๐ต๐ซ Reao, French Polynesia
Reao Airport serves the remote village of Tapuarava on Reao atoll in French Polynesia's Tuamotu archipelago, 520 kilometers northeast of Tahiti. Opened in 1979, this coral atoll facility operates as a crucial lifeline for the small island community where ground transportation between islands is impossible.
The airport features a single runway (11/29) designed for twin-engine aircraft used in inter-island services. Basic terminal facilities provide essential passenger services with minimal amenities, reflecting the remote location and infrequent operations. No scheduled airline service operates as of May 2019; aviation activity is limited to charter flights, medical evacuations, government services, and supply flights.
Ground support includes coral-surface aircraft parking and basic fuel storage maintained through supply flights from Tahiti. The facility serves a vital role in emergency services, medical evacuations, and maintaining connections to French Polynesia's main transportation network, exemplifying the unique challenges of Pacific island aviation infrastructure.
Reao Airport (REA) is an exceptionally remote and tranquil aviation facility located on the easternmost tip of the Tuamotu Archipelago in French Polynesia. Travelers arriving here should be fully prepared for the remote island lifestyle and carry their own water and snacks. Reao is famous for its stunning lagoon and its unique archaeological sites, but there is no formal tourism infrastructure, so staying here requires a pre-arranged local contact or a stay in a traditional family guesthouse.
Serving the isolated coral atoll of Reao, the airport is a primary lifeline for the local community, providing essential links for mail, medical supplies, and the transport of copra and local handicrafts. Flights to Reao are operated by Air Tahiti using ATR-42 turboprop aircraft, typically arriving only once or twice a week, and are highly dependent on weather conditions across the vast South Pacific. The tropical maritime climate is warm and humid year-round, with the risk of intense afternoon thunderstorms and occasional cyclones during the wet season from November to April.
The facility is extremely minimalist, consisting of a single grass and coral runway and a small, traditional open-air terminal with no modern passenger amenities; you will find no duty-free shops, Wi-Fi, or restaurants on-site. Ground transportation is very informal, as there are no conventional taxis on the atoll; visitors are typically met by local residents using trucks or bicycles for the short trip to the village. Always confirm your flight details multiple times with Air Tahiti, as the remote location means that any scheduling changes can result in significant delays of several days.
โข Peak times may see longer lines; plan accordingly.
โข Check your flight status before leaving for the airport.
โข Allow extra time during peak travel periods at this airport.
โข Keep important documents easily accessible at this airport.
โข Download your airline's mobile app for updates at this airport.
Minimum domestic connection:
45 minutes
International connections:
75 minutes
Interline transfers:
120 minutes
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Last updated: April 2026 | Data Source: IATA and other airline sites and resources