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
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
60
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Dillon's Bay Airport (DLY) is a remote aviation facility located on the western coast of Erromango Island, within the Tafรฉa Province of Vanuatu. As the primary airfield for the island, it serves the local community of Dillon's Bay and acts as a critical link for the transportation of goods, medical supplies, and passengers. The airport's location is remarkably scenic, situated between the rugged volcanic highlands and the pristine waters of the bay, offering travelers a true sense of the isolated beauty of the Vanuatu archipelago.
The airfield infrastructure is minimalist and designed for rugged operations, featuring a single unpaved runway that measures approximately 660 meters (2,165 feet) in length. This short strip is specifically utilized by Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) aircraft, such as the Twin Otters frequently used by regional carriers. The terminal facility consists of a single, modest building that provides essential shelter and basic passenger processing areas, including a small baggage claim zone and restrooms. Due to the island's remote nature, power supplies can be intermittent, and the facility reflects the functional, laid-back atmosphere of life on Erromango.
Travelers arriving at or departing from DLY should be prepared for a highly self-sufficient experience. There are no commercial dining or retail options at the airport, so passengers are strongly advised to carry their own snacks, water, and sufficient cash for local needs. Regular inter-island services are primarily operated by Air Vanuatu, connecting the island to the national capital, Port Vila (VLI). Ground transportation is limited and typically involves pre-arranged transfers or small local vehicles to reach the Dillon's Bay community. The airport remains a vital asset for both the local population and the small number of eco-tourists who visit Erromango for its unique history and untouched natural landscapes.
๐ Connection Tips
Dillon's Bay Airport (DLY) is a remote grass and coral airstrip on the western coast of Erromango Island, Vanuatu. For travelers connecting through DLY, the most important tip is to understand the logistics of 'Island Time' and the limited infrastructure. There are no taxis or rental cars waiting at the strip; you must pre-arrange a 4WD truck or boat transfer with your guesthouse (like the Dillon's Bay Guesthouse) well before your flight arrives. Air Vanuatu operates the only scheduled services, typically using small Twin Otter turboprop aircraft.
A critical connection tip is the strict luggage weight limit, often capped between 10kg and 16kg per person; excess baggage is expensive and often bumped to a later flight if the plane is full. The terminal is a basic open-air shelter with no amenities like Wi-Fi, food, or water, so be completely self-sufficient. There are no ATMs on Erromango Island, and credit cards are not accepted anywhere; carry enough Vatu (VT) in small denominations for all your transport, accommodation, and local needs.
Because the airstrip is unpaved, it can become soft and unusable after heavy tropical rain, which is common in Vanuatu. Always build at least one 'buffer day' into your return itinerary to avoid missing international connections in Port Vila (VLI). For those seeking an authentic, untouched Pacific experience, DLY provides a spectacular entry point, but it requires meticulous logistical preparation and a flexible mindset.
โ Back to Tavie Airport