Fairbanks Airport: A Secure Hub With Multiple Gates

Fairbanks International Airport, located in Alaska, is a small yet efficient airport that serves as a gateway to the state's natural wonders and unique culture. The airport features a single terminal building with a total of eight gates, six of which cater to larger carriers, while the remaining two serve commuter carriers. This compact design ensures that essential services and amenities are within a short walking distance, making it a convenient and easily navigable airport for travellers.

Fairbanks Airport's terminal

Fairbanks International Airport (IATA: FAI) is located in Fairbanks, Alaska, United States. The airport is situated around three miles southwest of the central business district of Fairbanks. It is a state-owned, public-use airport that covers an area of 3,470 acres.

The Fairbanks Airport terminal is located on the northwest side of the airport. The terminal has a straightforward layout with a total of eight gates: two gates for commuter carriers and six for larger carriers. The compact design ensures that all essential services and amenities are within a short walking distance. The terminal has two floors, with the upper level designated for check-in and security checkpoints, and the lower level for baggage claim areas.

For travellers needing assistance or specific services, information desks are conveniently placed throughout the terminal. The terminal also features clear and prominent signage, guiding passengers to various facilities, including restrooms, dining options, and retail stores. Passengers can also find seating areas and charging stations scattered throughout, providing comfort and convenience while waiting for their flights.

Fairbanks Airport has one terminal building with two concourses: Concourse A and Concourse B. Alaska Airlines primarily operates from Concourse A, while Delta Airlines and United Airlines use gates in Concourse B. Concourse A offers a coffee shop, a restaurant, and a gift shop, while Concourse B features a restaurant, a gift shop, and a duty-free store.

The terminal building was completed in 2009, replacing the old terminal built in 1948. The new terminal was designed with modern TSA standards in mind and features six jet bridges, an improvement over the previous five. The terminal's footprint is smaller than its predecessor, and it incorporates a custom-unitized curtain wall designed and supplied by Overgaard Ltd. Hong Kong.

Concourse A and B

Fairbanks International Airport has one terminal building with two concourses: Concourse A and Concourse B. The airport, located in Fairbanks, Alaska, is about three miles southwest of the city's central business district. The terminal is on the northwest side of the airport, with all essential services and amenities within a short walking distance.

Concourse A has five gates used by Alaska Airlines. It offers a coffee shop, a restaurant, and a gift shop. Passengers can grab a quick coffee or enjoy a sit-down meal before their flight. Concourse A also provides easy access to essential services, such as ATMs, charging stations, and free Wi-Fi.

Concourse B has four gates used by Delta Airlines and United Airlines. It features a restaurant, a gift shop, and a duty-free store. Passengers can enjoy a meal or browse for souvenirs and duty-free items. Similar to Concourse A, Concourse B also offers convenient access to amenities like ATMs, charging stations, and free Wi-Fi.

Both concourses offer a seamless travel experience with essential services and amenities. The concourses are easily navigable, and passengers can quickly transfer between them. The airport's interactive map also helps passengers locate their departure gates, as well as various services and facilities within the terminal.

Overall, Fairbanks International Airport's Concourse A and Concourse B provide a comfortable and convenient experience for travellers, ensuring efficient navigation and access to necessary services and amenities.

Navigating the airport

Fairbanks International Airport (FAI) is located in Fairbanks, Alaska, United States. The airport is situated 3 miles (5 km) southwest of the central business district of Fairbanks. With a straightforward layout, navigating FAI is relatively easy for travellers. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the airport effortlessly.

Terminal Layout and Gates

The terminal at Fairbanks International Airport is located on the northwest side of the airport. It features a compact design with a total of eight gates: two gates cater to commuter carriers, while the remaining six are designated for larger carriers. The terminal has two floors, with the upper level housing the check-in counters and security checkpoints, and the lower level containing the baggage claim areas.

Finding Your Way Around

Clear and prominent signage is displayed throughout the terminal, guiding passengers to various facilities. To familiarise yourself with the layout, you can refer to the terminal maps available at the information desks or use the interactive airport map on your mobile device. Overhead signs will direct you to your gate, baggage claim, and other essential areas. Additionally, feel free to approach the information desks located throughout the terminal for assistance.

Amenities and Services

Fairbanks International Airport offers a range of amenities and services to ensure a comfortable travel experience. Seating areas and charging stations are scattered throughout the terminal, providing convenience while waiting for flights. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, allowing you to access digital maps and real-time updates on your flight status. The airport also provides essential services such as ATMs, currency exchange, and a business centre.

Dining and Shopping Options

For dining, you can choose between a coffee shop and a sit-down restaurant in Concourse A, or opt for the restaurant in Concourse B. Both concourses also have gift shops, and Concourse B features a duty-free store. If you're looking for a quick bite, there's a Subway located in the main terminal near baggage claim. For Alaskan souvenirs and locally made products, explore the Alaska Marketplace in the main terminal or the Aurora Gifts store in the North Terminal.

Transportation and Parking

FAI offers various transportation options, including taxi services, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft, and an affordable airport shuttle service that operates 24/7. Short-term and long-term parking options are available, with covered and uncovered parking garages located adjacent to the terminal. For those picking up passengers, the cell phone waiting area offers free parking for up to 30 minutes.

Airport facilities

Fairbanks International Airport is a state-owned public airport located in Fairbanks, Alaska. The airport has a comprehensive range of facilities to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for travellers.

The airport has a single terminal building with two floors, housing both domestic and international flights. The terminal features a total of eight gates, with two designated for commuter carriers and six for larger carriers. The terminal is located on the northwest side of the airport, ensuring that essential services and amenities are within a short walking distance.

Upon arrival, passengers can easily locate the baggage claim areas on the lower level of the terminal. For departures, check-in counters are available on the upper level, and security checkpoints are located near the entrance of each terminal. The terminal has a straightforward layout, with clear signage guiding passengers to various facilities such as restrooms, dining options, and retail stores.

Fairbanks International Airport offers a variety of dining options to suit different preferences. Concourse A offers a coffee shop, a restaurant, and a gift shop, while Concourse B has a restaurant, a gift shop, and a duty-free store. Additionally, there is a Subway located near the baggage claim area and The Local, a popular spot for Alaskan dishes, in the North Terminal.

For travellers who enjoy shopping, the airport has several options. The Alaska Marketplace in the main terminal offers souvenirs, gifts, and locally made products. The Aurora Gifts store, located in the North Terminal, features a wide selection of Alaskan-themed gifts, handmade jewellery, and artwork.

The airport also provides essential amenities such as free Wi-Fi, charging stations, and ATMs. For travellers with children, there is a designated children's play area near the food court. Special-needs services, including wheelchair assistance and accessible restrooms, are also available upon request.

Fairbanks International Airport offers a range of transportation options for arriving and departing passengers. Car rental facilities from major providers are available on and off the airport grounds. Taxi services and ride-sharing options like Uber and Lyft are accessible from designated areas outside the terminal. The airport shuttle provides a convenient and affordable connection to various locations in Fairbanks. Additionally, public transportation options include the Fairbanks Metropolitan Area Transportation System (FMATS) bus service.

History of the airport

The Fairbanks International Airport (IATA: FAI) is a state-owned public-use airport located in Fairbanks, Alaska. The airport has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century and has played a significant role in the region's aviation industry.

The Early Years:

Fairbanks Airport was established in 1929 as a simple landing strip for small aircraft. However, with the outbreak of World War II, the airport underwent expansion and upgrades to accommodate larger military aircraft. This expansion set the stage for the airport's growth and development in the coming decades.

The 1950s and 1960s:

In the 1950s, Alaska became a popular tourist destination, and Fairbanks Airport experienced a surge in commercial air traffic. Alaska Airlines, which used Fairbanks as its main hub during this decade, offered flights to Seattle, Portland, Anchorage, and other intrastate destinations. However, by 1967, the airline shifted its Alaska hub to Anchorage, marking a significant change for Fairbanks Airport.

The 1970s and 1980s:

The airport underwent major renovations and expansions in the 1970s to modernise its facilities and increase its capacity. During this time, Alaska Airlines and Braniff International offered an "interchange service" between Fairbanks and Houston via Anchorage, Seattle, and Dallas. Additionally, carriers such as Japan Airlines and Korean Air began using Fairbanks as a technical stop for transpacific cargo flights. In the 1980s, FAI became a hub for cargo airlines, further solidifying its importance in the region.

The 1990s and 2000s:

Fairbanks Airport continued to grow and attract more airlines in the 1990s, offering an increasing number of flights to destinations across the United States. In the 2000s, the airport introduced new technology and upgrades to enhance safety and efficiency, including the construction of a new air traffic control tower.

Recent Years:

In 2009, the airport completed a new terminal, replacing the old one built in 1948. The new terminal was designed with modern TSA standards in mind and featured improved security measures and architectural design. FAI Airport celebrated its 80th anniversary in the 2010s and continues to serve as a vital transportation hub for Alaska and the surrounding region.

Today, Fairbanks International Airport covers an area of 3,470 acres and has four runways. The terminal building, located on the northwest side, features eight gates: two for commuter carriers and six for larger carriers. The airport handles a significant volume of aircraft operations and serves as a gateway to Alaska for travellers from around the world.

Frequently asked questions