โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Redcliffe Airport operates as one of three local airports on Ambae Island in Vanuatu's Penama Province, featuring a 2,230-foot runway at 36 feet elevation. Located in Loone at coordinates 15ยฐ28'16"S, 167ยฐ50'4"E, this small airport serves as a secondary facility to Vanuatu's main international airport at Bauerfield.
The terminal building provides basic passenger processing facilities including passport control and customs clearance services for both domestic and international flights. As a small island airport, facilities are functional but limited, focusing on essential services required for inter-island connectivity within Vanuatu's archipelago.
Operational services concentrate on domestic flights connecting Ambae Island to other islands within Vanuatu, supporting local transportation needs and emergency services. The airport handles smaller aircraft suitable for the runway length and serves the local communities on Ambae Island.
The airport's regional significance lies in maintaining vital air links for Ambae Island residents, facilitating access to government services, healthcare, and economic opportunities on other islands. Transportation to and from the airport is typically arranged through local taxi services, contributing to the island's connectivity within the Vanuatu transportation network.
๐ Connection Tips
Redcliffe Airport (RCL) is a small regional airport located on Ambae Island in Vanuatu's Penama Province, serving as one of three airstrips on this volcanic island in the South Pacific. The facility operates with basic infrastructure suitable for smaller aircraft and inter-island connections within Vanuatu. There are no commercial amenities such as duty-free shops, restaurants, or extensive passenger lounges due to the airport's small scale and island location.
Ground transportation from the airport typically involves pre-arranged local taxi services or transportation coordinated through local accommodations, as public transport options are limited on Ambae Island. The airport serves primarily domestic routes connecting to other islands in Vanuatu, with Port Vila (VLI) being the main hub for international connections.
The tropical climate of Vanuatu can affect flight operations, particularly during the wet season from November to April when tropical cyclones and heavy rainfall may cause delays or cancellations. Always confirm flight schedules with local carriers as services may be subject to weather conditions and operational requirements.
For visitors to Ambae Island, the airport provides essential connectivity to explore this active volcanic island known for its crater lakes and unique geological features. Most travelers use this airport as part of island-hopping itineraries within Vanuatu, often connecting through the main international gateway at Bauerfield Airport in Port Vila.
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 Redcliffe Airport