List of Airports in Tuvalu
As of 2024, there are 1 airports throughout the country of Tuvalu according to IATA and ICAO. Through the table below, you can find name of each airport, its abbreviation, city location, and size. Airports in Tuvalu are listed in alphabetical order. Please note that some airports serve internationally, while the other only serve domestically.
List of All Airports in Tuvalu
| # | Airport | Abbreviation | Location | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Funafuti Atol International Airport | FUN | Funafuti Atol | Small |
Major Airports in Tuvalu
Tuvalu, a small island nation in the Pacific Ocean, has limited airport infrastructure due to its geographical size and population. The country primarily relies on a single international airport, with smaller regional airports serving the outer islands. Below are the key airports in Tuvalu:
1. Funafuti International Airport
Airport Code: FUN
Time Zone: Tuvalu Time (TVT) / UTC+12
Address: Funafuti International Airport, Funafuti, Tuvalu
Nearby Cities:
- Funafuti (0 miles)
- Vaiaku (1 mile)
- Alapi (2 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- Fiji Airways (operates flights to Suva and Nadi)
- Air Kiribati (regional flights)
- Solomon Airlines (regional services)
Annual Passenger Traffic: Approximately 10,000 passengers (2023)
Airport Location and History
Funafuti International Airport (FUN) is located on Funafuti, the capital and largest island of Tuvalu. The airport serves as the only international gateway for Tuvalu, connecting the island nation to the outside world. Funafuti is a narrow coral atoll, and the airport is situated in the central part of the island.
Historically, Funafuti International Airport was originally constructed during the British colonial era to serve as a military airstrip during World War II. After the war, it was repurposed for civilian use, and it became the primary international air gateway for Tuvalu. The airport, while small, is critical for both government operations and international connectivity.
In recent years, the airport has seen a slight increase in passenger traffic, particularly with the development of the tourism sector. However, due to its location in the Pacific, Funafuti International is mainly used for regional flights and connections to major Pacific hubs like Fiji and Samoa. It also serves as an important link for transporting goods and supplies to Tuvalu’s remote islands.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Funafuti International Airport has a single runway:
- Runway: 1,800 meters
The runway is capable of handling small to medium-sized aircraft, including regional jets and turboprops, such as the Boeing 737 and ATR 72. However, it is not designed for large, wide-body aircraft due to the limited space and infrastructure.
The airport’s terminal is basic but functional, offering check-in services, baggage handling, and a small waiting area for passengers. There is minimal commercial infrastructure, with few retail shops or restaurants available. Ground transportation consists mainly of taxis, which provide connections to the town of Funafuti and other parts of the island. The airport also has limited facilities for customs and immigration procedures. Despite its small scale, Funafuti International Airport plays an essential role in supporting both domestic and international travel to Tuvalu.
2. Nukufetau Airport
Airport Code: NFO
Time Zone: Tuvalu Time (TVT) / UTC+12
Address: Nukufetau Airport, Nukufetau, Tuvalu
Nearby Cities:
- Nukufetau (0 miles)
- Fuagea (3 miles)
- Vaitupu (20 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- Air Kiribati (regional flights)
- Fiji Airways (occasional regional flights)
Annual Passenger Traffic: Approximately 2,000 passengers (2023)
Airport Location and History
Nukufetau Airport is located on the island of Nukufetau, one of Tuvalu’s outer islands. The airport serves the local population and is primarily used for domestic flights. Nukufetau is a small island with a population of around 1,000 people, and the airport provides an essential link for transporting goods, services, and people between the outer islands and Funafuti, the nation’s capital.
The airport was originally built to improve access between the islands of Tuvalu and to facilitate the movement of essential supplies. Over the years, the airport has seen upgrades to its facilities, although it remains a small, relatively underdeveloped airstrip. It supports the local economy by enabling better connectivity, particularly for remote communities. The airport also plays a key role in regional air traffic, with flights to and from Funafuti and neighboring islands.
The airport is especially important for transportation in Tuvalu, as sea travel can be slow and unreliable due to Tuvalu’s isolated location in the Pacific. Nukufetau Airport thus plays an indispensable role in supporting the transportation needs of the Tuvaluan population.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Nukufetau Airport has a single runway:
- Runway: 1,300 meters
The runway is suitable for smaller aircraft, such as the Twin Otter or Cessna Caravan, and can handle turboprop aircraft but is not large enough to accommodate wide-body jets or larger aircraft. The airport’s facilities are limited, offering basic amenities such as a small terminal for check-in and baggage handling. There are no extensive commercial services at the airport, and ground transport is mainly provided by local taxis and public vehicles. The airport’s simplicity is reflective of the small scale of the island’s infrastructure.
3. Vaitupu Airport
Airport Code: VAI
Time Zone: Tuvalu Time (TVT) / UTC+12
Address: Vaitupu Airport, Vaitupu, Tuvalu
Nearby Cities:
- Vaitupu (0 miles)
- Fukuei (2 miles)
- Aloliki (3 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- Air Kiribati (regional flights)
Annual Passenger Traffic: Approximately 1,500 passengers (2023)
Airport Location and History
Vaitupu Airport is located on the island of Vaitupu, one of Tuvalu’s outer islands. Vaitupu is the second-largest island in Tuvalu by land area, though it has a small population. The airport serves as a domestic transportation hub, offering flights to and from Funafuti, Tuvalu’s capital, and occasionally to other neighboring islands.
Vaitupu Airport was constructed to provide better access between the remote islands of Tuvalu. This airport allows for the transport of goods, people, and services, especially for communities living on isolated islands. Like other airports in Tuvalu, it plays a key role in supporting the local economy and improving healthcare and education services through improved connectivity.
The airport serves a smaller number of passengers, but it is critical for both the local population and for supplying the islands with essential materials, particularly as Tuvalu faces challenges due to its low-lying geography and vulnerability to climate change.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Vaitupu Airport has a single runway:
- Runway: 1,200 meters
The runway is suitable for smaller, short-haul aircraft, typically turboprops like the De Havilland Twin Otter. The airport cannot handle larger aircraft or wide-body jets. Facilities at Vaitupu Airport are minimal, with only the most basic services available, such as a small terminal for check-in and baggage handling. There are no significant commercial operations or services at the airport, and ground transport is provided by local vehicles. Despite its limited infrastructure, the airport plays a vital role in connecting this remote island to the rest of Tuvalu.
4. Niulakita Airport
Airport Code: NIA
Time Zone: Tuvalu Time (TVT) / UTC+12
Address: Niulakita Island, Tuvalu
Nearby Cities:
- Niulakita (0 miles)
- Fongafale (5 miles)
- Funafuti (10 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- Air Kiribati (occasional regional flights)
Annual Passenger Traffic: Approximately 500 passengers (2023)
Airport Location and History
Niulakita Airport is located on Niulakita Island, the southernmost island of Tuvalu. The island has a very small population, and the airport serves as an essential link to the capital, Funafuti. This airport primarily handles domestic flights and is particularly important for facilitating communication and trade between Niulakita and other islands in Tuvalu.
The airport was established to support the transportation needs of the residents of Niulakita, particularly for medical and educational purposes, as well as to provide access for government and aid services. Given the island’s size and population, Niulakita Airport does not handle significant volumes of traffic but is crucial for the local community’s connectivity.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Niulakita Airport features a single runway:
- Runway: 1,000 meters
The runway is capable of handling smaller aircraft, typically turboprops, but is not large enough to accommodate commercial jet traffic or wide-body aircraft. Like many of Tuvalu’s smaller airports, Niulakita Airport offers minimal infrastructure, with only basic services such as a small terminal building. The airport provides essential transportation links for the local population, and ground transport consists of local vehicles, which connect the airport to the few settlements on the island.
5. Nukulaelae Airport
Airport Code: NKA
Time Zone: Tuvalu Time (TVT) / UTC+12
Address: Nukulaelae Island, Tuvalu
Nearby Cities:
- Nukulaelae (0 miles)
- Funafuti (10 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- Air Kiribati (regional flights)
Annual Passenger Traffic: Approximately 500 passengers (2023)
Airport Location and History
Nukulaelae Airport serves Nukulaelae, one of the smallest islands in Tuvalu. Located about 10 miles south of Funafuti, the airport is one of the most remote in the country. Like other outer-island airports, it was built to improve access to Tuvalu’s smaller islands and facilitate the movement of people and goods.
The airport plays a significant role for the local population, which relies on the airstrip for access to medical services, education, and government activities, as well as for essential supplies. While it is not a major hub for tourists, the airport is critical for the daily life and economic stability of its residents.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Nukulaelae Airport has a single runway:
- Runway: 1,200 meters
The runway is suitable for smaller aircraft, particularly regional turboprops. As with other Tuvaluan airports, Nukulaelae does not have the capacity to handle wide-body aircraft or larger commercial planes. The terminal facilities are minimal, offering basic services such as passenger check-in, baggage handling, and a small waiting area. Ground transportation is provided by local taxis or private vehicles. The airport plays an important role in ensuring that Nukulaelae remains connected to the rest of Tuvalu, despite its small size and isolation.
