Ice Airport Alaska

Watch Ice Airport Alaska

  • 2020
  • 6 Seasons
  • 8.0  (95)

Ice Airport Alaska is an exciting documentary series that takes viewers into the height of the Alaskan winter, where the weather is brutal and the conditions are extreme. The show follows the staff at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, the world's busiest cargo airport, as they work tirelessly to keep the airport open and operational during the icy winter months.

The series highlights the challenges and dangers faced by the airport's workers as they deal with the harsh weather conditions of the Arctic winter. The team must contend with ice buildup on the runways and taxiways, unexpected snowstorms, winds gusting up to 50 mph, and freezing temperatures that can reach as low as minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit. These conditions can make landing and takeoff treacherous, and the airport's workers need to stay on their toes to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

The airport staff is made up of an eclectic mix of characters, including pilots, maintenance workers, air traffic controllers, and airport police officers. Each episode follows these individuals as they work together to keep the airport running smoothly. From clearing snow and ice from the tarmac, to repairing damaged equipment, and even rescuing a stranded snowmobiler, the workers at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport are always on call to deal with any situation that arises.

The show also gives viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of the airport. We get to see how the cargo is loaded and unloaded from massive cargo planes, and the meticulous planning that goes into ensuring that the flights arrive on time. We also see the important role that the airport plays in the Alaskan economy, as the hub for much of the state's commerce and trade.

The show's stunning visuals offer a glimpse into the breathtaking beauty of the Alaskan wilderness during the winter months. We get to see the Northern Lights dance across the sky, and watch as moose and other native wildlife traverse the snowy landscape. However, the series also highlights the dangers of this environment, with episodes featuring plane crashes, avalanches, and other disasters that can occur in such extreme conditions.

Ice Airport Alaska offers an adrenaline-fueled look at the challenges and risks that come with operating an airport in one of the harshest environments on Earth. Through the eyes of the airport's dedicated staff, we get a glimpse of what it takes to keep Alaskan commerce moving even in the midst of ice and snow. The show is an excellent window into the fascinating world of aviation in extreme weather conditions and provides viewers with an unforgettable experience.

Ice Airport Alaska is a series that ran for 6 seasons (48 episodes) between October 26, 2020 and on Smithsonian Channel

Ice Airport Alaska
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Seasons
Edge of Today
8. Edge of Today
November 2, 2025
A heavy hauling helicopter flies across the frozen Bering Sea to the tiny island of Little Diomede, just 2.4 miles from Russia. At Fort Wainwright the Arctic Angels prepare for a medevac mission and a veteran bush pilot tests his flying skills.
Thanksgiving Day Delay
7. Thanksgiving Day Delay
November 2, 2025
A wolverine overcomes first-time flyer's nerves to travel to a new home. A helicopter pilot hunts for a showstopping ice cave. An 80-year-old cargo plane flies into the Arctic, and a wall of arctic fog threatens the airport with a shutdown.
Moose vs Helicopter
6. Moose vs Helicopter
October 26, 2025
The first fly-by-wire helicopter is put through its paces, as test pilots harness freezing temperatures. In Anchorage, a jet is lifted for repairs, In Telkeetna, pilots fight ice to deliver supplies to a homesteader's cabin in a remote area.
Attack of the Yeti
5. Attack of the Yeti
October 26, 2025
Bush aviators push the limit of their plane to deliver a two-ton generator. In Fairbanks, slippery runways threaten The International Ice Carving Championship and a high-tech airframe inspection on a Boeing 737 uncovers a potential issue.
Winter Heat
4. Winter Heat
October 19, 2025
Customs agents intercept a grenade launcher smuggled into the U.S.; a blizzard threatens to cut off a remote island airport; warm winter weather turns a village runway to mud.
My Foggy Valentine
3. My Foggy Valentine
October 19, 2025
Valentine's day delays loom when a squadron of F22 makes an unexpected landing; high winds threaten a helicopter's 600lb sling load; Aviators come to the rescue of a village without water.
Life Beyond Zero
2. Life Beyond Zero
October 13, 2025
A father and son team of bush aviators flies a NASA expedition into the wilderness. A rookie airline pilot attempts a landing on a remote island. A seaplane mechanic starts a helicopter repair business, and customs agents intercept smuggled food.
Jumbo Crisis
1. Jumbo Crisis
October 13, 2025
A damaged plane plunges Anchorage Airport into an emergency. A leak on a Coast Guard helicopter jeopardizes emergency cover. Rain turns the Fairbanks runways into ice rinks, and a dog-sled racing prodigy flies with furry teammates for a big race.
Description
Where to Watch Ice Airport Alaska
Ice Airport Alaska is available for streaming on the Smithsonian Channel website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Ice Airport Alaska on demand at Apple TV Channels, Paramount+, Prime Video, Philo, Amazon, Fandango at Home, FuboTV, Google Play and Apple TV.
  • Premiere Date
    October 26, 2020
  • IMDB Rating
    8.0  (95)