โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
25
minutes
Domestic โ International
45
minutes
Interline Connections
60
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Moorea Airport (MOZ), also known as Temae Airport, is a compact inter-island facility located near the village of Temae in northeastern Moorea, opened in October 1967. The single-terminal building serves exclusively domestic flights, primarily the 15-minute hop to Tahiti's Faa'a International Airport. With its single runway (12/30) at just 9 feet elevation, the airport offers spectacular approaches over turquoise lagoons and volcanic peaks that make it one of the most scenic airports in French Polynesia.
The terminal features basic passenger facilities appropriate for its role as a short-haul island connector, with open-air waiting areas taking advantage of the tropical climate. Check-in counters for Air Tahiti and Air Moana, the only two carriers serving the airport, operate simple but efficient procedures. The small terminal building includes a snack bar, restrooms, and a small gift shop selling local crafts, with most amenities reflecting the relaxed Polynesian atmosphere.
Handling several flights daily to Papeete, the airport serves as a vital link for Moorea's tourism industry and local population of approximately 17,000. The facility's intimate scale means passengers often walk directly to aircraft on the tarmac, with boarding typically completed just 10-15 minutes before departure. Despite its modest size, the airport efficiently processes tourists heading to Moorea's luxury resorts and locals commuting to Tahiti for business or services.
๐ Connection Tips
Moorea Airport (MOZ) sits in northeastern Moorea near Temae village, requiring pre-arranged ground transportation as no public transport serves the airport. Taxis are available but relatively expensive, with fares to popular destinations running 3,000-5,000 CFP ($30-50 USD) to nearby resorts and up to 8,000 CFP ($80) to distant parts of the island. Car rentals are available through Avis, Europcar, and local agencies with desks at the airport, though fleets are limited and advance reservation is essential, particularly June through September and December. For connections to Tahiti, both Air Tahiti and Air Moana operate multiple daily 15-minute flights to Papeete, with morning and evening services most frequent.
Most resorts and hotels provide complimentary shuttle services that must be booked in advance, with journey times ranging from 10 minutes to southern beaches to 30 minutes for northwestern resorts. Taxis don't always wait at the airport, so having your accommodation arrange pickup is recommended. The 60-kilometer coastal road circles the island, making navigation straightforward. The alternative is returning to Papeete via ferry from Vaiare port (30 minutes from airport), offering a scenic 30-40 minute crossing for about 1,500 CFP ($15) per person.
These shuttles typically coordinate with flight arrival times but may wait for multiple passengers. Some drivers accept euros or US dollars but change rates are poor. Scooter rentals are popular with younger travelers but require an appropriate license. Allow minimum 2 hours for international connections in Papeete, as you must transfer between domestic and international terminals.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
35
minutes
Domestic โ International
65
minutes
Interline Connections
100
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Anaa Airport (AAA) features a very modest terminal building that exemplifies the laid-back charm of the remote Tuamotu Archipelago. The structure is essentially an open-air pavilion positioned 3 meters above sea level, providing essential shade and basic seating for passengers awaiting their infrequent flights. With no enclosed lounges, air-conditioning, or multi-level design, the terminal maintains its simple, single-room layout with a small check-in counter and designated baggage handling area just steps away from the 1,500-meter paved runway.
The passenger experience at Anaa is refreshingly uncomplicated, operating only during flight times since the airport serves just a few Air Tahiti flights per week. Security procedures follow standard French Polynesian domestic regulations but remain minimal given the airport's remote location. Digital flight displays are non-existent, with ground staff making all announcements personally. The walk from terminal to aircraft involves just a few meters across the apron, making the boarding process intimate and efficient.
Terminal amenities are deliberately basic, with no restaurants, cafes, shops, or duty-free outlets available within the facility. Travelers must bring their own refreshments and entertainment, as Wi-Fi and charging stations are absent. The simple restroom facilities and complete lack of commercial services encourage passengers to embrace the tranquil island atmosphere. The terminal's unique feature is its stunning positioning near the turquoise lagoon, offering panoramic views of the surrounding atoll that create a memorable backdrop rarely found at aviation facilities worldwide.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting through Anaa Airport requires an understanding of its role as a remote island outpost. All scheduled flights are operated by Air Tahiti, primarily linking Anaa with Faa'a International Airport (PPT) in Tahiti and occasionally with neighboring atolls like Faaite. Since flights are infrequent, often only once or twice a week, missing a connection can lead to significant delays. It is crucial to verify your flight schedule 24 hours in advance, as island weather or technical issues can lead to last-minute changes.
If you are traveling from an international destination, your journey will almost certainly involve a transfer at Papeete (PPT). Ensure you have sufficient time between your international arrival and the domestic departure to Anaa, as you will need to clear customs and immigration in Papeete, collect your luggage, and move to the domestic terminal. Air Tahiti has specific baggage weight limits for ATR aircraft (typically 23kg for standard tickets), which are strictly enforced due to the small size of the planes and the need for fuel efficiency on long overwater segments.
For those planning to visit multiple islands in the Tuamotu group, Anaa is often part of a multi-stop itinerary. Coordinate closely with Air Tahiti to ensure your luggage is checked through if possible, though in many cases for these smaller islands, you may need to re-identify your bags on the tarmac. If your flight is delayed or cancelled, the airline staff will typically assist with rebooking, but given the limited frequency, having comprehensive travel insurance that covers inter-island flight disruptions is highly recommended for any trip to this region.
โ Back to Moorea Airport