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Tavie Airport (PBJ), also known as Paama Airport, is a remote domestic airstrip located near the village of Tavie on the west coast of Paama Island, Vanuatu. The facility functions as a basic island landing ground and does not feature a formal commercial passenger terminal building. Instead, it operates out of a small, open-air structure that provides essential shelter for passengers waiting for regional 'pioneer' flights.
Facilities at the airport are extremely limited, reflecting its status as a minor domestic airfield in the Malampa Province. There are no modern commercial amenities such as retail shops, restaurants, ATMs, or Wi-Fi services available on-site, and travelers are strongly advised to bring their own water, snacks, and essential supplies. Ground handling and passenger assistance are managed locally, typically in coordination with Air Vanuatu staff who meet the infrequent scheduled flights.
The airfield features a single 2,001-foot (610m) grass and gravel runway and is primarily served by small STOL (Short Take-Off and Landing) aircraft like the Twin Otter. Flight operations are highly dependent on local weather conditions and typically occur only once or twice a week. Ground transportation is informal, with no dedicated taxi or bus services; visitors must pre-arrange pickups with local guesthouses or utilizing the very few private vehicles available on the island.
Airlines Serving PBJ
💡 Connection Tips
Tavie Airport (PBJ) serves the island of Paama in Vanuatu. Access is via Air Vanuatu with infrequent short-haul flights (typically twice weekly) from Port Vila (VLI) or Santo. The airport is a simple grass airstrip with zero terminal facilities On Paama, the schedule matters more than the distance; with only a couple of weekly Air Vanuatu rotations, the island feels connected only when the flight plan is confirmed early.
Ground transport on Paama is extremely limited; there are NO formal taxis or buses. Most movement is on foot or via motorized local boat for travel between coastal villages. Travelers MUST coordinate their arrival with their guesthouse host or village leader to ensure a pickup On Paama, the lack of formal road transport means the airport often functions as one part of a small island chain of footpaths, boats, and guesthouse pickups rather than a conventional curbside transfer.
A critical tip: there are no banking or retail facilities on the island; you must bring all food, water, and cash (VUV) from Port Vila. Baggage weight limits are strictly enforced on the small Twin Otter aircraft. Arrive at the strip 60 minutes early Visitors who arrive with food, cash, and a light bag are far better prepared than anyone expecting banking, retail, or backup supply options on the island.
Expert Travel Tips & Insights
Pro Traveler Secrets
• Coordinate local pickup with your host weeks in advance.
• Financial tip: Bring all personal supplies and cash from the capital.
• Pack extremely light in soft bags to comply with weight limits.
• The flight offers spectacular views of the Lopevi volcano.
• Check flight status in Port Vila; rain often closes the grass strip.
Quick Facts
Minimum domestic connection:
30 minutes
International connections:
60 minutes
Interline transfers:
90 minutes
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