Flughafen Shishmaref (SHH)

Shishmaref Airport (IATA: SHH, ICAO: PASH) is a vital regional airport located in Shishmaref, a small village on Sarichef Island, situated off the coast of Alaska, United States. Serving as a lifeline for the remote community, the airport provides a crucial connection to the larger cities and essential services on the Alaskan mainland. The airport's history is deeply intertwined with the village's reliance on aviation for transportation, especially given its location in one of the most remote parts of the United States.

The airport is classified as a public-use airport and serves primarily domestic flights within Alaska. Essential for both passenger transport and the delivery of cargo, Shishmaref Airport plays a significant role in the daily lives of the approximately 600 residents of Shishmaref. The airport has a single gravel runway, which measures about 5,000 feet in length, adequate to handle small to medium-sized aircraft that operate in this region.

Shishmaref Airport is not a hub for any major airlines but is served by a few regional carriers such as Ravn Alaska and Bering Air, which operate flights to and from Nome, a larger city in Alaska. Despite its size, the airport handles a steady flow of air traffic, primarily consisting of passenger flights, mail, and freight operations crucial for the survival of the isolated community.

Given the unique geographical challenges and the harsh climate conditions, Shishmaref Airport remains a pivotal infrastructure, essential for the mobility and supply chain of the residents, marking its impact more significant than typical for an airport of its size.