โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
30
minutes
Domestic โ International
60
minutes
Interline Connections
90
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Tavie Airport (PBJ), also known as Paama Airport, is a remote domestic airstrip located near the village of Tavie on the west coast of Paama Island, Vanuatu. The facility functions as a basic island landing ground and does not feature a formal commercial passenger terminal building. Instead, it operates out of a small, open-air structure that provides essential shelter for passengers waiting for regional 'pioneer' flights.
Facilities at the airport are extremely limited, reflecting its status as a minor domestic airfield in the Malampa Province. There are no modern commercial amenities such as retail shops, restaurants, ATMs, or Wi-Fi services available on-site, and travelers are strongly advised to bring their own water, snacks, and essential supplies. Ground handling and passenger assistance are managed locally, typically in coordination with Air Vanuatu staff who meet the infrequent scheduled flights.
The airfield features a single 2,001-foot (610m) grass and gravel runway and is primarily served by small STOL (Short Take-Off and Landing) aircraft like the Twin Otter. Flight operations are highly dependent on local weather conditions and typically occur only once or twice a week. Ground transportation is informal, with no dedicated taxi or bus services; visitors must pre-arrange pickups with local guesthouses or utilizing the very few private vehicles available on the island.
๐ Connection Tips
Tavie Airport (PBJ) serves the island of Paama in Vanuatu. Access is via Air Vanuatu with infrequent short-haul flights (typically twice weekly) from Port Vila (VLI) or Santo. The airport is a simple grass airstrip with zero terminal facilities On Paama, the schedule matters more than the distance; with only a couple of weekly Air Vanuatu rotations, the island feels connected only when the flight plan is confirmed early.
Ground transport on Paama is extremely limited; there are NO formal taxis or buses. Most movement is on foot or via motorized local boat for travel between coastal villages. Travelers MUST coordinate their arrival with their guesthouse host or village leader to ensure a pickup On Paama, the lack of formal road transport means the airport often functions as one part of a small island chain of footpaths, boats, and guesthouse pickups rather than a conventional curbside transfer.
A critical tip: there are no banking or retail facilities on the island; you must bring all food, water, and cash (VUV) from Port Vila. Baggage weight limits are strictly enforced on the small Twin Otter aircraft. Arrive at the strip 60 minutes early Visitors who arrive with food, cash, and a light bag are far better prepared than anyone expecting banking, retail, or backup supply options on the island.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Aniwa Airport (AWD) is a remote regional aviation facility located on Aniwa Island in the Tafรฉa Province of southern Vanuatu. The airport features a minimalist terminal area that primarily handles domestic scheduled flights and occasional inter-island charters, serving as a critical lifeline for the small island community. Its primary function is to provide essential access for passengers, medical supplies, and government logistics in a region where air travel is the only practical link to the provincial hub of Tanna and the national capital.
Inside the terminal area, facilities are extremely basic and designed for functional use rather than extensive passenger dwell time. There is a simple sheltered waiting area with limited seating and a small administrative office for the airfield management. While traditional airport retail and dining are not available on-site, the local Aniwa community often gathers at the airstrip during flight times, and visitors may find basic staples and traditional handicrafts available in the nearby village. The environment is rustic and professional, reflecting the remote maritime nature of the southern islands, with no automated baggage handling systems or jet bridges.
The infrastructure at Aniwa includes a single unpaved runway suitable for light turboprop aircraft, such as the Twin Otter often used by Air Vanuatu. Security at the field is managed locally and focuses on basic identification and cargo oversight. Despite its small scale, the airport is a vital link for the regional economy, providing the only reliable air connection for essential supplies and medical evacuations to this isolated part of Vanuatu, bypassing the long and often difficult sea voyages across the southern maritime channels.
๐ Connection Tips
Aniwa Airport (AWD) serves as a specialized domestic gateway for the remote communities of southern Vanuatu. For travelers, 'connecting' at AWD is a localized experience because all operations are consolidated within a single, minimalist terminal. Most passengers arrive on regional links from Tanna (TAH) or Port Vila (VLI), operated by Air Vanuatu. If your plans involve an international hub, you will first need to return to Port Vila. It is recommended to allow at least 48 hours between your regional arrival and an international departure to account for potential weather delays.
Ground transportation to the local community is primarily via walking paths or boat transfers, as the island lacks a road network. While there are no on-demand taxi ranks, visitors are usually met directly on the apron by their local hosts. For those heading to nearby coastal villages, motorized boat transfers are the common connection method and should be arranged with local boatmen in advance. It is essential to coordinate your arrival time with your contact on the island, as cellular coverage at the airfield can be intermittent during heavy tropical rain.
Travelers should arrive fully self-sufficient, as there are no retail shops or ATMs available on-site. Please ensure that all your onward travel arrangements, including ground transport to your final destination, are confirmed well in advance. Our research indicates that regional transit in this area is highly weather-dependent and requires travelers to remain flexible with their schedules. Always confirm your flight status 24 hours prior to departure, carry your essential medications and critical documents in your hand baggage, and maintain open lines of communication with your local hosts or transport providers. By treating this airport segment as the foundation of your regional travel plan rather than the conclusion of your flight, you will find that it is a highly reliable gateway, provided you account for the unique pace of local transport and the seasonal variability of the local environment, which can often be unpredictable due to sudden meteorological shifts or technical logistics.
It is vital to carry sufficient Vanuatu Vatu (VUV) in cash, as credit card acceptance is non-existent in this remote area. For departures, aim to arrive at the terminal at least 60 minutes prior to takeoff for manual baggage weighing. Tropical weather can cause sudden schedule changes; always maintain close contact with your carrier for real-time updates. For missed connections, travelers must typically contact the airline's main office in Tanna or Port Vila, as on-site support is limited to basic ground logistics.
โ Back to Tavie Airport