โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
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.
๐ 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.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
35
minutes
Domestic โ International
65
minutes
Interline Connections
100
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Fagali'i Airport operates a basic terminal building serving local and inter-island flights near Apia, Samoa's capital. The terminal features minimal passenger processing facilities primarily for Talofa Airways domestic operations, though services have varied over time requiring operational status confirmation. Check-in procedures are basic with walking distance from terminal to aircraft approximately 25 meters across the small island airstrip.
Passenger processing follows basic Samoan domestic aviation procedures with limited security screening for inter-island flights. No international flights operate from this local airfield, with international transfers typically handled via Faleolo International Airport (APW). The airport serves primarily local transportation within the Samoan islands rather than international connectivity.
Terminal amenities are minimal, consisting of basic waiting areas, simple restroom facilities, and basic passenger coordination services. Operating status and services should be confirmed in advance due to historical operational variations. No commercial lounges, restaurants, or retail facilities are available due to the local airfield nature. Accessibility is limited to basic ground-level access. Family facilities are basic, with simple seating areas and restroom access when operational, as the airport serves inter-island transportation and local aviation rather than major passenger operations, providing essential local connectivity for Samoa's island communities when active.
๐ Connection Tips
Fagali'i Airport (FGI) is a secondary airport serving Apia, the capital of Samoa. Unlike the primary international gateway at Faleolo (APW), which is 40 minutes away, Fagali'i is conveniently located just 5-10 minutes from the city center. Historically, it has served as the main 'air bridge' for short-hop flights to Pago Pago (PPG) in American Samoa, operated by carriers like Samoa Airways and Talofa Airways. However, its operational status has fluctuated over the years due to safety concerns and runway maintenance, so it is vital to confirm that your flight is actually departing from FGI and not APW before heading to the airport.
The terminal is a compact, open-air style building that captures the tropical breeze. Amenities are basic: a small check-in area, a waiting lounge, and simple restrooms. There are no duty-free shops or large restaurants, though small kiosks selling local snacks and drinks are sometimes active. Taxis are the primary way to connect from FGI to downtown Apia; they are plentiful and very affordable.
If you are connecting from an international flight at Faleolo to a domestic flight at Fagali'i, you must allow at least three hours. This covers the 45-60 minute taxi ride between airports, plus time for customs at APW and check-in at FGI. The walk from the terminal to the small twin-otter aircraft is a mere 25 meters. The airport offers a charming, low-stress alternative to the larger international hub, provided it is operational during your visit.
โ Back to Asau Airport