Kenai Aviation Ceases Operations, Leaving Rural Alaska Communities Stranded
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – Kenai Aviation, a regional air carrier serving numerous Alaskan communities, announced an immediate shutdown of operations Monday, leaving passengers with canceled flights and raising concerns about access to essential air service in rural areas. Some customers with reservations for later this week received notifications of cancellations.
The abrupt closure marks the second important disruption to rural air travel in Alaska in recent months, following the shutdown of Ravn Alaska in August. Kenai Aviation served communities including Fairbanks,Glennallen,Homer,Seward,Kenai,Valdez and Unalakleet,often providing a vital link for residents and businesses.
Company president Wayne Caldwell acknowledged the challenging situation in a statement, expressing hope for a future revival of the airline. “I refuse to give up. I don’t know how. I can’t make promises. But I believe that Flight 114 will board again,” he wrote, referencing a Kenai Aviation route. “We need capital,we need partners,we need a lifeline. That investor is out there, we just need to find them. One promise that you can hold me to, is that, if at all possible, I will find that life line.”
The shutdown leaves Unalakleet without regularly scheduled air service, forcing residents to rely on expensive and indirect travel through Nome. Kelsi Ivanoff, a Unalakleet resident involved in flight service advocacy, stated the news came unexpectedly despite recent cancellations over the summer and fall. She added that efforts to secure a new essential air service contract were stalled due to the recent government shutdown.
Caldwell did not instantly respond to questions regarding refunds or the status of frequent flyer points. it remains unclear whether the company will attempt to resume charter flights.
