List of Airports in French Polynesia
As of 2024, there are 46 airports throughout the country of French Polynesia according to IATA and ICAO. Through the table below, you can find name of each airport, its abbreviation, city location, and size. Airports in French Polynesia are listed in alphabetical order. Please note that some airports serve internationally, while the other only serve domestically.
List of All Airports in French Polynesia
| # | Airport | Abbreviation | Location | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ahe Airport | AHE | Ahe | Medium |
| 2 | Anaa Airport | AAA | Anaa | Small |
| 3 | Apataki Airport | APK | Apataki | Small |
| 4 | Arutua Airport | AXR | Arutua | Small |
| 5 | Atuona Airport | AUQ | Atuona | Small |
| 6 | Faaa Airport | PPT | Papeete | Medium |
| 7 | Faaite Airport | FAC | Faaite | Small |
| 8 | Fakahina Airport | FHZ | Fakahina | Small |
| 9 | Fakarava Airport | FAV | Fakarava | Small |
| 10 | Fangatau Airport | FGU | Fangatau | Small |
| 11 | Gambier Is Airport | GMR | Gambier Is | Small |
| 12 | Hao Island Airport | HOI | Hao Island | Small |
| 13 | Hikueru Airport | HHZ | Hikueru | Small |
| 14 | Hiva Oa Airport | HIX | Hiva Oa | Small |
| 15 | Huahine Airport | HUH | Huahine | Small |
| 16 | Katiu Airport | KXU | Katiu | Small |
| 17 | Kauehi Airport | KHZ | Kauehi | Small |
| 18 | Kaukura Atoll Airport | KKR | Kaukura Atoll | Small |
| 19 | Makemo Airport | MKP | Makemo | Small |
| 20 | Manihi Airport | XMH | Manihi | Small |
| 21 | Mataiva Airport | MVT | Mataiva | Small |
| 22 | Maupiti Airport | MAU | Maupiti | Small |
| 23 | Motu-mute Airport | BOB | Bora Bora | Small |
| 24 | Napuka Island Airport | NAU | Napuka Island | Small |
| 25 | Nuku Hiva Airport | NHV | Nuku Hiva | Small |
| 26 | Nukutavake Airport | NUK | Nukutavake | Small |
| 27 | Puka Puka Airport | PKP | Puka Puka | Small |
| 28 | Pukarua Airport | PUK | Pukarua | Small |
| 29 | Raiatea Airport | RFP | Raiatea | Small |
| 30 | Raivavae Airport | RVV | Rairua | Small |
| 31 | Rangiroa Airport | RGI | Rangiroa | Small |
| 32 | Reao Airport | REA | Reao | Small |
| 33 | Rurutu Airport | RUR | Rurutu | Small |
| 34 | Takapoto Airport | TKP | Takapoto | Small |
| 35 | Takaroa Airport | TKX | Takaroa | Small |
| 36 | Takume Airport | TJN | Takume | Small |
| 37 | Tatakoto Airport | TKV | Tatakoto | Small |
| 38 | Temae Airport | MOZ | Moorea | Small |
| 39 | Tetiaroa Is Airport | TTI | Tetiaroa Is | Small |
| 40 | Tikehau Atoll Airport | TIH | Tikehau Atoll | Small |
| 41 | Tubuai Airport | TUB | Tubuai | Small |
| 42 | Tupai Airport | TPX | Tupai | Small |
| 43 | Tureira Airport | ZTA | Tureira | Small |
| 44 | Ua Huka Airport | UAH | Ua Huka | Small |
| 45 | Ua Pou Airport | UAP | Ua Pou | Small |
| 46 | Vahitahi Airport | VHZ | Vahitahi | Small |
Major Airports in French Polynesia
1. Faa’a International Airport (PPT)
Airport Code: PPT
Time Zone: Tahiti Time (TAHT)
Address: Faa’a, Tahiti, French Polynesia
Nearby Cities:
- Papeete (Capital of French Polynesia) – 5.6 miles
- Faaa – 2.1 miles
- Pirae – 7.8 miles
- Mahina – 9.2 miles
Major Airlines Served:
- Air Tahiti Nui
- Air France
- Hawaiian Airlines
- LATAM Airlines
- Air New Zealand
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Approximately 1.5 million passengers annually (as of 2019)
Airport Location and History
Faa’a International Airport, located in the commune of Faa’a on the island of Tahiti, serves as the main international gateway to French Polynesia. The airport is situated about 5.6 miles (9 kilometers) from Papeete, the capital city of French Polynesia, and is one of the busiest airports in the Pacific Islands. Originally opened in 1960, the airport has been expanded and modernized multiple times to accommodate growing passenger numbers, especially as tourism has become a significant part of the economy in French Polynesia.
Historically, the airport was a small facility serving domestic flights but began to expand in the late 20th century to accommodate international flights. Today, Faa’a International is a key hub for Air Tahiti Nui, the national carrier, and serves as a connection point for international travelers heading to the islands. The airport is particularly important for long-haul flights between French Polynesia and destinations in North America, Europe, and the Pacific region. Over the years, the airport has grown to become an essential part of French Polynesia’s infrastructure, enabling access to the beautiful islands that are a major tourist destination.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Faa’a International Airport has a modern terminal with facilities designed to handle both international and domestic flights. The airport has a single runway: Runway 04/22, which is 3,400 meters (11,155 feet) in length. The runway is capable of handling wide-body aircraft, such as the Boeing 777 and Airbus A330, which are used for long-haul flights between Tahiti and destinations like Los Angeles, Paris, and Auckland.
The airport terminal offers various amenities including duty-free shopping, restaurants, lounges, and car rental services. It also features modern security systems and efficient check-in counters to manage the flow of both domestic and international passengers. Ground transportation from the airport to Papeete and other parts of the island is available via taxis, buses, and shuttle services. The airport is also undergoing continuous upgrades to improve its infrastructure, catering to increasing tourist demand and enhancing the overall passenger experience.
2. Moorea Airport (MOZ)
Airport Code: MOZ
Time Zone: Tahiti Time (TAHT)
Address: Temae, Moorea, French Polynesia
Nearby Cities:
- Vaiare – 5.3 miles
- Maharepa – 6.2 miles
- Papeete – 13.7 miles
Major Airlines Served:
- Air Tahiti
- Air Moorea
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Approximately 120,000 passengers annually (as of 2019)
Airport Location and History
Moorea Airport is located on the island of Moorea, just across the channel from Tahiti. Situated approximately 6 miles (10 kilometers) from the village of Vaiare and 14 miles (22 kilometers) from Papeete, Moorea Airport serves as the main air access point for visitors traveling to the island. It is particularly popular for tourists visiting Moorea’s famous beaches, resorts, and stunning landscapes.
The airport opened in the 1960s to serve the growing tourism sector in Moorea, which is known for its lagoons, mountains, and resorts. Moorea is one of French Polynesia’s most popular tourist destinations, attracting visitors who arrive from Tahiti via frequent short flights. The airport is primarily used for domestic flights from Tahiti, operated by Air Tahiti and its subsidiary, Air Moorea, which offers scenic flights and island-hopping services. As Moorea’s popularity as a tourist destination has grown, the airport has also seen upgrades and improvements, although it remains a relatively small regional facility.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Moorea Airport has a small terminal that caters mainly to domestic flights between Tahiti and Moorea. The airport has a single runway, Runway 05/23, which is 1,400 meters (4,593 feet) long. The runway is adequate for regional aircraft, including small turboprop planes such as the ATR 42 and ATR 72, but is not capable of handling large wide-body aircraft. Due to its relatively small size, Moorea Airport is designed for short-haul flights, with the airport’s main function being to serve the tourism industry by connecting Moorea to the larger island of Tahiti.
The airport offers basic passenger services, including check-in counters, baggage handling, and a small shop. Ground transportation includes shuttle buses, taxis, and hotel transfers that link the airport to the main resorts and attractions on Moorea. Despite its limited facilities, the airport plays a crucial role in the connectivity of Moorea to the rest of French Polynesia, supporting both tourism and local transportation.
3. Raiatea Airport (RFP)
Airport Code: RFP
Time Zone: Tahiti Time (TAHT)
Address: Uturoa, Raiatea, French Polynesia
Nearby Cities:
- Uturoa – 2.5 miles
- Opoa – 4.1 miles
- Papeete – 124 miles
Major Airlines Served:
- Air Tahiti
- Air Moorea
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Approximately 70,000 passengers annually (pre-2020 data)
Airport Location and History
Raiatea Airport is located on the island of Raiatea in the Society Islands group of French Polynesia, approximately 124 miles (200 kilometers) from Tahiti. Raiatea is the second-largest island in French Polynesia and holds significant cultural importance as the traditional “center” of Polynesian culture. Raiatea Airport serves as a domestic gateway for those traveling to the island, which is known for its archaeological sites, coral reefs, and proximity to Bora Bora.
Opened in the 1960s, Raiatea Airport initially served as a small regional facility for domestic flights from Tahiti. Over the years, as tourism to Raiatea and the surrounding islands grew, the airport saw expansions to accommodate increasing numbers of visitors. Today, the airport is vital for connecting Raiatea to the rest of French Polynesia, particularly to Tahiti, the primary international gateway. It is also a point of access for travelers heading to nearby islands, such as Bora Bora, via short inter-island flights.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Raiatea Airport has a small terminal with basic facilities, including check-in counters, a small waiting area, and car rental services. The airport operates with a single runway, Runway 04/22, which is 2,100 meters (6,890 feet) in length. The runway can handle smaller to medium-sized aircraft, including regional jets like the ATR 42 and ATR 72, which are commonly used for inter-island flights.
Due to its small size, Raiatea Airport is not equipped to handle wide-body aircraft, but it plays an important role in the island’s connectivity to the rest of French Polynesia. Ground transportation from the airport to nearby accommodations and attractions is available via taxis, private transfers, and shuttles. The airport is essential to the tourism sector of Raiatea, and plans for future expansion aim to enhance the facilities and improve passenger services.
4. Bora Bora Airport (BOB)
Airport Code: BOB
Time Zone: Tahiti Time (TAHT)
Address: Vaitape, Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Nearby Cities:
- Vaitape – 1.9 miles
- Matira – 4.2 miles
- Papeete – 141 miles
Major Airlines Served:
- Air Tahiti
- Air Moorea
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Approximately 150,000 passengers annually (pre-2020 data)
Airport Location and History
Bora Bora Airport, also known as Motu Mute Airport, is located on a small island, Motu Mute, about 1.9 miles (3 kilometers) from Vaitape, the main town on Bora Bora. The airport serves the world-renowned island of Bora Bora, famous for its overwater bungalows, crystal-clear lagoons, and stunning coral reefs. Bora Bora is one of French Polynesia’s top tourist destinations, drawing visitors from around the world who seek luxury resorts and a tropical paradise experience.
The airport was originally built in the 1960s and has undergone several upgrades to accommodate increasing passenger traffic due to Bora Bora’s popularity as a tourist destination. Bora Bora Airport primarily handles domestic flights from Tahiti, operated by Air Tahiti and its subsidiary, Air Moorea, but it also sees an influx of private flights and charters. As one of the most visited islands in French Polynesia, the airport plays a vital role in supporting the region’s tourism industry.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Bora Bora Airport has a small terminal designed to serve the needs of tourists traveling to the island. It features basic amenities such as check-in counters, a waiting area, and souvenir shops. The airport is equipped with a single runway, Runway 08/26, which is 2,100 meters (6,890 feet) long. This runway is suitable for smaller regional aircraft, such as the ATR 42, which is used for flights between Tahiti and Bora Bora.
The runway is not long enough to accommodate wide-body aircraft, but the airport remains crucial for inter-island travel within French Polynesia. Ground transportation to Vaitape and surrounding resorts is provided by water taxis, buses, and hotel shuttles, as the airport is located on a separate motu (islet) from the main island of Bora Bora. Despite its size, Bora Bora Airport efficiently handles the large influx of tourists visiting the island each year.