Overview
- Kenai Aviation said it ceased operations effective immediately on November 3, declaring the company financially insolvent.
- Owner Joel Caldwell said COVID‑era borrowing became unmanageable when the bank demanded repayment despite recent strong load factors.
- The shutdown leaves Unalakleet without regularly scheduled commercial air service and cancels booked trips for customers.
- A summer grounding of an aircraft on the Anchorage–Unalakleet route cut revenue and compounded the carrier’s financial strain.
- Caldwell is seeking capital and partners to attempt a restart, as the closure follows Ravn Alaska’s recent collapse and deepens concern over rural air service stability.