List of Airports in Kiribati
As of 2024, there are 21 airports throughout the country of Kiribati according to IATA and ICAO. Through the table below, you can find name of each airport, its abbreviation, city location, and size. Airports in Kiribati are listed in alphabetical order. Please note that some airports serve internationally, while the other only serve domestically.
List of All Airports in Kiribati
| # | Airport | Abbreviation | Location | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Abaiang Airport | ABF | Abaiang | Small |
| 2 | Abemama Atoll Airport | AEA | Abemama Atoll | Small |
| 3 | Aranuka Airport | AAK | Aranuka | Small |
| 4 | Arorae Island Airport | AIS | Arorae Island | Small |
| 5 | Beru Airport | BEZ | Beru | Small |
| 6 | Bonriki Airport | TRW | Tarawa | Small |
| 7 | Butaritari Airport | BBG | Butaritari | Small |
| 8 | Canton Island Airport | CIS | Canton Island | Small |
| 9 | Christmas Island Airport | CXI | Christmas Island | Small |
| 10 | Kuria Airport | KUC | Kuria | Small |
| 11 | Maiana Airport | MNK | Maiana | Small |
| 12 | Makin Island Airport | MTK | Makin Island | Small |
| 13 | Marakei Airport | MZK | Marakei | Small |
| 14 | Nikunau Airport | NIG | Nikunau | Small |
| 15 | Nonouti Airport | NON | Nonouti | Small |
| 16 | Onotoa Airport | OOT | Onotoa | Small |
| 17 | Tabiteuea North Airport | TBF | Tabiteuea North | Small |
| 18 | Tabiteuea South Airport | TSU | Tabiteuea South | Small |
| 19 | Tabuaeran Airport | TNV | Tabuaeran | Small |
| 20 | Tamana Island Airport | TMN | Tamana Island | Small |
| 21 | Teraina Airport | TNQ | Teraina | Small |
Major Airports in Kiribati
Kiribati, a small island nation located in the central Pacific Ocean, has limited infrastructure for air travel. The country’s airports mainly serve domestic and regional flights, linking the islands to international hubs. Kiribati’s aviation infrastructure is focused around a few key airports. Here are the major airports in the country:
1. Bonriki International Airport (TRW)
Airport Code: TRW
Time Zone: Gilbert Islands Time (GILT) – UTC +12:00
Address:
Bonriki International Airport, South Tarawa, Kiribati
Nearby Cities:
- Tarawa – 0 miles (Central South Tarawa is the airport’s location)
- Bairiki – 3 miles
- Betio – 5 miles
Major Airlines Served:
- Air Kiribati
- Fiji Airways
- Air New Zealand
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Approximately 30,000–40,000 passengers annually
Airport Location and History:
Bonriki International Airport is located on the island of Tarawa, the capital of Kiribati. The airport serves as the main gateway for air travel to and from Kiribati, connecting the islands to international destinations such as Fiji and Hawaii. Bonriki Airport was originally built during World War II by the United States as a military base and airfield, but it was later repurposed for civilian use.
The airport underwent significant upgrades in the 1990s, and more recently, it has seen infrastructure improvements to accommodate growing tourism and regional travel. Bonriki is an essential airport for the country, not only serving international flights but also acting as a hub for domestic air travel to the outer islands of Kiribati.
Bonriki plays a vital role in the movement of people and goods, especially considering the island’s isolation. It is the most important airport in Kiribati, providing links to international destinations for business, government, and tourism purposes. The airport has also been pivotal in emergency response and humanitarian assistance for the country.
Facilities and Infrastructure:
Bonriki International Airport has a single runway: Runway 08/26, which is 2,200 meters in length. While the runway can handle small to medium-sized aircraft, it is not capable of accommodating large wide-body aircraft like the Boeing 747 or Airbus A380. The airport mainly accommodates smaller regional jets and turboprop aircraft such as the ATR 72.
The airport terminal is basic but includes essential services such as check-in counters, baggage claim, and a small waiting area. Bonriki also offers ground transportation options like taxis and private transport to various parts of Tarawa and the surrounding islands. Despite its limited facilities, Bonriki remains an essential hub for air travel to Kiribati, providing connections to other Pacific islands and international airports.
2. Tarawa International Airport (TRW) (used interchangeably with Bonriki)
While Tarawa International Airport is sometimes used interchangeably with Bonriki International Airport due to its geographical location, it shares the same infrastructure and services. The airport is located on the island of Tarawa, which is the central and most populated part of the country. Tarawa is the administrative, economic, and political center of Kiribati, and the airport is the primary international gateway for the nation. As described above, the airport serves as the hub for both international and domestic flights, connecting the island nation to nearby countries in the Pacific.
3. Kiritimati Island Airport (CXI)
Airport Code: CXI
Time Zone: Gilbert Islands Time (GILT) – UTC +12:00
Address:
Kiritimati Airport, Kiritimati Island, Kiribati
Nearby Cities:
- Kiritimati (London) – 0 miles
- Tabuaeran – 25 miles
- Teraina – 60 miles
Major Airlines Served:
- Air Kiribati
- Fiji Airways
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Approximately 10,000–15,000 passengers annually
Airport Location and History:
Kiritimati Island Airport, also known as Christmas Island Airport, is located on Kiritimati Island, the largest island in Kiribati and the world’s largest coral atoll. The airport serves as the primary gateway for the central and eastern parts of the country. Kiritimati was historically a strategic military location during World War II, and the airport was built during this period by the United States.
Today, Kiritimati Island Airport handles domestic flights connecting the island to Bonriki and other islands in Kiribati. It also serves as a stopover for flights connecting Kiribati to Fiji and other Pacific destinations. The island is known for its remote location, beautiful coral reefs, and importance for environmental studies. Kiritimati is a significant location for ecotourism, and the airport facilitates travel for those visiting the island for research and tourism purposes.
Facilities and Infrastructure:
Kiritimati Island Airport has one runway: Runway 10/28, which is 1,800 meters long. The runway can accommodate regional aircraft such as the ATR 72 and smaller jets, but it does not have the capacity for large wide-body aircraft. The airport mainly serves inter-island flights and regional connections.
The airport terminal is modest, offering basic services such as check-in facilities, a waiting area, and baggage handling. Ground transportation options on Kiritimati include taxis and small buses, which connect the airport to the main settlements on the island. Although small, the airport plays a vital role in connecting Kiritimati to the broader Pacific region and facilitating tourism and local trade.
4. Abemama Airport (ABA)
Airport Code: ABA
Time Zone: Gilbert Islands Time (GILT) – UTC +12:00
Address:
Abemama Island Airport, Abemama, Kiribati
Nearby Cities:
- Abemama – 0 miles
- Tarawa – 85 miles
- Kiritimati – 240 miles
Major Airlines Served:
- Air Kiribati
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Approximately 2,000–3,000 passengers annually
Airport Location and History:
Abemama Island Airport is located on Abemama Island, a small atoll in the central Gilbert Islands group of Kiribati. The airport is one of the smaller airports in Kiribati, handling primarily domestic flights to and from Bonriki Airport on Tarawa. Abemama is known for its historical significance as the site of a major battle during World War II. The island also has a rich cultural heritage, and its airport facilitates both local travel and tourism.
The airport is relatively basic and serves the small population of Abemama and surrounding islands. Most flights are short-range connections within Kiribati, and Abemama plays a role in the island’s connectivity to the capital, Tarawa. The airport provides essential links for the transport of goods and people to this remote part of the country, which is not as frequently visited as other islands in the Pacific.
Facilities and Infrastructure:
Abemama Airport has a small runway: Runway 08/26, which is 1,200 meters long. The airport is only capable of handling smaller regional aircraft, such as the Twin Otter or similar turboprop aircraft, but cannot accommodate larger jets or wide-body aircraft.
The facilities at Abemama Airport are basic, with only a small terminal building that offers check-in services and limited passenger amenities. There are no significant services like duty-free shopping or restaurants, but there are ground transportation options in the form of taxis and small local vehicles to take passengers around the island. Although small, Abemama’s airport plays a vital role in connecting the island to the rest of the country.
5. Nonouti Airport (NNG)
Airport Code: NNG
Time Zone: Gilbert Islands Time (GILT) – UTC +12:00
Address:
Nonouti Island Airport, Nonouti, Kiribati
Nearby Cities:
- Nonouti – 0 miles
- Tarawa – 95 miles
- Abemama – 90 miles
Major Airlines Served:
- Air Kiribati
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Approximately 1,000–2,000 passengers annually
Airport Location and History:
Nonouti Airport is located on Nonouti Island, which is part of the central Gilbert Islands. The island is relatively small and sparsely populated, with the airport serving the local community and providing vital links to Tarawa. Nonouti Island has significant historical value, with remnants of World War II battles and strategic locations of interest. The airport is essential for connecting Nonouti with other islands in Kiribati, especially for government services, supplies, and tourism.
Nonouti’s airport is a modest facility, with few services, but it plays a crucial role in connecting one of the more remote islands in Kiribati to the rest of the country. The island is not typically a tourist destination but is important for local travel and commerce.
Facilities and Infrastructure:
Nonouti Airport has a short runway: Runway 09/27, which is 1,200 meters in length. The runway is suitable for small aircraft like the Twin Otter or similar regional turboprops but cannot accommodate larger aircraft.
The terminal at Nonouti Airport is very basic, with minimal amenities. Ground transportation on the island is provided by taxis or local vehicles, which connect the airport to the rest of Nonouti. While limited in scope, Nonouti Airport is a key link for air travel in this part of Kiribati, helping support the economy and daily life of the local population.
