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BRW β NUI
Which side of the plane to sit from Wiley Post Will Rogers Memorial Airport (Barrow) to Nuiqsut Airport (Nuiqsut)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers spectacular views of the Arctic coastline, the frozen Beaufort Sea, and the magnificent Colville River Delta just before landing.
Beaufort Sea Coastline
Dramatic aerial views where the North Slope tundra meets the icy waters of the Arctic Ocean.
Plover Islands
A string of narrow barrier islands and lagoons protecting the mainland from the open sea.
Colville River Delta
One of the most complex braided river systems in the Arctic, featuring a massive network of channels and sandbars.
Arctic Sea Ice
Depending on the season, witness the intricate patterns of pack ice and open water leads offshore.
Harrison Bay
A vast, shallow bay that serves as a critical habitat for migratory birds and marine life.
Choose the left side for the best maritime views. In the summer, the contrast between the turquoise lagoons and the deep blue ocean is stunning. During the winter 'midnight sun' period, the low-angle light creates incredible textures on the snow-covered sea ice. Watch closely as you approach Nuiqsut for the intricate delta patterns of the Colville River.
Ice-Wedge Polygons
Mesmerizing geometric patterns in the earth created by the freezing and thawing of permafrost.
Oriented Thaw Lakes
Thousands of elliptical lakes naturally aligned in the same direction across the Arctic Coastal Plain.
NPRA Wilderness
Fly over the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska, a vast expanse of roadless tundra home to the Teshekpuk caribou herd.
Teshekpuk Lake
The largest lake in Arctic Alaska, visible as a massive horizon-spanning body of water to the south.
The right side is a geologist's dream. Look for the 'polygonal ground'βthe natural hexagons formed by ice wedges in the soil. Polarized sunglasses are highly recommended to cut through the glare reflecting off the thousands of small tundra ponds. If flying in late August or September, look for the golden-brown color change of the tundra vegetation.
Distance: 243 km (151 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 24 min
Departure: BRW (71.285402, -156.766008)
Arrival: NUI (70.2099990845, -151.00599670399998)
Route Type: Domestic
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