share costs for local ride · As arranged

## Insider tips

- _Weather_: Kotzebue experiences extreme Arctic weather, so in winter expect strong winds, snow, and frequent low visibility; allow extra buffer time for potential delays and dress in full cold-weather gear before deplaning, as you may walk on the ramp between aircraft and terminal.
- _Connections_: If you are connecting between a mainline Alaska Airlines flight and a smaller regional carrier, keep in mind that schedules can be affected by village weather; plan longer layovers and verify same-day connections at the counter on arrival, especially during stormy seasons.
- _Local_: The airport is close to town, but formal ground transportation is limited; many travelers coordinate a ride with their hotel or local contacts in advance, as taxis may not always be waiting at every arrival, particularly on late-night or off-peak flights.
- _Packing_: Because this is a remote airport with limited services, carry essential medications, snacks, and a charged phone or power bank in your carry-on in case weather disruptions extend your time at the airport.