List of Airports in Vanuatu
As of 2024, there are 32 airports throughout the country of Vanuatu according to IATA and ICAO. Through the table below, you can find name of each airport, its abbreviation, city location, and size. Airports in Vanuatu are listed in alphabetical order. Please note that some airports serve internationally, while the other only serve domestically.
List of All Airports in Vanuatu
| # | Airport | Abbreviation | Location | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aneityum Airport | AUY | Aneityum | Small |
| 2 | Aniwa Airport | AWD | Aniwa | Small |
| 3 | Bauerfield Airport | VLI | Port Vila | Small |
| 4 | Big Bay Airport | GBA | Big Bay | Small |
| 5 | Craig Cove Airport | CCV | Craig Cove | Small |
| 6 | Dillons Bay Airport | DLY | Dillons Bay | Small |
| 7 | Emae Airport | EAE | Emae | Small |
| 8 | Epi Airport | EPI | Epi | Small |
| 9 | Futuna Airport | FTA | Futuna Island | Small |
| 10 | Gaua Airport | ZGU | Gaua | Small |
| 11 | Ipota Airport | IPA | Ipota | Small |
| 12 | Lamap Airport | LPM | Lamap | Small |
| 13 | Lamen Bay Airport | LNB | Lamen Bay | Small |
| 14 | Longana Airport | LOD | Longana | Small |
| 15 | Lonorore Airport | LNE | Lonorore | Small |
| 16 | Maewo Airport | MWF | Maewo | Small |
| 17 | Mota Lava Airport | MTV | Mota Lava | Small |
| 18 | Norsup Airport | NUS | Norsup | Small |
| 19 | Olpoi Airport | OLJ | Olpoi | Small |
| 20 | Paama Airport | PBJ | Paama | Small |
| 21 | Pekoa Airport | SON | Espiritu Santo | Small |
| 22 | Quine Hill Airport | UIQ | Quine Hill | Small |
| 23 | Redcliffe Airport | RCL | Redcliffe | Small |
| 24 | Sara Airport | SSR | Sara | Small |
| 25 | Sola Airport | SLH | Sola | Small |
| 26 | South West Bay Airport | SWJ | South West Bay | Small |
| 27 | Tanna Airport | TAH | Tanna | Small |
| 28 | Tongoa Airport | TGH | Tongoa | Small |
| 29 | Torres Airstrip | TOH | Torres | Small |
| 30 | Ulei Airport | ULB | Ulei | Small |
| 31 | Valesdir Airport | VLS | Valesdir | Small |
| 32 | Walaha Airport | WLH | Walaha | Small |
Major Airports in Vanuatu
1. Bauerfield International Airport (VLI)
Airport Code: VLI
Time Zone: Vanuatu Standard Time (VUT)
Address: Port Vila, Vanuatu
Nearby Cities:
- Port Vila (0 miles)
- Mele (4 miles)
- Emua (8 miles)
- Luganville (123 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- Air Vanuatu
- Qantas
- Fiji Airways
- Air New Zealand
- Solomon Airlines
Annual Passenger Traffic: Approximately 300,000 passengers
Airport Location and History
Bauerfield International Airport is located in Port Vila, the capital city of Vanuatu, on the island of Efate. Opened in 1969, the airport is Vanuatu’s main international gateway and handles the bulk of the country’s air traffic. The airport was named after the local Bauerfield family and has been a critical part of the nation’s transportation infrastructure for decades. Over the years, Bauerfield has undergone several expansions and renovations to cater to increasing passenger numbers and improve its facilities.
The airport serves as a hub for domestic flights within Vanuatu and connects the islands with major cities in the Pacific, Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji. It is essential for both tourism, as Vanuatu is a popular travel destination for its beaches, natural beauty, and rich culture, and for business, especially in the agriculture and trade sectors. Bauerfield plays a central role in supporting the nation’s economic and cultural ties with the broader Pacific region.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Bauerfield International Airport has one main runway:
- Runway 1: 2,400 meters (7,874 feet), capable of handling medium-sized aircraft, including narrow-body jets.
The airport terminal includes essential services such as duty-free shopping, lounges, food outlets, check-in counters, baggage claim, and car rental facilities. The runway can accommodate medium-sized aircraft, and while it is not designed for large wide-body jets, it is capable of handling smaller international flights. The airport is continuously working on improving its infrastructure, with ongoing projects to increase capacity and enhance passenger services.
2. Santo Pekoa International Airport (SON)
Airport Code: SON
Time Zone: Vanuatu Standard Time (VUT)
Address: Luganville, Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu
Nearby Cities:
- Luganville (0 miles)
- Port Vila (123 miles)
- Tangoa (10 miles)
- Vanuatu’s Northern Islands (25 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- Air Vanuatu
- Fiji Airways
- Solomon Airlines
Annual Passenger Traffic: Approximately 80,000 passengers
Airport Location and History
Santo Pekoa International Airport is located in Luganville, on the island of Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu’s largest and northernmost island. Opened in 1968, the airport has played an important role in connecting Vanuatu’s northern islands with Port Vila and other international destinations. It was upgraded in the 1990s and continues to serve as the main entry point for visitors to the northern part of Vanuatu, especially for those traveling to enjoy the island’s famous resorts, beaches, and dive sites.
Espiritu Santo is known for its natural beauty and historical significance, including the famous Blue Holes and the SS President Coolidge wreck, making the airport vital for tourism. The airport also serves as a hub for regional flights to the Solomon Islands and Fiji. Its location makes it an important connection point for travel within the Pacific region.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Santo Pekoa International Airport has one main runway:
- Runway 1: 1,800 meters (5,906 feet), suitable for small to medium-sized aircraft.
The airport offers basic facilities, including check-in counters, baggage handling, and a small terminal with food services and seating areas. The runway can accommodate small to medium-sized aircraft, including narrow-body jets, but it is not capable of handling large, wide-body aircraft. Plans for future expansion include runway upgrades and terminal improvements to accommodate growing passenger traffic and better serve the tourism market.
3. Tanna Airport (TAH)
Airport Code: TAH
Time Zone: Vanuatu Standard Time (VUT)
Address: Tanna Island, Vanuatu
Nearby Cities:
- Tanna (0 miles)
- Port Vila (125 miles)
- White Grass (5 miles)
- Aniwa (18 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- Air Vanuatu
- Fiji Airways
Annual Passenger Traffic: Approximately 25,000 passengers
Airport Location and History
Tanna Airport is located on Tanna Island, one of Vanuatu’s more remote islands, known for its active volcano, Mount Yasur, which attracts adventure tourists. Opened in the early 1970s, the airport provides a vital link for travelers visiting the island to explore its natural wonders, traditional villages, and beaches. Tanna Airport primarily handles domestic flights, with connections to Port Vila and other nearby islands, serving both locals and tourists.
The airport plays an essential role in the local economy, helping to facilitate tourism and trade in this relatively remote part of Vanuatu. It also supports local industries, particularly agriculture, by providing transportation options for goods and services. While the airport is small, it remains an important point of access for the population of Tanna Island and visitors to the region.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Tanna Airport has one small runway:
- Runway 1: 1,200 meters (3,937 feet), suitable for small to medium-sized aircraft.
The airport has basic infrastructure, including a small terminal with minimal services such as check-in counters, waiting areas, and baggage handling. The runway is capable of handling small to medium-sized aircraft, including regional jets, but it is not designed for large aircraft or wide-body jets. The airport continues to serve the needs of the Tanna population and supports the island’s growing tourism sector.
4. Aniwa Airport (AWD)
Airport Code: AWD
Time Zone: Vanuatu Standard Time (VUT)
Address: Aniwa Island, Vanuatu
Nearby Cities:
- Aniwa (0 miles)
- Port Vila (160 miles)
- Tanna (50 miles)
- Futuna (90 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- Air Vanuatu (charter flights)
Annual Passenger Traffic: Approximately 2,000 passengers
Airport Location and History
Aniwa Airport is located on Aniwa Island, a small island in the southern part of Vanuatu. The airport serves as a gateway for the island’s small population and the limited number of tourists who visit the island. The airport began operations in the early 1980s, providing basic air services to this isolated part of Vanuatu.
Aniwa Island is known for its stunning beaches, reefs, and unique cultural experiences, but it remains one of the less-visited islands in Vanuatu. The airport plays a critical role in connecting Aniwa with other islands in the archipelago, particularly Tanna and Port Vila, making it an essential part of the transportation network for local residents and businesses.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Aniwa Airport has one small runway:
- Runway 1: 1,000 meters (3,280 feet), suitable for light aircraft.
The airport’s facilities are quite basic, offering check-in services and a small terminal for passengers. The runway accommodates small, light aircraft, typically used for domestic and regional flights. Due to its small size, Aniwa Airport cannot accommodate larger aircraft, but it provides vital access to this remote part of Vanuatu, supporting both local needs and the tourism sector.
5. Lamap Airport (LMP)
Airport Code: LMP
Time Zone: Vanuatu Standard Time (VUT)
Address: Malekula Island, Vanuatu
Nearby Cities:
- Lamap (0 miles)
- Norsup (20 miles)
- Port Vila (125 miles)
- Luganville (180 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- Air Vanuatu (charter flights)
Annual Passenger Traffic: Approximately 3,000 passengers
Airport Location and History
Lamap Airport is located on Malekula Island, one of Vanuatu’s larger islands. The airport provides vital connectivity to the capital and other islands, particularly for residents of Malekula who rely on air travel for business and personal needs. Lamap Airport is used mainly for domestic flights and has been operational since the 1980s.
The airport supports small domestic and regional flights, with a focus on local connectivity for both residents and travelers exploring the island’s pristine beaches, cultural heritage, and hiking opportunities. While not as busy as other airports in Vanuatu, Lamap serves an important role in the island’s transportation network.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Lamap Airport has one small runway:
- Runway 1: 1,200 meters (3,937 feet), suitable for light aircraft.
The airport is equipped with basic facilities, including check-in counters and a small terminal. The runway is designed for light aircraft and cannot accommodate large commercial planes. Lamap Airport is essential for serving the local population and facilitating regional connectivity within the Vanuatu archipelago, especially given Malekula’s size and geographic location.