List of Airports in Tonga
As of 2024, there are 3 airports throughout the country of Tonga according to IATA and ICAO. Through the table below, you can find name of each airport, its abbreviation, city location, and size. Airports in Tonga are listed in alphabetical order. Please note that some airports serve internationally, while the other only serve domestically.
List of All Airports in Tonga
| # | Airport | Abbreviation | Location | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fija’Arnotu International Airport | TBU | Nuku’Alofa | Medium |
| 2 | Kaufana Airport | EUA | Eua | Small |
| 3 | Kuini Lavenia Airport | NTT | Niuatoputapu | Small |
Major Airports in Tonga
1. Fuaʻāmotu International Airport (TBU)
Airport Code: TBU
Time Zone: Tonga Time (TOT)
Address: Fuaʻāmotu, Tongatapu, Tonga
Nearby Cities:
- Nukuʻalofa – 14 miles
- Maʻufanga – 13 miles
- Kanokupolu – 18 miles
Major Airlines Served:
- Air New Zealand
- Fiji Airways
- Hawaiian Airlines
- Polynesian Airlines
- Tonga Airways
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Approximately 100,000–150,000 passengers annually (pre-pandemic data)
Airport Location and History
Fuaʻāmotu International Airport, located on the island of Tongatapu, is the primary international gateway to Tonga. Opened in 1960, the airport has played a central role in the development of Tonga’s tourism industry, serving both international and domestic flights. Fuaʻāmotu is the largest airport in the Kingdom of Tonga and handles the majority of the country’s air traffic.
The airport is situated approximately 14 miles from the capital, Nukuʻalofa, on the island’s southern coast. Historically, the airport’s location was chosen to be close to the capital but far enough to avoid the challenges of urban congestion. Over the years, Fuaʻāmotu has undergone multiple expansions and upgrades to accommodate increasing passenger numbers and modernize its facilities. As Tonga’s principal airport, it provides connections primarily to destinations in New Zealand, Fiji, and Australia, which are crucial to the nation’s tourism and diaspora community.
While Fuaʻāmotu International Airport is relatively small by global standards, it is strategically important for Tonga’s economy and its international connections, particularly for travelers visiting for cultural, religious, and recreational purposes.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Fuaʻāmotu International Airport has one runway:
- Runway 08/26: 2,500 meters (8,202 feet)
The runway is long enough to accommodate medium to large aircraft, including the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320, but it is not capable of handling large wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 747 or Airbus A380.
The airport’s terminal is equipped with essential facilities for both domestic and international passengers, including duty-free shops, cafes, and currency exchange services. Ground transportation options, such as taxis and shuttle buses, are available to transport passengers to Nukuʻalofa and other parts of the island. While the airport is small, it has modern amenities and services to handle international flights with relatively short flight times to nearby Pacific islands. The airport is well-equipped to manage seasonal peaks, particularly during Tonga’s tourism high season, and is a key player in the country’s aviation infrastructure.
2. Vavaʻu International Airport (VAV)
Airport Code: VAV
Time Zone: Tonga Time (TOT)
Address: Vavaʻu, Tonga
Nearby Cities:
- Neiafu – 3 miles
- Haveluliku – 7 miles
- Mata’aho – 14 miles
Major Airlines Served:
- Fiji Airways
- Real Tonga Airlines
- Polynesian Airlines
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Approximately 20,000–30,000 passengers annually
Airport Location and History
Vavaʻu International Airport serves the Vavaʻu group of islands, located in the northern part of Tonga. This regional airport opened in 1971 and has grown in importance as a hub for domestic flights and as a stopover for international flights to and from Tonga. Vavaʻu is known for its scenic beauty, with crystal-clear waters and stunning beaches, which make it a popular destination for tourists, particularly those interested in yachting, whale watching, and ecotourism.
Vavaʻu’s airport is strategically located on the main island of Vavaʻu, near the town of Neiafu, the administrative center of the group. The airport has undergone periodic renovations to enhance its facilities and accommodate growing numbers of tourists visiting the islands. It plays a vital role in supporting both the tourism sector and local connectivity, serving as a secondary gateway for visitors to Tonga.
Given its importance to the northern islands of Tonga, Vavaʻu International Airport facilitates connections to other parts of the country and provides a crucial link for local transportation and trade.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Vavaʻu International Airport has one runway:
- Runway 07/25: 1,400 meters (4,593 feet)
The runway is suitable for regional flights and can accommodate smaller aircraft, such as the Bombardier Dash 8 and smaller jets. It is not large enough to handle wide-body aircraft but is ideal for the medium-sized planes that service the domestic flights to and from Tongatapu and other Pacific island nations.
The airport features basic amenities such as a terminal building with check-in counters, a small waiting area, and limited services such as car rentals and taxi services. While the airport is modest in size, it is an essential part of the infrastructure for the northern island region and plays a critical role in supporting the local tourism industry, which is vital to Vavaʻu’s economy.
3. Ha’apai International Airport (HPA)
Airport Code: HPA
Time Zone: Tonga Time (TOT)
Address: Ha’apai Islands, Tonga
Nearby Cities:
- Pangai – 2 miles
- Foa – 8 miles
- Lifuka – 10 miles
Major Airlines Served:
- Real Tonga Airlines
- Fiji Airways
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Approximately 10,000–15,000 passengers annually
Airport Location and History
Ha’apai International Airport is located on Lifuka Island, part of the Ha’apai group in central Tonga. Opened in 1995, the airport primarily serves the people and visitors to the Ha’apai Islands, which are known for their natural beauty, pristine beaches, and marine life. Ha’apai is less developed than Tongatapu and Vavaʻu, but it remains an important destination for tourists seeking more remote and tranquil experiences.
The airport is a crucial link for both residents of the Ha’apai Islands and visitors arriving to explore the region. Its location allows easy access to Pangai, the largest town in Ha’apai, as well as to surrounding islands. Over the years, the airport has seen improvements in its infrastructure, including runway upgrades and the addition of basic passenger services, to cater to the increasing number of travelers to this idyllic area.
The airport plays a key role in promoting local tourism, as the Ha’apai Islands remain a popular destination for eco-tourism, diving, and other outdoor activities.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Ha’apai International Airport has one runway:
- Runway 08/26: 1,200 meters (3,937 feet)
The runway is suitable for smaller aircraft and can accommodate regional planes, such as the Bombardier Dash 8. However, it is not equipped to handle large aircraft, and wide-body jets cannot land at this airport.
The terminal at Ha’apai is basic, with check-in facilities, a small waiting area, and a few amenities for passengers. Ground transportation, including taxis and private cars, is available to take passengers to the nearby islands and towns. Ha’apai International Airport is an essential part of Tonga’s infrastructure for the central islands, offering limited but crucial services for tourism and domestic flights.
4. Niuatoputapu Airport (NTP)
Airport Code: NTP
Time Zone: Tonga Time (TOT)
Address: Niuatoputapu, Tonga
Nearby Cities:
- Neiafu (Vavaʻu) – 130 miles
- Nukuʻalofa – 180 miles
Major Airlines Served:
- Real Tonga Airlines
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Approximately 5,000–10,000 passengers annually
Airport Location and History
Niuatoputapu Airport serves the remote island of Niuatoputapu in the northernmost part of Tonga, close to the Polynesian Triangle. The airport was established in the late 20th century to provide essential air access to this remote island, which is otherwise difficult to reach. Niuatoputapu is a small island with a population of only a few hundred people, and the airport is crucial for providing connectivity to other parts of Tonga.
Niuatoputapu is known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural environment. It is a destination for those seeking seclusion, offering unique cultural experiences and opportunities to explore pristine beaches and coral reefs. The airport plays a vital role in linking the island to the rest of the country and supporting the small but important tourism and trade activities on the island.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Niuatoputapu Airport has one runway:
- Runway 08/26: 1,000 meters (3,280 feet)
The runway is very short and is suitable only for small regional aircraft, such as the Cessna 208 or similar-sized planes. It cannot accommodate larger aircraft and is intended to support domestic flights to and from Vavaʻu or Tongatapu.
The airport’s facilities are very basic, with minimal passenger amenities. Ground transportation options are limited, and passengers typically rely on local taxis or private transportation to get around. Despite its small size and remote location, Niuatoputapu Airport plays an essential role in maintaining the connection between the island and the rest of Tonga.
5. Eua Island Airport (EUA)
Airport Code: EUA
Time Zone: Tonga Time (TOT)
Address: Eua Island, Tonga
Nearby Cities:
- Eua Town – 2 miles
- Nukuʻalofa – 40 miles
Major Airlines Served:
- Real Tonga Airlines
Annual Passenger Traffic:
Approximately 5,000 passengers annually
Airport Location and History
Eua Island Airport is located on the island of Eua, a small island south of the main island of Tongatapu. Eua is known for its natural beauty, including lush forests, hiking trails, and coastal cliffs. The airport serves as a domestic gateway for travelers to the island, which is popular among those seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience in Tonga.
Eua Island Airport was established to provide better connectivity between the island and the rest of Tonga, particularly for tourism and local residents. While it is a small regional airport, it serves an important role in connecting the island to the capital and offering access to its natural and cultural attractions.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Eua Island Airport has one runway:
- Runway 08/26: 1,200 meters (3,937 feet)
The runway is short and serves small aircraft, like the Bombardier Dash 8, and is not capable of accommodating large wide-body aircraft. The airport terminal is small, offering basic services for passengers, including check-in and baggage handling. Ground transportation is available to take passengers to nearby towns and attractions on the island.
Eua Island Airport is a vital part of the island’s infrastructure, providing essential air services to both locals and tourists who wish to explore the island’s natural beauty.