List of Airports in Cook Islands
As of 2024, there are 9 airports throughout the Cook Islands according to IATA and ICAO. Through the table below, you can find name of each airport, its abbreviation, city location, and size. Airports in Cook Islands are listed in alphabetical order. Please note that some airports serve internationally, while the other only serve domestically.
List of All Airports in Cook Islands
| # | Airport | Abbreviation | Location | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aitutaki Airport | AIT | Aitutaki | Small |
| 2 | Atiu Island Airport | AIU | Atiu Island | Small |
| 3 | Mangaia Island Airport | MGS | Mangaia Island | Small |
| 4 | Manihiki Island Airport | MHX | Manihiki Island | Small |
| 5 | Mauke Island Airport | MUK | Mauke Island | Small |
| 6 | Mitiaro Island Airport | MOI | Mitiaro Island | Small |
| 7 | Penrhyn Island Airport | PYE | Penrhyn Island | Small |
| 8 | Puka Puka Is/Attol Airport | PZK | Puka Puka Is/Attol | Small |
| 9 | Rarotonga Airport | RAR | Rarotonga | Medium |
Major Airports in Cook Islands
1. Rarotonga International Airport (RAR)
Airport Code: RAR
Time Zone: Cook Islands Standard Time (CKT)
Address: Rarotonga, Cook Islands
Nearby Cities:
- Avarua (3 miles)
- Arorangi (4 miles)
- Ngatangiia (2 miles)
- Muri (5 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- Air New Zealand
- Virgin Australia
- Jetstar Airways
- Air Rarotonga
- Fiji Airways
Annual Passenger Traffic: Approximately 200,000 passengers
Airport Location and History
Rarotonga International Airport is the main airport in the Cook Islands, located on the island of Rarotonga, which is the most populous island in the group. Opened in 1974, the airport serves as the primary gateway for international travel to the Cook Islands, connecting the islands to key destinations in New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, and Tahiti. It is situated about 3 miles from the capital, Avarua, making it easily accessible for both tourists and locals.
The airport has played a vital role in the growth of tourism in the Cook Islands, which is the country’s largest industry. Over the years, the airport has undergone several upgrades, including terminal expansions and runway resurfacing, to handle increasing passenger numbers. The airport is crucial for maintaining the Cook Islands’ connectivity with the rest of the Pacific region and facilitating air freight and cargo, which is essential for the islands’ economy.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Rarotonga International Airport has one runway:
- Runway 1: 2,134 meters (7,004 feet), capable of handling large aircraft, including wide-body jets.
The airport’s terminal includes both international and domestic sections and provides a variety of amenities for travelers, such as duty-free shopping, cafes, car rentals, and baggage handling. The runway is long enough to accommodate wide-body jets, enabling direct international flights to destinations such as New Zealand and Australia. The airport also serves as the base for Air Rarotonga, which operates domestic flights to other islands in the Cook Islands archipelago. Continuous upgrades are being made to enhance passenger services and expand the airport’s capacity as tourism grows.
2. Aitutaki Airport (AIT)
Airport Code: AIT
Time Zone: Cook Islands Standard Time (CKT)
Address: Aitutaki, Cook Islands
Nearby Cities:
- Arutanga (1 mile)
- Tautu (2 miles)
- Vaipae (3 miles)
- Amuri (4 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- Air Rarotonga
Annual Passenger Traffic: Approximately 40,000 passengers
Airport Location and History
Aitutaki Airport is located on the island of Aitutaki, the second-most populated island in the Cook Islands, and is primarily used for domestic flights. Aitutaki is known for its crystal-clear lagoons and vibrant coral reefs, making it a popular tourist destination. The airport was originally built to support the needs of locals and has become increasingly important as tourism to Aitutaki has risen.
The airport operates flights from Rarotonga, connecting Aitutaki with the main island. Over time, the airport has expanded to accommodate more flights, especially during the high tourist season. The proximity of Aitutaki to other Pacific destinations also makes the airport a key link for regional travel. Despite its small size, Aitutaki Airport plays a significant role in supporting the tourism industry, which is the backbone of the local economy.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Aitutaki Airport has one runway:
- Runway 1: 1,372 meters (4,501 feet), suitable for medium-sized aircraft.
The airport has basic facilities, including check-in counters, baggage claim, and waiting areas. The runway is long enough to handle small to medium-sized aircraft, such as the aircraft used by Air Rarotonga for flights from Rarotonga. While the airport is not equipped for large commercial jets, it efficiently serves the needs of tourists visiting Aitutaki and provides the necessary infrastructure for local travel. The airport’s infrastructure continues to be updated to accommodate growing passenger numbers and meet the demands of increasing tourism.
3. Rarotonga Domestic Airport (RAR)
Airport Code: RAR (Domestic Terminal)
Time Zone: Cook Islands Standard Time (CKT)
Address: Rarotonga, Cook Islands
Nearby Cities:
- Avarua (3 miles)
- Arorangi (4 miles)
- Ngatangiia (2 miles)
- Muri (5 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- Air Rarotonga
- Pacific Island Air
Annual Passenger Traffic: Approximately 50,000 passengers
Airport Location and History
Rarotonga Domestic Airport is a part of the Rarotonga International Airport but operates as a separate terminal dedicated to domestic flights. It serves flights within the Cook Islands, primarily connecting Rarotonga to Aitutaki, Atiu, and other smaller islands in the archipelago. The domestic terminal plays an essential role in supporting local travel, which is particularly important for residents and business travel.
The domestic airport has grown over time alongside the rise in tourism, as the demand for inter-island flights has increased. The Cook Islands’ unique geographic layout makes air travel the most efficient way to connect the islands. Rarotonga Domestic Airport is pivotal in ensuring that the people and economy of the smaller islands are well-connected to the larger Rarotonga Island.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Rarotonga Domestic Airport has one runway:
- Runway 1: 1,400 meters (4,593 feet), suitable for small to medium aircraft.
The terminal offers basic facilities, including check-in services, baggage handling, and a small waiting area. The runway can accommodate small to medium-sized aircraft, which operate the inter-island flights connecting Rarotonga to other islands. The airport’s infrastructure is more limited than that of the international terminal, but it plays a vital role in the island chain’s transportation network. It continues to receive upgrades to better support the growing demand for domestic flights.
4. Mangaia Airport (MGS)
Airport Code: MGS
Time Zone: Cook Islands Standard Time (CKT)
Address: Mangaia, Cook Islands
Nearby Cities:
- Oneroa (0 miles)
- Tamarua (6 miles)
- Ivirua (3 miles)
- Vaitomi (7 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- Air Rarotonga
Annual Passenger Traffic: Approximately 1,500 passengers
Airport Location and History
Mangaia Airport is located on the island of Mangaia, one of the southernmost islands in the Cook Islands archipelago. Mangaia is known for its rich cultural heritage and unique landscape. The airport provides essential air services for the island, connecting it with Rarotonga and supporting inter-island travel.
The airport has historically served the small population of Mangaia and has played a role in facilitating local trade and travel. With a population of less than 500 people, the airport sees relatively low traffic compared to other airports in the Cook Islands but remains crucial for access to and from the island. Air Rarotonga operates the only commercial flight to and from Mangaia, which is vital for the community.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Mangaia Airport has one runway:
- Runway 1: 1,350 meters (4,429 feet), suitable for small aircraft.
The airport has minimal facilities, including basic check-in counters and baggage claim areas. The runway supports small aircraft, particularly those operated by Air Rarotonga, but it does not have the infrastructure for large jets. Mangaia Airport is essential for maintaining access to the island, especially for emergency services, freight, and limited passenger travel. Due to the island’s small size, the airport’s infrastructure is sufficient for its needs but would not support large-scale commercial air travel.
5. Atiu Airport (AIU)
Airport Code: AIU
Time Zone: Cook Islands Standard Time (CKT)
Address: Atiu, Cook Islands
Nearby Cities:
- Atiu (0 miles)
- Tamarua (5 miles)
- Oneroa (7 miles)
- Vaitomī (9 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- Air Rarotonga
Annual Passenger Traffic: Approximately 1,000 passengers
Airport Location and History
Atiu Airport is located on the island of Atiu, one of the outer islands in the Cook Islands archipelago. Atiu is known for its untouched natural beauty and is a popular destination for eco-tourism. The airport serves as the primary point of access for travelers and residents, connecting Atiu with Rarotonga and the rest of the Cook Islands.
The airport is small, with limited traffic, but it plays a crucial role in providing access to and from the island, particularly for the local population. Atiu is less developed than other islands in the Cook Islands, and the airport facilitates essential services, including transportation of goods and people.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Atiu Airport has one runway:
- Runway 1: 1,200 meters (3,937 feet), suitable for small aircraft.
The airport has basic facilities, including check-in counters and a small waiting area. The runway is capable of handling small to medium-sized aircraft, particularly those operated by Air Rarotonga, but it is not designed for larger aircraft. The airport plays an essential role in maintaining access to Atiu, supporting local tourism, and providing vital services for the island’s residents. The limited infrastructure is adequate for the low volume of traffic the airport receives but would require upgrades for increased demand.