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Asau Airport (AAU) is a small domestic airfield located in the village of Asau on the northwestern coast of Savai'i, Samoa. It serves as a crucial link for inter-island travel, primarily catering to chartered flights and private aircraft. The terminal facilities are exceptionally basic, often described as little more than a small shed, offering a rudimentary waiting area. Despite its simplicity, the runway and terminal are maintained to comply with Part 139 Certification, ensuring fundamental safety standards are met for the type of aircraft it accommodates.
The layout is minimalist, with a single runway (07/25) that is rigid and roughly surfaced, lacking runway lights or a watch tower. Passengers disembark directly onto the tarmac, where a small shed serves as the primary terminal structure. Aircraft parking is limited, typically accommodating two Twin Otter planes. This straightforward design means there are no complex inter-terminal connections or extensive ground facilities; all operations are conducted within this singular, basic setup, resulting in negligible walking times.
Amenities at Asau Airport are extremely sparse. Travelers should not expect airline lounges, dedicated dining facilities, or retail shops. Any available provisions would be very basic, likely from local vendors in nearby villages. It is strongly advised for passengers to bring all necessary supplies, including food, water, and personal items. Accessibility features are basic, consisting mainly of ground-level access, and passengers requiring assistance should make thorough prior arrangements with their charter operator or local contacts.
Airlines Serving AAU
💡 Connection Tips
Connections at Asau Airport are exclusively domestic and operate on a charter basis; there are no scheduled commercial flights at this facility. The airport primarily facilitates travel within Samoa, with chartered services often connecting to Faleolo International Airport (APW) on Upolu, the main international gateway for the country. Due to the limited nature of operations, specific flight schedules are arranged directly with charter companies like Samoa Airways or Talofa Airways. These flights typically use small Twin Otter or Twin Commander aircraft, and because they are not part of a standard commercial network, all baggage and connection details must be coordinated on an individual basis with the operator.
For travelers needing to connect from Asau to international flights at Faleolo (APW), it is crucial to allow ample time for the transfer process. This typically involves a private charter flight from Savai'i to Upolu, followed by ground transportation once you reach the main island. Given that these are separate, non-guaranteed arrangements, it is highly recommended to build in a significant buffer of at least 4 to 6 hours, or potentially even an overnight stay in Apia, especially if your onward international flight is critical. The small aircraft used for inter-island charters have strict weight and size limits for luggage, so travelers should check with their operator to avoid issues during boarding.
As an alternative to flying, many travelers choose the more regular ferry service to move between Savai'i and Upolu. This involves traveling from Asau to the Salelologa Wharf, which is about a 90-minute to 2-hour drive along the coast. From there, a ferry crossing to Mulifanua Wharf on Upolu takes approximately 60 to 90 minutes. Conveniently, Mulifanua Wharf is only a 5-minute taxi ride from Faleolo International Airport, making this a reliable, though longer, connection method. Ferries generally operate several times a day, but it is best to arrive at the wharf 45 to 60 minutes before departure to secure a ticket, as 'island time' can sometimes affect the actual departure and arrival schedules.
Ground transportation from Asau Airport to other parts of Savai'i must be pre-arranged, as there are no public transport options or dedicated taxi stands at the airstrip. Most visitors arrange local taxis or private transfers through their accommodation prior to arrival. Since the airport's reopening in April 2021 after a six-year closure, it has regained its role for essential inter-island mobility, but without the regularity of commercial schedules, advanced planning is paramount. For any travel in the northwest region of Savai'i, carrying sufficient cash in Samoan Tala (WST) is essential, as ATM access is very limited once you leave the main hub of Salelologa.
Expert Travel Tips & Insights
Pro Traveler Secrets
• Confirm charter flight status with operator - schedules change due to weather.
• Pack light with soft luggage - strict weight limits on Twin Otter aircraft.
• Bring your own food and water, as amenities at Asau Airport are minimal to non-existent.
• Pre-arrange ground transport to accommodation - no on-demand services available.
• Allow generous buffer time for Faleolo (APW) connections due to transfer delays.
• Limited mobile coverage at airstrip - inform others of travel plans beforehand.
• Expect informal, direct experience typical of remote domestic airstrip.
Quick Facts
Minimum domestic connection:
60 minutes
International connections:
90 minutes
Interline transfers:
120 minutes
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Nearby Airports in Oceania
Faleolo International Airport
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Fagali'i Airport
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Maota Airport
Salelologa, Samoa