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.

A Kenai Aviation aircraft (Photo: Kenai Aviation)

[ U.S. Essential Air Service ]December 11, 2024 1:57 pm ET

By Ryan Ewing

Following a 22-year pause, Seward, Alaska, may once again have scheduled flights. The town’s airport last had scheduled air service in 2002.

According to an article on Public Radio for the Central Kenai Peninsula, 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.

Kenai Aviation and Reeve Air Alaska are bidding for the contract. If approved, flights to Anchorage would operate up to six times per week during peak months and three times in nonpeak periods.

Per government filings, Kenai is asking for approximately $1 million in federal subsidies to serve the route. Reeve’s proposal has a price tag of around $1.4 million.

A new Native health clinic is slated to open in Seward soon, according to Sorensen’s letter to the DOT. Sorensen believes scheduled flights would help people reach the clinic.

“Adding Seward to the EAS program could ensure access to reliable air service, supporting local businesses, our community, and health services throughout the state,” Sorensen shared.

Located roughly 125 miles from Anchorage, Seward has a population of nearly 3,000 residents. A public comment period will be held until Dec. 19 before the DOT makes its decision.

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Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.

Follow Ryan

Author

Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.
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