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Henderson Field (MDY/PMDY) is the airfield on Sand Island in Midway Atoll, a remote U.S. wildlife refuge in the North Pacific. Built as a naval air station and famous for its role in the 1942 Battle of Midway, it now serves mainly as an emergency diversion and limited-access charter airport. Its single runway sits amid one of the world's largest albatross colonies.
💡 Local Tip
Frequent visitors know to stay on marked roads and trails and give albatrosses, monk seals, and other wildlife plenty of space, especially during nesting season, and to pack all supplies because there are no shops or medical facilities on the atoll.
🚖 Getting There
There is no public transportation on Midway; arriving passengers typically reach Sand Island via approved charter or government aircraft and then move around by foot, bicycle, or refuge vehicle. Travel to the atoll must be arranged in advance through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or an authorized operator. Do not expect taxis, rental cars, or regular ferry service.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is there scheduled commercial service to Henderson Field?
A: No. Midway Atoll has no regular commercial airline service; access is typically by approved charter, military, or government flights, and visitors need a permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Q: Can I use Henderson Field as a diversion airport?
A: Yes, it is a designated emergency diversion airfield for transpacific flights, but prior coordination and permission are required for planned landings, and services are limited.
Q: What is the runway like?
A: Henderson Field has a single paved runway, historically around 7,900 feet, suitable for many large aircraft but with limited lighting, fuel, and maintenance support compared with major airports.
Q: What time zone is used?
A: Midway Atoll observes Samoa Time (UTC-11), and it does not observe daylight saving time. Check current notices for operational hours.
AI-generated content · Generated Sep 30, 2026 · deepseek-v4.1-flash