๐ฒ๐ญ Arno Atoll, Marshall Islands
Tinak Airport (TIC) is a public use airstrip located in the village of Tinak on Arno Atoll in the Marshall Islands. Positioned at an elevation of just 4 feet above mean sea level at coordinates 7.13333ยฐN, 171.91701ยฐE, the airport serves one of the many remote atolls that make up this Pacific island nation. Located approximately 15 miles from Majuro, the capital and largest city of the Marshall Islands, Tinak Airport represents the vital role of aviation in connecting isolated island communities across the vast Pacific Ocean. The airport features a single runway designated 05/23 with a coral gravel surface. There are conflicting reports about the exact runway dimensions, with sources indicating either 2,850 by 45 feet (869 x 14 meters) or 3,500 by 150 feet, reflecting the challenges of maintaining accurate data for remote Pacific island airstrips. The coral gravel construction is typical of small island airports in the region, providing a functional landing surface suitable for small aircraft operations while utilizing locally available materials. However, current operational status of Tinak Airport is uncertain, with some sources indicating the facility is closed or has limited active operations. The airport has no ICAO code designation, using the reference code MH-0020, and no navigational aids are present in the vicinity, requiring pilots to rely on visual flight procedures and GPS navigation. There are currently no aircraft based at the facility, suggesting minimal or suspended operations. Despite these operational challenges, Tinak Airport exemplifies the critical importance of aviation infrastructure in the Marshall Islands, where scattered atolls separated by vast ocean distances depend on air transportation for connectivity. Even when not in regular use, such airstrips serve as vital emergency landing sites and potential access points for medical evacuations, supply deliveries, and inter-island transportation in one of the world's most geographically dispersed nations.
Connecting through Tinak Airport requires understanding its unique Pacific island operations on Arno Atoll. This remote facility operates with uncertain scheduling and may have limited active service, so confirming operational status well in advance is critical. Weather conditions in the central Pacific can change rapidly, with typhoon season (June-November) bringing particular challenges for small aircraft operations. The coral gravel runway surface can become problematic during heavy rains, potentially causing extended delays or cancellations. Ground transportation on Arno Atoll is extremely limited, typically consisting of small boats for inter-atoll travel and basic road vehicles for local transport within the community. There are no traditional car rental services or taxi companies - arrangements must be made through local contacts or community leaders. The 15-mile distance from Majuro means alternative transportation options are largely maritime, which can be affected by sea conditions and require careful scheduling. The airport's minimal facilities mean passengers must come completely prepared with food, water, shelter, and any necessary medications, as there are no commercial amenities, fuel services, or weather protection available. Emergency medical facilities are extremely basic, with serious medical issues requiring evacuation to Majuro or beyond. Communication services are limited, and mobile phone coverage may be intermittent or nonexistent. Given the airport's potential closure status and lack of ICAO certification, connections should only be attempted through verified charter services or humanitarian organizations familiar with Marshall Islands aviation. The facility serves primarily as an emergency landing site and occasional community access point rather than a regular commercial operation. Travelers should have contingency plans including alternative transportation via boat services and should register their travel plans with local authorities. Weather monitoring relies on regional data from Majuro, making local conditions difficult to predict accurately.
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Minimum domestic connection:
35 minutes
International connections:
65 minutes
Interline transfers:
100 minutes
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Last updated: January 1980 | Data Source: IATA and other airline sites and resources