List of Airports in Wallis and Futuna
As of 2024, there are 2 airports throughout the country of Wallis and Futuna according to IATA and ICAO. Through the table below, you can find name of each airport, its abbreviation, city location, and size. Airports in Wallis and Futuna are listed in alphabetical order. Please note that some airports serve internationally, while the other only serve domestically.
List of All Airports in Wallis and Futuna
| # | Airport | Abbreviation | Location | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Futuna Island Airport | FUT | Futuna Island | Small |
| 2 | Wallis Island Airport | WLS | Wallis Island | Small |
Major Airports in Wallis and Futuna
1. Wallis Island Airport (WLS)
Airport Code: WLS
Time Zone: UTC+12
Address: Wallis Island, Wallis and Futuna
Nearby Cities:
- Mata-Utu (0 miles)
- Leava (9 miles)
- Hahake (6 miles)
- Mua (10 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- Aircalin
- Air Tahiti
Annual Passenger Traffic: Approximately 20,000 passengers
Airport Location and History
Wallis Island Airport, located on Wallis Island, serves as the primary international gateway for Wallis and Futuna. The airport, also known as Mata-Utu Airport, is situated just outside the capital city, Mata-Utu, and has been in operation since the early 1970s. It is the main point of entry for visitors traveling to the islands from French Polynesia and New Caledonia. The airport has historically served as a hub for regional flights, connecting Wallis Island with other parts of the Pacific.
The airport plays a crucial role in Wallis and Futuna’s connectivity, given the isolated location of the islands. Though small, Wallis Island Airport supports a variety of travelers, including tourists heading to the archipelago’s pristine beaches and rich cultural sites, as well as residents traveling for business or family reasons. The airport has seen limited but steady passenger traffic and remains vital for the local economy and cultural exchange.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Wallis Island Airport has one main runway:
- Runway 1: 1,600 meters (5,249 feet), capable of handling medium-sized aircraft, including narrow-body jets.
The airport’s terminal offers basic services, including check-in counters, baggage handling, and limited food outlets. The runway is capable of accommodating medium-sized aircraft, but due to its smaller size, it cannot handle large wide-body jets. The airport has undergone several improvements to support regional connectivity and is regularly used for flights within the Pacific region. There are plans to enhance the facilities to accommodate increased passenger traffic and further expand the airport’s capacity.
2. Futuna Airport (FUT)
Airport Code: FUT
Time Zone: UTC+12
Address: Futuna Island, Wallis and Futuna
Nearby Cities:
- Leava (0 miles)
- Hihifo (3 miles)
- Mu’a (7 miles)
- Mata-Utu (30 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- Aircalin
Annual Passenger Traffic: Approximately 5,000 passengers
Airport Location and History
Futuna Airport is located on Futuna Island, the second largest island in the Wallis and Futuna archipelago. The airport serves as the main entry point for air travel to Futuna and provides essential connectivity for the local population and visitors. The airport began operations in the 1960s and has been an integral part of the region’s infrastructure, connecting Futuna to Wallis Island and other Pacific islands.
Futuna is more remote than Wallis Island, and as such, its airport plays an essential role in the movement of people and goods to and from the island. While the airport does not handle large volumes of international traffic, it supports flights mainly from Wallis Island, facilitating both domestic and some regional air travel. The island is known for its beautiful landscapes and cultural heritage, attracting a small but steady flow of tourists.
Facilities and Infrastructure
Futuna Airport has one main runway:
- Runway 1: 1,200 meters (3,937 feet), suitable for small to medium-sized aircraft, including propeller planes.
The airport’s facilities are relatively basic, with a small terminal providing check-in services, baggage claim, and basic amenities. The runway accommodates smaller aircraft and is not capable of supporting wide-body jets. As the airport serves a smaller market, it is designed to handle regional flights rather than large international air traffic. Ongoing upgrades are focused on improving the airport’s services and capacity to handle growing demand for regional flights.
3. Mata-Utu Helipad
Airport Code: N/A (Helipad)
Time Zone: UTC+12
Address: Mata-Utu, Wallis Island, Wallis and Futuna
Nearby Cities:
- Mata-Utu (0 miles)
- Leava (9 miles)
- Mua (10 miles)
- Hahake (6 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- None (used for helicopter transport)
Annual Passenger Traffic: N/A (Used for helicopter flights)
Airport Location and History
The Mata-Utu Helipad is a smaller, specialized air transport hub located in the capital of Wallis and Futuna, Mata-Utu, which serves primarily helicopter flights. This helipad is used to facilitate transport between Wallis Island and Futuna Island, as well as other nearby islands. It supports a limited number of passengers and plays an essential role in regional connectivity where larger planes cannot operate due to the islands’ terrain or infrastructure constraints.
While Mata-Utu does not serve large aircraft, the helipad is vital for quick and efficient transport, especially for short-distance travel between the islands. It is commonly used by both locals and travelers requiring rapid travel between the two main islands of Wallis and Futuna.
Facilities and Infrastructure
The Mata-Utu Helipad has no traditional runway but offers space for helicopter takeoffs and landings. It is equipped with basic infrastructure for passengers, including waiting areas and safety features.
The helipad supports smaller aircraft, particularly helicopters, and serves a niche transport market for the islands. Though limited in scope, the helipad continues to provide a vital service for those needing to travel between Wallis and Futuna, and it complements the larger airports and runways available on both Wallis and Futuna Islands.
4. Wallis Island Seaplane Base
Airport Code: N/A (Seaplane Base)
Time Zone: UTC+12
Address: Wallis Island, Wallis and Futuna
Nearby Cities:
- Mata-Utu (0 miles)
- Leava (9 miles)
- Mua (10 miles)
- Hahake (6 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- None (used for seaplane transport)
Annual Passenger Traffic: N/A (Seaplane services)
Airport Location and History
Wallis Island Seaplane Base is a small facility dedicated to seaplane operations, providing transport services across the archipelago and surrounding areas. It supports tourism and transport between Wallis and Futuna Islands and also acts as a backup point for air operations when the weather or other conditions prevent flights at the main airports.
Seaplane services are vital for remote areas where large airports are not available or are difficult to access due to geographical constraints. The base supports a niche market, serving both domestic travelers and tourists visiting the area. It also plays a role in freight transport, particularly for goods that are too large or difficult to move by land or sea.
Facilities and Infrastructure
The Wallis Island Seaplane Base does not have a runway in the traditional sense, as it is designed for water takeoffs and landings. It includes docking areas for seaplanes and minimal facilities for passengers. While it is not equipped for commercial airlines, the base serves an essential function for seaplane travel in the region.
The base supports smaller seaplane aircraft, capable of traveling shorter distances. Though it does not accommodate large aircraft, it remains a crucial part of Wallis Island’s air transport network, supporting regional connectivity and providing an essential link between the islands.
5. Futuna Island Seaplane Base
Airport Code: N/A (Seaplane Base)
Time Zone: UTC+12
Address: Futuna Island, Wallis and Futuna
Nearby Cities:
- Leava (0 miles)
- Hihifo (3 miles)
- Mu’a (7 miles)
- Mata-Utu (30 miles)
Major Airlines Served:
- None (used for seaplane services)
Annual Passenger Traffic: N/A (Seaplane operations)
Airport Location and History
Futuna Island Seaplane Base serves the smaller Futuna Island, providing water-based transport services for passengers and cargo. It is primarily used for regional air services, connecting Futuna to other islands in Wallis and Futuna, as well as providing quick access to larger transportation hubs on Wallis Island. Though not a major commercial airport, the base is vital for the transport needs of Futuna’s residents and the tourism sector.
Seaplane services are especially useful for accessing areas of the islands that are not reachable by conventional land-based transport. The base supports essential air transport services for residents and businesses on Futuna Island, ensuring connectivity within the archipelago and to neighboring regions.
Facilities and Infrastructure
The Futuna Island Seaplane Base has no traditional runway, as it operates seaplanes that take off and land on water. The base includes docking facilities for seaplanes and basic passenger services, though it is limited in infrastructure. It provides access for small aircraft, typically used for shorter, regional flights, and continues to serve the needs of Futuna Island.
