FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 6th, 2023
Contact: Zak Mitchell, 907-474-2596
Fairbanks International Airport Welcomes Back Domestic & International Carriers for Summer 2023
(Fairbanks, AK) - Fairbanks International Airport (FAI) is back to pre-COVID-19 passenger numbers and preparing for a busy 2023 summer season.
FAI will see the return of two international carriers and receive additional flights from existing carriers. Commercial airlines operating at FAI this summer include Alaska Airlines, Delta Airlines, United Airlines, Condor Airlines, Air North and 40 Mile-Air.
Delta airlines will begin operating two daily flights from Fairbanks (FAI) to Seattle (SEA) year-round. In addition, they added their seasonal direct connection to Minneapolis (MSP).
Condor will return this summer, marking 22 years in service with the Golden Heart City, with a direct flight from Fairbanks (FAI) to Frankfurt Germany (FRA). United Airlines will also return with a direct flight to Chicago (ORD). FAI appreciates the commitment of their partners that return year after year and is always looking to develop new partnerships to provide more options and services to the community of Fairbanks.
The cruise industry is forecasting a record summer, which indicates increased visitor activity to the Fairbanks area with cross Gulf of Alaska cruise tour passengers. Previous surveys have shown that 41% of visitors to Fairbanks in the summer come by way of cross Gulf of Alaska cruises.
Scott McCrea, President, and CEO of Explore Fairbanks said the regional visitor industry is "highly optimistic" for a successful summer season.
"Having strong airline connections into Fairbanks is an important part to our industry's success, and we are thankful for our partnership with Fairbanks International Airport as we work together to attract new carriers and routes into the market, as well as maintaining strong relationships with existing carriers that have serviced our destination for many years," McCrea added.
"FAI is not only back to pre-COVID-19 passenger numbers; we are growing and developing airport-wide. We will continue to prioritize air service and land development as well as route expansion to provide Fairbanks's residents and visitors with abundant amenities and flight options." said Angie Spear, Airport Manager.
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About Fairbanks International Airport
Fairbanks International Airport is the gateway to Alaska’s interior and Denali National Park. It’s one half of the Alaska International Airport System and serves more than a million passengers annually. Equipped to handle any size and type of aircraft, anytime, with state-of-the-art landing systems and terminal facilities. Accounts for 1 in 20 jobs for a total of 1,900 jobs in Fairbanks.
About DOT&PF
The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities oversees 237 airports, 9 ferries serving 35 communities along 3,500 marine miles, over 5,600 miles of highway and 839 public facilities throughout the state of Alaska. The mission of the department is to “Keep Alaska Moving through service and infrastructure.”
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