List of Airports in Palau
As of 2024, there are 1 airports throughout the country of Palau according to IATA and ICAO. Through the table below, you can find name of each airport, its abbreviation, city location, and size. Airports in Palau are listed in alphabetical order. Please note that some airports serve internationally, while the other only serve domestically.
List of All Airports in Palau
| # | Airport | Abbreviation | Location | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Airai Airport | ROR | Koror | Small |
Major Airports in Palau
Palau, a Pacific island nation, is served by a few key airports that facilitate air travel to and from the region. These airports handle both domestic and international flights, connecting Palau to major hubs in Asia, Oceania, and the United States. Below is an overview of the primary airports in Palau, their facilities, and services.
1. Roman Tmetuchl International Airport (ROR)
Airport Code: ROR
Time Zone: Palau Standard Time (PWT), UTC +9
Address: Roman Tmetuchl International Airport, Ngerulmud, Palau
Nearby Cities:
- Koror (1 mile)
- Melekeok (12 miles)
- Airai (5 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- United Airlines
- Korean Air
- Asiana Airlines
- Palau Pacific Airways
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Roman Tmetuchl International Airport handles approximately 100,000 to 120,000 passengers annually, with fluctuations based on tourist seasons and international travel demand.
Airport Location and History
Roman Tmetuchl International Airport is located in Ngerulmud, the capital of Palau. The airport was named after Roman Tmetuchl, a prominent Palauan politician and leader who played a key role in the country’s post-independence development. The airport officially opened in 1998, replacing the older Babeldaob Airport. The airport is the primary gateway to Palau for international travelers, with direct flights to and from several Asian countries, the United States, and neighboring Pacific islands. Over the years, it has become a central hub for Palau’s tourism industry, particularly given the country’s reputation for pristine beaches, diving spots, and natural beauty.
The airport has gone through several upgrades since its inception, and plans for expansion continue as tourism demand increases. The growing number of international tourists has spurred investments in airport infrastructure, making it one of the most important points of entry into the country.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Roman Tmetuchl International Airport is equipped with modern amenities for both domestic and international travelers. The airport has a single runway, designated 09/27, which is 8,800 feet (2,682 meters) long and can accommodate a wide range of aircraft, including wide-body jets. The runway was built with international standards in mind and is capable of handling Boeing 747s and similar aircraft.
The airport is equipped with several passenger facilities, including check-in counters, customs and immigration services, duty-free shops, and lounges. It also has ample parking and ground transportation options, including taxis, rental cars, and buses. Although relatively small, the airport is fully capable of handling moderate volumes of international and domestic flights.
2. Babeldaob Airport (BBP)
Airport Code: BBP
Time Zone: Palau Standard Time (PWT), UTC +9
Address: Babeldaob Airport, Airai, Palau
Nearby Cities:
- Koror (14 miles)
- Ngerulmud (6 miles)
- Melekeok (4 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- Palau Pacific Airways
- United Airlines (for inter-island travel)
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Babeldaob Airport handles a smaller portion of the air traffic compared to Roman Tmetuchl International Airport, with around 20,000 to 30,000 passengers annually. Most flights are domestic, catering to local travel between Palau’s islands.
Airport Location and History
Babeldaob Airport is located on Babeldaob, the largest island in Palau, near the town of Airai. Unlike Roman Tmetuchl International Airport, Babeldaob serves primarily domestic flights and local connections within Palau. The airport was originally constructed in the early 1990s and was one of the first airports designed to support modern aviation needs in the country.
Although it is less frequently used for international travel, Babeldaob Airport plays an essential role in domestic connectivity. It is particularly important for local flights to and from other islands within the Palau archipelago, making it crucial for both the tourism sector and local residents.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Babeldaob Airport has a single runway, designated 13/31, which is approximately 4,000 feet (1,219 meters) long. The runway is primarily designed for smaller aircraft, such as turboprops, and is not capable of handling wide-body aircraft. The airport offers basic facilities such as a small terminal, parking areas, and access to ground transportation.
The airport is equipped to handle domestic flights with check-in counters and security services. While it lacks the extensive infrastructure of Roman Tmetuchl International Airport, Babeldaob is an important regional hub and serves as a backup during times of high demand or during adverse weather conditions.
3. Palau International Airport (Koror) (PIR)
Airport Code: PIR
Time Zone: Palau Standard Time (PWT), UTC +9
Address: Koror, Palau
Nearby Cities:
- Koror (0 miles)
- Melekeok (10 miles)
- Airai (12 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- United Airlines
- Palau Pacific Airways
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Palau International Airport primarily handles charter flights and some international connections, serving approximately 15,000 passengers annually.
Airport Location and History
Palau International Airport, located in the capital city of Koror, is another essential facility that supports domestic and international air travel to Palau. Although this airport once served as a primary hub for international flights, its role has been largely supplanted by Roman Tmetuchl International Airport. The airport has a history dating back to World War II, when it was used as a military airbase by the U.S. forces. Following the war, the airport became an important regional facility, particularly for the local population and for short-haul flights from surrounding Pacific islands.
In recent years, Palau International Airport has seen a decrease in traffic but remains an important infrastructure component for the nation.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Palau International Airport has a single short runway, about 3,000 feet (914 meters) in length. This limits the size of aircraft that can land, and as such, it is generally only used for smaller, regional flights. The airport is capable of handling turboprop aircraft but is not designed for wide-body jets.
The airport features a small terminal with basic amenities such as check-in counters, waiting areas, and a café. It also provides ground transportation options such as taxis and shuttles, but overall, the facilities are quite basic compared to Roman Tmetuchl International Airport.
4. Airai Airport
Airport Code: AAI
Time Zone: Palau Standard Time (PWT), UTC +9
Address: Airai, Palau
Nearby Cities:
- Koror (8 miles)
- Melekeok (15 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- Palau Pacific Airways
- United Airlines
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Airai Airport serves a small volume of passengers, estimated at around 10,000 annually. The airport primarily handles domestic flights within the Palau archipelago.
Airport Location and History
Airai Airport is located in the town of Airai on the island of Babeldaob. It is a smaller facility, used mainly for regional travel within Palau, and serves as a backup airport in case Roman Tmetuchl International Airport is unavailable. The airport has been operational for many years, and its purpose remains focused on domestic air travel.
Facilities and Infrastructure
The airport features a single short runway of approximately 3,500 feet (1,067 meters) in length, making it suitable for smaller aircraft such as turboprops. It is not designed for large, wide-body aircraft. The facilities are quite basic, with minimal services and limited passenger amenities, though it provides essential services for inter-island flights.
5. Melekeok Airport
Airport Code: MEK
Time Zone: Palau Standard Time (PWT), UTC +9
Address: Melekeok, Palau
Nearby Cities:
- Koror (10 miles)
- Airai (3 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- Palau Pacific Airways
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Melekeok Airport is a small regional airport and handles an estimated 5,000 to 7,000 passengers annually. It is mostly used for domestic flights within the Palau region.
Airport Location and History
Melekeok Airport is located on the island of Babeldaob, serving the Melekeok region. It is one of the smallest airports in Palau and was built mainly to cater to domestic flights and local traffic. Over the years, the airport has seen limited usage but remains an important part of the country’s air infrastructure for local connectivity.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Melekeok Airport has a single, short runway, around 2,800 feet (853 meters) in length, and is capable of handling small aircraft. It is not equipped for large aircraft or wide-body jets. The airport has basic infrastructure, with only essential services available for passengers, such as a small terminal, limited seating, and local transportation options.
