Fairbanks Tower/TRACON Suspends Air Traffic Control Services Overnight, 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Local
Why It MattersOvernight operations at Fairbanks now run without tower, radar or weather-observation support, shifting more coordination onto pilots and Flight Service for business-jet and cargo traffic using the Alaska gateway.
The FAA's Fairbanks Air Traffic Control Tower/TRACON has temporarily suspended air traffic control services at Fairbanks International Airport (PAFA) every night from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. local time. Under Letter to Airmen LTA-FAI-27, the schedule began Sunday, October 19 at 0600Z and remains in effect until further advised; the letter lists a cancellation date of October 31, 2027.
The PAFA Class D airspace remains in effect during closure hours, but Class D air traffic services are not provided, and Terminal Radar Service Area (TRSA) services are unavailable. Under 14 CFR 91.129(a), pilots are not required to establish or maintain two-way radio communication with ATC inside the Class D airspace during this period. Pilots must use the Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) on 118.3 MHz, and VFR traffic arriving or departing PAFA is advised to maintain heightened awareness of large and heavy turbojet aircraft and of equipment and personnel on the movement areas.
The Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS) is unavailable during closure hours. Weather observations can be obtained from Fairbanks Flight Service on 122.2 MHz or 124.1 MHz, or by phone at (907) 474-0137 or (866) 248-6516. The letter also lists the Fairbanks Aviation Weather Observer's Office at (907) 458-3708, the Alaska Aviation Weather Office at (907) 266-5110, and Anchorage Center on 120.9 MHz.
IFR traffic arriving at PAFA should report IFR cancellation to Fairbanks Flight Service on 122.2 MHz or 124.1 MHz. Pilots requesting an IFR or Special VFR clearance on the ground should contact Flight Service and expect a Hold for Release, obtained from Flight Service. Pilots requesting a clearance in the air should contact Anchorage Center on 120.9 MHz or 133.1 MHz.
Runway Visual Range (RVR) is unusable when the tower is closed, and pilot-controlled lighting is unavailable. Approach lighting is preset to the highest intensity warranted by the conditions forecast in the Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF), and approach light adjustments are unavailable; adjustments to airfield lighting can be requested on CTAF with Airport Operations. For operational questions, pilots may contact Fairbanks Tower at (907) 474-0050 during regular business hours, or the Anchorage Center Watch Desk at (907) 269-1103 after hours. The letter was issued by Air Traffic Manager Vincent Baehr.
