A new report compiled by the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities details the continued growth of Alaska’s International Airport System or AIAS.
[Above photo by Alaska DOT&PF]
The AIAS is comprised of Fairbanks International Airport, the Lake Hood Seaplane Base, and Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, the agency noted.
According to the report, AIAS cargo operations saw a 3 percent increase in tonnage, reinforcing the system’s position as a vital global logistics hub. Partnerships with leading carriers such as Nippon Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Cargojet, and WestJet continue to thrive – supported by collaborative initiatives like the reinstated biannual cargo carrier meetings, Alaska DOT&PF noted in a statement.
Commercial development is also on the rise at AIAS facilities, with new concessions, tenant agreements, and major construction projects shaping the future of both the Fairbanks and Anchorage airports — including FedEx’s $42 million domestic sort facility at the Anchorage facility, expanded food and beverage offerings, and new leasing opportunities.
Meanwhile, the Fairbanks airport posted another increase in passenger traffic during the first half of the year, with an additional 3,400 passengers. The report also noted that, across the AIAS, airlines are expanding their reach with exciting new routes, such as Canada’s WestJet Airlines establishing its first-ever route to Anchorage
Across the country, state departments of transportation support airports in a variety of ways.
For example, the Aeronautics Division within Massachusetts Department of Transportation is investing $8.4 million in runway infrastructure at public-use airports in the Commonwealth. The program is underway now and will run through spring of Fiscal Year 2027 over five construction seasons with maintenance work shutting down in winter months.
“Our regional airports are vital economic engines that connect communities, support local businesses, and strengthen our statewide transportation network,” said Monica Tibbits-Nutt, MassDOT’s secretary and CEO, in a statement. “Timely preventative maintenance ensures these critical hubs remain safe, efficient, and ready to serve everyone who depends on them for business, travel, and emergency response.”
Meanwhile, the Hawaii Department of Transportation – in partnership with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection – is helping launch “Enhanced Passenger Processing” or EPP at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. EPP – currently in use at 14 other U.S. airports – is designed to streamline the passenger arrival experience and improve airport efficiency, marking a significant milestone in Hawaii DOT’s commitment to providing seamless and secure travel for all passengers.
“Daniel K. Inouye International Airport continues to be a vital gateway for travelers from across the globe and we are thrilled to enhance the airport experience for all passengers,” said Ed Sniffen, Hawaii DOT’s director, in a statement. “This new system supports our continuing efforts to modernize our airports statewide and ensure that they are efficient, enjoyable and prepared for the travel demands of the future.”
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