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
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 Redcliffe Airport