With vaccinations being rolled out at pace, both Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC) and Fairbanks International Airport (FAI) are expecting an increase in travellers wanting to experience Alaska this summer.
Nonstop destinations offered at ANC are nearly back to pre-COVID-19 levels with scheduled inbound seat capacity forecast to be up more than 750,000 seats, an increase of 117% versus last summer. Meanwhile, Fairbanks is forecast to be up 62,500 seats, a 126% increase over 2020. Both ANC and FAI have expressed their commitment to safely accommodating and encouraging travellers to help boost the local tourism economy despite Canadian restrictions.
Expressing his disappointment in Canada’s decision to restrict cruise ships this summer, ANC’s Airport Director Jim Szczesniak said: “Alaska is more than just a cruise destination. For this summer it is forecast to be one of the most popular destinations in the US. ANC and our sister airport FAI, provide access to the wonders of Alaska.”
Alaska is leading the nation in vaccinations per capita, has one of the lowest rates of COVID-19, has a 72-hour pre-departure testing requirement, and pioneered the nation’s first airport COVID-19 screening and testing programme.
“The protocols in place allow us to safely welcome visitors to Alaska through our airports this summer – creating jobs and reinvigorating our economy at a critical time when Alaskans are looking to get back to work,” Szczesniak added.
He also highlighted that ANC has been above the national average for retained passenger services and is projecting this trend will continue in the summer, down only 7.3% below the levels of the record 2019 summer.
Fairbanks Airport Manager, Angie Spear added: “Before Canada’s decision, there was uncertainty about the cruise season and Alaska was still the fourth most searched summer destination on kayak.com. The cruise traffic that was using Anchorage and Fairbanks pre-COVID, were ‘cruisers’ doing a land package at the beginning or end of their cruise.
“The attractiveness of the land package is still strong through ANC and FAI. There is no better time thna now to book an Alaskan adventure for this summer.”
More than 35 million Americans have already received their first vaccine shot and that number continues to grow daily. By summer a large chunk of the American population will be vaccinated and ready to travel. And with vast amounts of space Alaska is touting itself as an ideal destination at a time when social distancing is at the forefront of everyone’s mind.
“If Canada doesn’t want you – fly over Vancouver – Alaska will be more than happy to welcome you. And travellers seeking to visit Southeast Alaska can take advantage of ANC’s non-stop flights to Southeast, Juneau, Ketchikan, and Glacier Bay National Park, which are all just a short flight away,” said Szczesniak.
