Kivalina Airport (PAVL), Alaska
Landing essentials
Whether you can land, whether you can refuel, and how customs works here.
Overview
Kivalina Airport (PAVL / KVL) is a single-runway gravel strip serving this coastal Alaska community above the Arctic Circle. Traffic stays light year-round, and the field is unattended with no fuel data on file. Customs clearance requires a diversion to Nome, nearly 195 nm away.
Runways
Kivalina Airport has one unpaved runway, 12/30, 3,000 ft long and 60 ft wide, with a gravel surface.
Runway geometry from published threshold coordinates. Not for navigation.
Source: FAA Form 5010.
Fuel and airfield services
The airport has no control tower.
Source: FAA Form 5010 / NASR.
Customs
Kivalina Airport does not clear customs. The nearest port of entry is Nome (PAOM), 195 NM away.
Source: CBP list of ports of entry.
Business aviation traffic
Kivalina Airport recorded 433 business aviation movements in 2025. Traffic peaks in July. Bizav traffic at KVL peaks in April and again from July through August, with April and July each recording over 55 operations against a low of 14 in January, according to FAA TFMSC data.
Business jet movements, FAA TFMSC count. Peak month July, 64 movements in 2025.
Source: FAA TFMSC, business jet movements, 2025.
Climate
Kivalina Airport averages 0.1 days above 90°F in June and 31.0 freeze days in January. July is the warmest month, with average highs of 56.3°F, and January the coldest, at 6.6°F.
Weather station is on the field. Some values are estimated by the agency. 1991–2020 climate normals.
Source: NOAA NCEI.
Operating constraints
Kivalina Airport has published operating constraints in three categories: access, runway notes and other notes.
The approach to Runway 30 passes over the town.
Birds are present in the vicinity of the dump on the approach to Runway 12.
The MIRL for Runway 12/30 is activated on 122.8.
Runway 12/30 is marked with reflective cones.
Runway condition is not monitored; a visual inspection is recommended prior to landing.
The aircraft parking apron is located 1,500 feet south of the Runway 30 threshold; the old runway is used as a taxiway to the parking apron.
Be alert: Runway 12/30 has numerous soft spots from May through October.
The rotating beacon is activated on 122.8.
A weather camera is available on the internet.
Source: FAA Chart Supplement.
Skystar at PAVL
We arrange catering, fuel and trip support here. Supplier prices reach you unchanged; our coordination fee sits on its own line.
The same order, priced two ways.
$600.00 catering order at PAVL.
Unchanged.
What the kitchen invoices us is what your quote reads.
One line, fixed.
The $75 minimum applies below $862.50.
At cost.
Passed on at the exact amount the processor took.
Market practice figures are industry averages, not a specific competitor.
Frequently asked questions
What runway does KVL offer?
Kivalina Airport (KVL) has a single gravel runway, 12/30, measuring 3,000 by 60 feet. The surface is unpaved and marked with reflective cones rather than standard paint markings.
Is fuel available at PAVL?
No fuel type information is on file for Kivalina Airport (PAVL). Operators should plan fuel loads assuming none is available at this unattended field and confirm status directly before arrival.
Where does KVL clear customs?
Kivalina Airport (KVL) has no onsite customs service. The nearest customs facility is Nome Airport (PAOM), located approximately 195 nautical miles away, so international arrivals must clear there first.