List of Airports in Saint Helena
As of 2024, there are 1 airports throughout the Saint Helena according to IATA and ICAO. Through the table below, you can find name of each airport, its abbreviation, city location, and size. Airports in Saint Helena are listed in alphabetical order. Please note that some airports serve internationally, while the other only serve domestically.
List of All Airports in Saint Helena
| # | Airport | Abbreviation | Location | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wideawake Field | ASI | Georgetown | Small |
Major Airports in Saint Helena
Saint Helena is a remote volcanic island located in the South Atlantic Ocean, which is a British Overseas Territory. Due to its isolation, air travel to the island has been limited, and it previously relied on sea transport for most of its connectivity. However, with the construction of the island’s first modern airport, air travel has become more accessible. Below is an overview of the key airport serving Saint Helena.
1. Saint Helena Airport (HLE)
Airport Code: HLE
Time Zone: UTC+0 (Greenwich Mean Time)
Address: Saint Helena, South Atlantic Ocean
Nearby Cities:
- Jamestown (6 miles)
- Ruperts (3 miles)
- Longwood (10 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- Airlink
- St Helena Airways
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Approximately 3,000 passengers per year
Airport Location and History
Saint Helena Airport (HLE) is located on the eastern side of Saint Helena Island, near the village of Levelwood. It was officially opened in 2016, following over a decade of planning and construction. The airport’s construction was a significant milestone for the island, which had previously been accessible only by sea via the RMS St Helena, a ship that made regular voyages to Cape Town, South Africa. This sea-based connection was often unreliable due to weather conditions and limited sailing schedules, making the development of an airport an essential step in the island’s modernization.
The island of Saint Helena has a unique historical and geographical context, most famously being the location of Napoleon Bonaparte’s exile and death. The construction of the airport was part of a larger plan to make the island more accessible to tourists and improve its economic sustainability. Despite significant investment, the airport faced challenges in its initial years, including concerns over safety and the island’s weather conditions. Nevertheless, it remains a key gateway for both travelers and cargo to and from the island.
The airport’s role has been transformative, allowing for greater ease of access to Saint Helena, which had previously only been reachable by a five-day boat trip from Cape Town. With the airport operational, the island now has more regular flight connections, especially from South Africa, although flights are still limited.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Saint Helena Airport has modern infrastructure, although it remains relatively small compared to airports in more populous regions. The terminal building offers basic facilities, including check-in counters, baggage claim, a café, and a small lounge area for passengers. Despite its limited size, it provides essential services to facilitate both domestic and international travel.
The airport has one runway:
- Runway 02/20: 1,950 meters (6,398 feet) – Asphalt
The runway is capable of handling smaller commercial jets like the Boeing 737 or the Airbus A320, and it is long enough to accommodate medium-sized aircraft. However, due to the unique weather conditions on Saint Helena, especially strong crosswinds, the runway is not suitable for wide-body aircraft, which require more stable conditions for safe landings. The airport is primarily served by Airlink, which operates flights between Saint Helena and Johannesburg, South Africa, and also caters to occasional private flights and charters.
The airport is equipped with modern navigation aids and a small but functional terminal. Ground transportation includes taxis and car rentals, and the airport is located just a short drive from Jamestown, the island’s capital. As the primary point of entry, the airport plays a critical role in supporting the island’s economy, especially tourism and cargo transport.
