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
Siwo Airport (EAE) is a small domestic airfield serving Emae Island in the Shefa Province of Vanuatu. Located approximately 3.7 kilometers from the main island settlement, the airport provides a critical link for the local community and the occasional intrepid traveler. It features a single unpaved runway, often composed of crushed coral and grass, which is primarily suitable for Short Take-off and Landing (STOL) aircraft. The airfield is characteristic of Vanuatu's 'outer island' infrastructure, where aviation is the most reliable method of transport for people and essential goods.
The terminal facilities at Siwo are extremely rudimentary and typical of remote Pacific island strips. There is no formal terminal building; instead, a simple open-air pavilion or basic shelter serves as the meeting point for arriving and departing passengers. Amenities are virtually non-existent, with no retail shops, dining facilities, or public restrooms dedicated solely to the airport. Travelers should expect manual processing by a local airport agent, and it is a standard requirement to pay a small provincial departure tax (typically around VT200) in cash directly at the airfield before boarding any flight.
Air Vanuatu is the sole provider of scheduled services to Siwo, connecting Emae with the national capital, Port Vila (VLI), and other islands in the Shepherd group. Flights are often operated as part of a 'milk run' route with multiple stops and use smaller turboprop aircraft like the Twin Otter. Due to the remote nature of the island and the unpaved runway, flight operations are highly dependent on favorable weather conditions and daylight hours. Ground transportation on the island is predominantly by foot or via pre-arranged private vehicles from local guesthouses, as there are no regular taxi or bus services stationed at the airport.
๐ Connection Tips
Siwo Airport (EAE) on Emae Island is a quintessential 'outer island' airstrip in Vanuatu, and navigating its unique logistics is essential for a smooth journey. The most critical connection tip is to carry a sufficient amount of Vatu (VT) in small denominations, as you will be required to pay a mandatory provincial departure tax of approximately VT200 in cash directly to the local agent before boarding. There are no ATMs or credit card facilities on Emae Island, so all transactions must be handled in the local currency. Air Vanuatu is the sole provider of scheduled services, typically connecting Emae with Port Vila (VLI).
These flights are often operated as part of a 'milk run' route, meaning the plane may make several stops at other Shepherd Islands like Tongoa (TGH) or Epi before reaching the capital. Be prepared for a scenic but multi-stop journey. Because the flights use small Twin Otter turboprop aircraft, there are very strict luggage weight limits, usually capped at 10kg to 15kg per person; over-packing can lead to your bags being bumped to a later flight. There is no formal terminal building at Siwo, only a basic open-air shelter, so be prepared for the tropical sun or sudden rain showers during your wait.
Ground transportation is non-existent in the traditional sense; there are no taxis or buses waiting at the strip. You must pre-arrange a pickup with your local guesthouse, or be prepared for a long walk to the main villages. Weather is the final major factor; the crushed coral and grass runway can become unusable after heavy rain, and flights are frequently delayed or canceled during the cyclone season (November to April). It is highly recommended to build a 'buffer day' into your itinerary before any international flight out of Port Vila.
โ Back to Tavie Airport