Alaska's primary gateway and a vital Arctic cargo hub.
Opened
1951
Location
Anchorage, United States
Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport is the primary commercial and cargo airport serving Anchorage, Alaska, and the broader state. Named after long-serving U.S. Senator Ted Stevens in 2003, it sits on the western edge of the city near Cook Inlet and the Chugach Mountains.
The airport is one of the busiest cargo airports in the world, benefiting from its strategic location along the Great Circle routes connecting North America, Asia, and Europe. This makes it a critical refueling and sorting hub for major international freight carriers.
On the passenger side, ANC serves millions of travelers annually with domestic and limited international service, acting as the main air gateway for a state where aviation is essential infrastructure due to Alaska's vast and roadless terrain.
Terminals
The airport has two passenger terminals — the main terminal handling most commercial traffic and a smaller North Terminal — connected by a landside corridor.
Getting to & from
Ground transportation options include taxis, ride-share services, rental cars, and the People Mover public bus system connecting the airport to downtown Anchorage.
Airlines here
Alaska Airlines operates as the dominant carrier at ANC, with additional service from United, Delta, American, and seasonal or charter international operators.
Notable facts
- ›Consistently ranked among the top 10 busiest cargo airports in the world by freight tonnage.
- ›Named after U.S. Senator Ted Stevens in 2003, who championed Alaska aviation funding for decades.
- ›Its Great Circle route position places it within 9.5 hours of nearly 90% of the industrialized world by air.
- ›FedEx and UPS maintain significant sorting and hub operations at the airport.
- ›Elevation is approximately 152 feet (46 m) above sea level near Cook Inlet.
This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.
