Fairbanks International Airport (FAI) is forecasting an increase in seat capacity for summer seasonal carriers. New service on United Airlines to Denver and San Francisco in summer 2019 and an additional fifth daily flight to Seattle on Alaska Airlines will result in a 17 percent increase. Overall, 2019 summer capacity growth is slated for 19 percent which is significantly above the national average.
United Airlines summer capacity is expected to more than double. United Airlines is extending its season at FAI on the existing Fairbanks to Chicago route, service commences at the end of April, versus June last summer, and concludes early October, versus August last fall. Alaska Airlines remains the largest carrier in terms of summer capacity, followed by Delta Air Lines and United Airlines.
“Air service development is a priority at FAI and we are proud to see the fruits or our collaborative labor coming to fruition. We are fortunate to have the support and partnership of so many groups throughout Fairbanks including our partners at Explore Fairbanks,” said Angie Spear, Airport Manager. “This service expansion shows that Fairbanks continues to be open and ready for business.”
Seat capacity increases are crucial not just for the Fairbanks community, but also to accommodate additional seats needed by the growing cruise industry that offer land tour packages.
“We are grateful for the connectivity to Fairbanks International provided by the year-round carriers of Alaska Airlines and Delta Air Lines,” said Deb Hickok, president and CEO of Explore Fairbanks. “This summer we have the added excitement of marketing the new United Airlines’ direct flights from Denver and especially from San Francisco which increases linkages to Fairbanks from Californian and Asian markets.”
Commercial airlines operating at FAI this summer include Air North, Alaska Airlines, Condor, Delta Air Lines, 40-Mile Air, Ravn Alaska and United Airlines.
Due to increased traffic, travelers are encouraged to arrive at the airport at least two hours prior to their scheduled departure. To ensure passengers are leaving all prohibited items at home please visit the TSA “What Can I Bring” website.
For more information regarding FAI’s concessionaires and amenities visit www.fai.alaska.gov.
