Begich Welcomes CBP Decision to Allow Flights Between Dawson City and Fairbanks
“This is a big win for Fairbanks and Alaska tourism.”
U.S. Senator Mark Begich today welcomed a decision by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to allow flights between Dawson City and Fairbanks next summer, after initially rejecting the landing rights. CBP informed Begich’s office of the decision today.
Following CBP’s denial of the initial landing rights application, Sen. Begich pressured CBP for weeks to reverse course and sent a letter to the agency in support of the appeal submitted by Air North on Monday. Sen. Begich challenged Jeh Johnson, the President’s nominee for Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, on the issue at Johnson’s nomination hearing on Wednesday.
“While the details are forthcoming, I’m pleased CBP reconsidered its initial decision and will allow these flights into Fairbanks next summer through a creative use of resources and staffing,” said Sen. Begich. “This is a big win for Fairbanks and Alaska tourism. My office worked hard to educate CBP about Alaska and the economic consequences of denying these flights. I look forward to seeing the details about CBP’s new decision and how it will be implemented.”
Contact: Heather Handyside – (907) 350-4846