Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (IATA: ANC, ICAO: PANC) lies about 5 miles southwest of downtown Anchorage. Opened in 1951, it was the busiest U.S. cargo airport in 2023 and the world’s third-busiest cargo airport in 2025.[1]
| Codes | ANC (IATA), PANC (ICAO) |
|---|---|
| Opened | 1951 |
| Renamed | 2000 |
| Area | 4,608 acres, elevation 151 ft |
| Cargo FY2025 | 3,751,049,000 lb |
| Passengers FY2025 | 5,368,921 |
| Landings FY2025 | 103,849 |
History
The airport opened in 1951 and was renamed by the Alaska Legislature in 2000 to honour Senator Ted Stevens. By the mid-1980s it was promoted as the “Crossroads of the World” because of its position on great-circle routes between Asia, Europe and North America. The Kulis Air National Guard Base was linked to the airport from 1955 to 2011.[1]
Facilities
The airport covers 4,608 acres. It has three runways: 7L/25R at 10,600 feet, 7R/25L at 12,400 feet and 15/33 at 10,865 feet. The South Terminal has 24 gates and the North Terminal, built in 1982 for international flights, has 8. Lake Hood Seaplane Base, adjacent to the airport, is described as the busiest seaplane base in the world.[1]
Cargo
In fiscal year 2025 the airport handled 3,751,049,000 pounds of cargo. Operators include FedEx Express, which can sort up to 13,400 packages an hour and employs more than 1,200 people there, UPS Airlines, with roughly 5,000 parcels an hour, and Amazon Air.[1]
Passengers
The airport recorded 5,368,921 passengers and 103,849 landings in fiscal year 2025. Alaska Airlines held 69.1 percent of passenger share from June 2025 to May 2026.[1]
Ground transport
The People Mover bus system serves the airport on Route 40, and a seasonal Alaska Railroad station opened in 2003, mainly for cruise passengers. The airport closed briefly after the 2018 Anchorage earthquake.[1]
FAQs
Where is the airport? About 5 miles southwest of downtown Anchorage.
Why is it important for cargo? It was the busiest U.S. cargo airport in 2023 and the third-busiest in the world in 2025.
When did it open? 1951; it was renamed in 2000.
How many runways does it have? Three, the longest 12,400 feet.
Sources
Key facts
- Opened 1951
- Renamed 2000
- FY2025 cargo 3.75 billion lb
- FY2025 passengers 5,368,921
Quick checkWhat is the IATA code of Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport?Show answer
ANC
Sources
- Wikipedia. Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. 2026 (accessed 2026-11-12)
Editorially reviewed by Specialty Digest Editorial TeamLast reviewed November 12, 2026Researched and drafted with AI assistanceReport an issue