List of Airports in Northern Mariana Islands
As of 2024, there are 3 airports throughout the country of Northern Mariana 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 Northern Mariana Islands are listed in alphabetical order. Please note that some airports serve internationally, while the other only serve domestically.
List of All Airports in Northern Mariana Islands
| # | Airport | Abbreviation | Location | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rota Airport | ROP | Rota | Small |
| 2 | Saipan International Airport | SPN | Saipan | Medium |
| 3 | Tinian Airport | TIQ | Tinian | Small |
Major Airports in Northern Mariana Islands
1. Francisco C. Ada/Saipan International Airport (Saipan)
Airport Code:
SPN
Time Zone:
Chamorro Standard Time (ChST) – UTC +10
Address:
Francisco C. Ada/Saipan International Airport, Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands 96950
Nearby Cities:
- Garapan – 6 miles
- Chalan Kanoa – 8 miles
- San Vicente – 11 miles
- As Teo – 5 miles
- Kagman – 13 miles
Major Airlines Served:
- United Airlines
- Delta Airlines
- Korean Air
- Japan Airlines
- Cebu Pacific
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Approximately 500,000 passengers (2023)
Airport Location and History
Francisco C. Ada/Saipan International Airport, commonly referred to as Saipan International, is the main airport on Saipan, the largest island of the Northern Mariana Islands. Located about 6 miles from the central district of Garapan, the airport is the gateway for air travelers to the CNMI (Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands). The airport was originally built during World War II and later upgraded in the 1970s to handle both military and civilian flights. It was named after Francisco C. Ada, a former governor of the Northern Mariana Islands, to honor his contributions to the region.
Saipan International is a critical point of entry for both tourism and business in the Northern Mariana Islands. The island’s economy relies heavily on tourism, particularly from Japan, South Korea, and other parts of East Asia. The airport has seen numerous upgrades over the years, particularly in the 1990s and early 2000s, to support growing passenger numbers and international flights. Its location makes it a vital hub for regional flights within the Pacific, as well as for travelers from Asia and the United States.
The airport serves as the primary international gateway for tourists visiting the stunning beaches, resorts, and World War II historical sites on Saipan. While the airport is relatively small compared to major international hubs, it plays a significant role in connecting the Northern Mariana Islands with the outside world.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Saipan International Airport has a single runway and terminal complex, designed to handle both domestic and international flights.
- Runway 1: Length 10,003 feet (3,050 meters)
The airport’s runway is capable of accommodating narrow-body and some wide-body aircraft, such as the Boeing 767 and Airbus A330. However, it cannot handle the largest aircraft like the Airbus A380. The terminal has been expanded over the years, with facilities that include duty-free shopping, lounges, restaurants, and business amenities. The airport also features a cargo area for freight shipments, contributing to the island’s import/export activities.
Transportation to and from the airport is well-organized, with taxis, rental cars, and shuttle buses serving the terminal. While the airport is not as large or equipped as some major international airports, it remains efficient and essential for connecting Saipan to the rest of the Pacific and beyond.
2. Tinian International Airport (Tinian)
Airport Code:
TIQ
Time Zone:
Chamorro Standard Time (ChST) – UTC +10
Address:
Tinian International Airport, Tinian, Northern Mariana Islands 96952
Nearby Cities:
- San Jose – 2 miles
- Tinian Town – 4 miles
- Santa Rosa – 5 miles
- Aguiguan – 12 miles
Major Airlines Served:
- United Airlines
- Skywest Airlines (operating under United Express)
- Island Air
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Approximately 30,000 passengers (2023)
Airport Location and History
Tinian International Airport is located on the island of Tinian, approximately 4 miles south of the island’s main settlement, Tinian Town. Tinian, which is part of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), is historically significant as the base for American bombers during World War II. The airport was originally developed during the war as a military airfield and played a major role in operations in the Pacific Theater, including launching the missions that dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945.
Since its military days, the airport has been repurposed for civilian use and has become a vital point of access for both local residents and tourists visiting Tinian’s historical sites, including the Atomic Bomb Pits and beautiful beaches. The airport, while smaller and less busy than Saipan International, is important for domestic flights connecting Tinian to Saipan and other islands in the CNMI.
The airport also plays a role in the transportation of goods and services to Tinian, which has a small but growing economy based on tourism, agriculture, and real estate development. Tinian’s economy is heavily dependent on tourism, particularly eco-tourism and historical tourism related to World War II.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Tinian International Airport has a single runway that can handle regional flights.
- Runway 1: Length 8,000 feet (2,438 meters)
The airport’s runway is capable of handling regional aircraft, such as the Bombardier CRJ-200 and Embraer ERJ-145, but it is not suitable for large wide-body jets. The terminal is basic but functional, offering essential services for passengers, including check-in counters, baggage claim, and a small waiting area. There are few amenities at the airport, but the island’s main accommodation options are accessible via shuttle buses or taxis.
Tinian International Airport mainly serves as a domestic hub for flights between Tinian and Saipan, making it crucial for the local community and tourism industry. While not a major international gateway, the airport supports the island’s tourism-driven economy and helps maintain vital air connectivity for its residents.
3. Rota International Airport (Rota)
Airport Code:
ROP
Time Zone:
Chamorro Standard Time (ChST) – UTC +10
Address:
Rota International Airport, Rota, Northern Mariana Islands 96951
Nearby Cities:
- Sinapalo – 6 miles
- Songsong – 7 miles
- Olap – 10 miles
- As Matmos – 12 miles
Major Airlines Served:
- United Airlines
- Island Air
- Skywest Airlines (operating under United Express)
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Approximately 20,000 passengers (2023)
Airport Location and History
Rota International Airport is situated on the island of Rota, one of the smaller islands in the Northern Mariana Islands, located about 40 miles north of Saipan. Rota is known for its serene natural beauty, pristine beaches, and historical sites. The airport is the primary point of access for those traveling to Rota, which is home to fewer than 3,000 residents.
Originally a military airstrip constructed during World War II, Rota International Airport has been converted into a civilian airport. Over the years, the airport has seen minimal expansion, though it is vital for the local population, as Rota is relatively remote compared to Saipan. The airport’s primary role is to serve as a link for residents and travelers between Rota and Saipan, and occasionally to Guam and other islands in the region.
Rota’s economy is heavily reliant on agriculture and tourism, with visitors attracted by the island’s untouched environment and rich cultural heritage. The island’s historical significance, particularly in the aftermath of World War II, adds to its appeal as a destination for those seeking a more secluded, historical experience.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Rota International Airport features a single runway capable of handling regional aircraft.
- Runway 1: Length 6,000 feet (1,829 meters)
The airport is suitable for handling smaller aircraft like the Bombardier CRJ-200 and Embraer ERJ-145, but it cannot accommodate large commercial jets. The terminal is modest, with basic facilities including a small check-in area, baggage claim, and waiting room. Due to its small size and limited traffic, the airport does not offer extensive amenities, but it serves the local community well.
Transportation options to and from the airport include taxis and shuttle services. Although the airport lacks the sophistication of larger international airports, it provides an essential link for the residents of Rota and tourists seeking a peaceful, off-the-beaten-path experience on the island.
4. Pagan Island Airstrip (Pagan)
Airport Code:
PGM
Time Zone:
Chamorro Standard Time (ChST) – UTC +10
Address:
Pagan Island Airstrip, Pagan Island, Northern Mariana Islands 96951
Nearby Cities:
- Pagan – 0 miles (on the island)
- Saipan – 40 miles
Major Airlines Served:
- Charter Airlines
- United Airlines (seasonal flights)
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Minimal traffic, primarily chartered flights (less than 5,000 passengers annually)
Airport Location and History
The Pagan Island Airstrip is located on Pagan Island, one of the most remote islands in the Northern Mariana Islands. Pagan is an active volcanic island, and its airstrip is used primarily for military purposes, research, and occasional charter flights. The island itself is sparsely populated, with no permanent civilian population; however, it is occasionally used by tourists and researchers interested in the island’s unique volcanic landscapes and ecosystems.
The airstrip has limited commercial activity and is typically used for private, military, or research flights. The Northern Mariana Islands government has occasionally discussed reopening Pagan for more regular tourism flights, but due to the island’s volcanic activity and remoteness, it remains underutilized.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Pagan Island Airstrip is a small airstrip with a basic runway.
- Runway 1: Length 4,000 feet (1,219 meters)
The airstrip can accommodate small aircraft, including Cessna and Beechcraft planes. It is not equipped for larger commercial aircraft or international flights. The airstrip does not have a terminal or other amenities, and passengers typically board from small planes directly onto the runway. The infrastructure is basic, with minimal services, but it provides a vital link for researchers and occasional tourists visiting Pagan Island.
