List of Airports in Nauru
As of 2024, there are 1 airports throughout the country of Nauru according to IATA and ICAO. Through the table below, you can find name of each airport, its abbreviation, city location, and size. Airports in Nauru are listed in alphabetical order. Please note that some airports serve internationally, while the other only serve domestically.
List of All Airports in Nauru
| # | Airport | Abbreviation | Location | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nauru Island International Airport | INU | Nauru Island | Small |
Major Airports in Nauru
1. Nauru International Airport (INU)
Airport Code:
INU
Time Zone:
Nauru Time (NRT) – UTC +12:00
Address:
Nauru International Airport, Nauru
Nearby Cities:
- Yaren (5 miles)
- Nauru (0 miles)
- Boe (9 miles)
- Anabar (10 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- Nauru Airlines
- Fiji Airways
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Nauru International Airport handles approximately 25,000 to 30,000 passengers annually.
Airport Location and History
Nauru International Airport (INU) is the sole international airport on the island nation of Nauru, located in the central Pacific Ocean. It is situated on the southwestern coast of the island, just a few miles from Nauru’s capital, Yaren. The airport is a critical transportation hub for the island, providing both domestic and international flight connections to various destinations, particularly to neighboring Pacific islands and Australia.
The airport opened in 1969 and has played a vital role in connecting Nauru to the outside world, particularly during the peak years of phosphate mining, which was the backbone of the island’s economy. While the airport has undergone various upgrades and expansions over the years, including the extension of its runway, it remains a small and relatively simple facility due to Nauru’s limited population and geographic constraints.
Historically, the airport has been serviced by several airlines, with Nauru Airlines (formerly Air Nauru) being the primary carrier. It offers flights to destinations like Brisbane, Australia, and other Pacific islands such as Fiji. As Nauru’s tourism industry grows, the airport is expected to continue to play an important role in the country’s economy, although the island’s infrastructure remains minimal.
The airport also supports cargo flights, crucial for Nauru’s economy, which depends on the import of goods and supplies. Over the years, efforts have been made to improve the airport’s facilities, but it remains a small gateway for both tourists and residents.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Nauru International Airport has one runway (14/32), which is 2,400 meters (7,874 feet) in length. The runway is capable of accommodating medium-sized aircraft, such as Boeing 737s and Airbus A320s, but it is not long enough to handle large wide-body aircraft like the Boeing 747 or Airbus A380. This limits the airport’s capacity to handle large international flights, which is a consideration for future growth and infrastructure planning.
The terminal building is small, providing essential services for both international and domestic travelers. These services include check-in counters, baggage claim, customs and immigration facilities, a small café, and duty-free shopping. However, there are limited amenities, such as lounges or high-end services, due to the airport’s relatively low passenger volume.
Nauru International Airport has basic ground transportation options, including taxis and buses that provide connections to various parts of the island. Despite its small size, the airport is an important entry point for both tourism and cargo, facilitating both inbound and outbound travel to and from Nauru. Future improvements and expansions are likely to focus on improving passenger comfort and handling increasing demand as Nauru’s tourism industry develops.
2. Nauru Domestic Airport (Domestic flights within Nauru)
Airport Code:
N/A (Domestic)
Time Zone:
Nauru Time (NRT) – UTC +12:00
Address:
Nauru Domestic Airport, Nauru
Nearby Cities:
- Yaren (5 miles)
- Nauru (0 miles)
- Anabar (10 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- Nauru Airlines (domestic services)
Annual Passenger Traffic:
The airport serves approximately 5,000 passengers annually, with flights primarily for inter-island travel.
Airport Location and History
Nauru Domestic Airport serves as the primary domestic air travel hub within the island of Nauru, connecting the various communities on the island with Nauru International Airport for international flights. Located near the island’s central region, the domestic airport serves mostly flights operated by Nauru Airlines, which handles travel between Nauru’s towns and provides the essential connectivity for locals and workers, especially those involved in the island’s mining operations.
The domestic airport is less busy than Nauru International Airport but plays an important role in ensuring that the island’s remote communities are connected. Given that Nauru is only 21 square kilometers (8 square miles) in size, most domestic flights are short, with the majority of flights connecting to the international terminal or to other parts of the island.
The history of the domestic airport is tied closely to the establishment and development of Nauru’s mining industry, which required regular movement of workers and supplies. Although the airport is small and basic, it remains a key part of the island’s transportation infrastructure, ensuring that residents and businesses can access essential services and supplies.
Facilities and Infrastructure
The facilities at Nauru Domestic Airport are basic. The airport has one small runway that accommodates small aircraft such as Cessna or smaller turboprops used for short flights within the island. The runway is not long enough to accommodate larger aircraft, and there are no facilities for wide-body jets. Given the small scale of operations, the infrastructure at the domestic airport is limited to the essential services needed for local flights, such as check-in counters and a small waiting area.
Passenger amenities are minimal, and the terminal does not feature the types of services commonly found at larger airports, such as duty-free shopping or lounges. Ground transportation for passengers is provided by taxis and local services that connect the airport with different areas of the island.
The airport plays an important role in supporting Nauru’s economy by facilitating domestic movement and providing a link to the international airport. Although it is a small facility, it is integral to the functioning of Nauru, ensuring both local mobility and connectivity with international travel routes.
3. Other Smaller Airstrips and Helipads
Nauru also has several small airstrips and helipads scattered across the island, used for domestic and emergency flights, as well as for the mining and supply operations on the island.
Airport Code:
N/A (Various small airstrips)
Time Zone:
Nauru Time (NRT) – UTC +12:00
Major Airlines Served:
- Nauru Airlines (via small aircraft)
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Passenger traffic is minimal and mainly limited to domestic flights, cargo, and emergency services.
Airport Location and History
In addition to Nauru International and Domestic Airports, the island also features several smaller airstrips used for various purposes, including emergency evacuations, internal transport of goods and workers, and occasional local flights. These small airstrips and helipads are located in various parts of the island, with many linked to the mining sector.
Given Nauru’s relatively small size and limited infrastructure, these airstrips are used primarily by small aircraft, such as light planes or helicopters, for quick and efficient transport. These facilities have existed since the island’s early days of phosphate mining in the 20th century when there was a need for accessible air transport to remote parts of the island.
The airstrips are not large and typically do not have dedicated terminals or facilities for passengers. They are generally simple, offering only basic services for aircraft landings and takeoffs. Most of these airstrips are located near mining sites, government installations, or populated areas.
Facilities and Infrastructure
The small airstrips in Nauru are primarily equipped with basic runways for small aircraft, with no significant terminal infrastructure or passenger services. Runways at these sites range in length but are typically between 1,000 to 1,500 meters long, suitable for light planes and helicopters. They are not capable of handling larger aircraft, and the facilities at these airstrips are rudimentary, with no passenger lounges or services.
Because these airstrips are used mainly for industrial or emergency purposes, ground transportation options are minimal. They are not designed for tourism or regular passenger flights, and most operations are related to the mining or governmental sectors. These airstrips are an essential part of Nauru’s transportation infrastructure, ensuring connectivity to remote regions of the island.
Given the country’s size and the strategic need for rapid access to various parts of the island, the airstrips are integral to maintaining mobility, especially for local and industrial purposes.
4. International Airports and Expansion
While Nauru has one major international airport, the increasing importance of air travel for tourism and business is likely to see further expansion in the future. However, as of now, Nauru International Airport remains the only major gateway for international travelers, with additional smaller airstrips serving internal needs. Plans for modernization may help Nauru’s infrastructure keep pace with growing demand.
