โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
30
minutes
Domestic โ International
60
minutes
Interline Connections
90
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
North West Santo Airport (OLJ), also known as Olpoi Airport, is a remote domestic airstrip located in the village of Olpoi on the northwest coast of Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu. The facility serves as a vital transportation link for this isolated community, featuring a basic terminal infrastructure that typically consists of an open-air shelter or a modest building for passenger processing.
Amenities at the airport are extremely limited, reflecting its status as a rural island airstrip. There are no shops, restaurants, ATMs, or Wi-Fi services available on-site, so travelers are strongly encouraged to bring their own water, snacks, and essential supplies. Ground transportation is informal and primarily consists of pre-arranged 4WD transfers or pickups provided by local guesthouses.
The airfield features a 3,937-foot (1,200m) grass runway (17/35) suitable for small turboprop aircraft like the Twin Otter. Scheduled services, primarily operated by Air Vanuatu, are low-frequency and highly dependent on weather conditions and local demand. Passengers should be aware of strict baggage weight limits and are advised to reconfirm flight schedules with airline offices in Luganville prior to their journey.
๐ Connection Tips
North West Santo Airport is a small grass field on Espiritu Santo, and its connection role is the one you would expect for a Vanuatu island strip: light aircraft, local movement, and a short hop between communities that are otherwise much farther apart by road or boat. The airport is not large, but it is useful because the island geography makes quick access valuable.
The runway surface and the short field length tell you a lot about how to think about OLJ. This is a utility airstrip for nearby communities and travel to the western side of Santo, so the sensible move is to know your pickup and your next destination before you land. If your trip includes the island road or a resort transfer, the airport is simply the fast part of the journey.
Because island schedules can be flexible and weather can change quickly, the best connection is the one that has already been confirmed with the operator. North West Santo Airport works when the flight and the ground leg are both modest and both planned. The small island network is easier when the flight time, road pickup, and operator are all talking to each other. A booked local transfer is what keeps the island leg on time.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
30
minutes
Domestic โ International
45
minutes
Interline Connections
75
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Craig Cove Airport (CCV), also known by its ICAO code NVSF, is a vital regional aviation facility located on the western tip of Ambrym Island in the Malampa Province of Vanuatu. Serving as the primary gateway to one of Vanuatu's most volcanically active and culturally rich islands, the airport provides an essential link for both the local Ni-Vanuatu population and adventurous travelers. The airfield is situated near the village of Craig Cove and is characterized by its dramatic surroundings, with the island's famous twin volcanoes, Mount Yasur and Mount Marum, often visible in the distance.
The terminal facilities at Craig Cove are characteristic of remote island aviation, featuring a simple and functional open-air structure. There are no conventional airport buildings, retail shops, or dining complexes; instead, the airport provides a basic sheltered area for passengers to wait for arrivals and departures. The airfield itself consists of a well-maintained unpaved runway, often composed of local volcanic ash and grass, which is specifically suited for the Twin Otter aircraft typically used by the national carrier. Travelers utilizing this airport are advised to be entirely self-sufficient, as amenities are limited to the absolute essentials required for safe flight operations.
Commercial services at CCV are exclusively operated by Air Vanuatu, which provides scheduled domestic flights to the national capital, Port Vila (VLI), and other regional destinations like Norsup. These flights are a lifeline for the community, facilitating the transport of essential supplies, medical personnel, and local produce. The airport's importance is further magnified by its role in supporting the island's unique eco-tourism industry, particularly for those looking to experience traditional custom dances or embark on volcano trekking expeditions. Ground transportation is typically arranged via local trucks or 4WD vehicles that connect the airfield to the various guesthouses and custom villages across Ambrym.
๐ Connection Tips
Craig Cove Airport (CCV) is the primary gateway to the volcanically active Ambrym Island in Vanuatu. Because this is a remote island facility with limited infrastructure, "connecting" here requires meticulous planning. Air Vanuatu is the sole domestic carrier, typically operating Twin Otter flights twice a week from Port Vila (VLI). For travelers connecting to international flights, it is vital to allow at least 24 to 48 hours in Port Vila after your return from Ambrym.
Island weather is notoriously unpredictable, and flights are frequently delayed or cancelled due to heavy rain, low clouds, or volcanic ash plumes from the islandโs active craters, Mt. Benbow and Mt. Marum. Upon arrival at the open-air terminal, you will find no standard taxis or public buses. All onward transport must be pre-arranged through your guesthouse. To reach the popular trekking base at Port Vato, you must hire a 4WD truck for a bumpy 2-hour journey along the coast.
If your destination is North Ambrym for the famous Rom dances, you will need to take a "banana boat" (small motorized boat) from the Craig Cove harbor, which can take up to 3 hours depending on sea conditions. An advanced connection strategy involves the "Grand Traverse": flying into Craig Cove, trekking across the massive 12km wide volcanic ash plain over several days, and then flying out of Ulei Airport (ULB) on the east coast to avoid backtracking. Always confirm your return flight at the Air Vanuatu office near the airstrip at least 24 hours before departure, and bring plenty of purified water from Port Vila, as the island's natural water sources are often contaminated by volcanic ash.
โ Back to North West Santo Airport