Fairbanks International Airport (IATA: FAI, ICAO: PAFA) is a state-owned airport about 3 miles southwest of downtown Fairbanks. It opened in 1951, took over scheduled airline traffic from Ladd Army Airfield and recorded 1,195,288 passengers in fiscal year 2025.[1]
| Owner | Alaska DOT&PF |
|---|---|
| Codes | FAI / PAFA |
| Elevation | 439 ft |
| Area | 3,470 acres |
| Opened | 1951 |
| Passengers, FY2025 | 1,195,288 |
Location and facilities
The airport sits in the South Van Horn census-designated place in the Fairbanks North Star Borough, on 3,470 acres at 439 feet above sea level. It has a main asphalt runway of 11,800 by 150 feet (2L/20R), a second asphalt runway of 4,510 by 75 feet, a 2,900 by 75 foot gravel and ski strip, and a 5,400 by 100 foot water and winter ski strip. A new terminal with six jet bridges and eight gates was completed on October 11, 2009, replacing the original 1948 terminal.[1]
History
The airport opened in 1951 and took over scheduled airline traffic from Ladd Army Airfield. Alaska Airlines used Fairbanks as its main Alaska hub in the 1950s until shifting it to Anchorage in 1967. Pan American served Fairbanks from 1932 until its Alaska rights ended in 1965, began transpacific stopover service to Tokyo in 1969, and Condor started seasonal Frankfurt service in May 2001.[1]
Traffic and carriers
Fiscal year 2025 recorded 1,195,288 passengers, 20,377 landings and 23,233,000 pounds of cargo. Between December 2024 and November 2025 Alaska Airlines carried about 56.1 percent of passengers, Horizon Air 19.9 percent and Delta Air Lines 12.1 percent. Amazon Air and FedEx feeder service operated by Empire Airlines carry cargo, and Everts Air, Warbelow’s Air Ventures and Wright Air Service use the airport as a hub for regional bush service.[1]
FAQs
Where is Fairbanks International Airport? About 3 miles southwest of downtown Fairbanks.
Who owns it? The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities.
How many passengers in FY2025? 1,195,288.
Sources
Key facts
- 1,195,288 passengers in FY2025
- 11,800-foot main runway
Quick checkWhen did Fairbanks International Airport open?Show answer
1951
Sources
- Wikipedia. Fairbanks International Airport. 2026 (accessed 2026-11-14)
Editorially reviewed by Specialty Digest Editorial TeamLast reviewed November 14, 2026Researched and drafted with AI assistanceReport an issue