โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
35
minutes
Domestic โ International
65
minutes
Interline Connections
100
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Tinak Airport (TIC) is a public use airstrip located in the village of Tinak on Arno Atoll in the Marshall Islands. Positioned at an elevation of just 4 feet above mean sea level at coordinates 7.13333ยฐN, 171.91701ยฐE, the airport serves one of the many remote atolls that make up this Pacific island nation. Located approximately 15 miles from Majuro, the capital and largest city of the Marshall Islands, Tinak Airport represents the vital role of aviation in connecting isolated island communities across the vast Pacific Ocean.
The airport features a single runway designated 05/23 with a coral gravel surface. There are conflicting reports about the exact runway dimensions, with sources indicating either 2,850 by 45 feet (869 x 14 meters) or 3,500 by 150 feet, reflecting the challenges of maintaining accurate data for remote Pacific island airstrips. The coral gravel construction is typical of small island airports in the region, providing a functional landing surface suitable for small aircraft operations while utilizing locally available materials.
However, current operational status of Tinak Airport is uncertain, with some sources indicating the facility is closed or has limited active operations. The airport has no ICAO code designation, using the reference code MH-0020, and no navigational aids are present in the vicinity, requiring pilots to rely on visual flight procedures and GPS navigation. There are currently no aircraft based at the facility, suggesting minimal or suspended operations.
Despite these operational challenges, Tinak Airport exemplifies the critical importance of aviation infrastructure in the Marshall Islands, where scattered atolls separated by vast ocean distances depend on air transportation for connectivity. Even when not in regular use, such airstrips serve as vital emergency landing sites and potential access points for medical evacuations, supply deliveries, and inter-island transportation in one of the world's most geographically dispersed nations.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting through Tinak Airport requires understanding its unique Pacific island operations on Arno Atoll. This remote facility operates with uncertain scheduling and may have limited active service, so confirming operational status well in advance is critical. Weather conditions in the central Pacific can change rapidly, with typhoon season (June-November) bringing particular challenges for small aircraft operations. The coral gravel runway surface can become problematic during heavy rains, potentially causing extended delays or cancellations.
Ground transportation on Arno Atoll is extremely limited, typically consisting of small boats for inter-atoll travel and basic road vehicles for local transport within the community. There are no traditional car rental services or taxi companies - arrangements must be made through local contacts or community leaders. The 15-mile distance from Majuro means alternative transportation options are largely maritime, which can be affected by sea conditions and require careful scheduling.
The airport's minimal facilities mean passengers must come completely prepared with food, water, shelter, and any necessary medications, as there are no commercial amenities, fuel services, or weather protection available. Emergency medical facilities are extremely basic, with serious medical issues requiring evacuation to Majuro or beyond. Communication services are limited, and mobile phone coverage may be intermittent or nonexistent.
Given the airport's potential closure status and lack of ICAO certification, connections should only be attempted through verified charter services or humanitarian organizations familiar with Marshall Islands aviation. The facility serves primarily as an emergency landing site and occasional community access point rather than a regular commercial operation. Travelers should have contingency plans including alternative transportation via boat services and should register their travel plans with local authorities. Weather monitoring relies on regional data from Majuro, making local conditions difficult to predict accurately.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Aur Island Airport (AUL) is a remote regional aviation facility located on the Aur Atoll in the Ratak Chain of the Marshall Islands. The airport features a minimalist terminal area that primarily handles domestic flights and occasional charter operations. Its primary function is to facilitate essential regional travel and support government logistics in this isolated part of the Central Pacific, where the sea and air serve as the only transportation arteries.
Inside the terminal, facilities are basic and designed for functional use rather than extensive passenger dwell time. There is a simple sheltered waiting area with seating and a small administrative office for the airfield management. While traditional airport retail and dining are not available on-site, the nearby village on Aur Island offers local vendors where travelers can find basic supplies and traditional handicrafts. The environment is rustic and informal, reflecting the slow pace of life on a coral atoll, with no automated baggage handling systems or jet bridges in place.
The infrastructure at Aur Island includes a single unpaved coral-gravel runway suitable for light turboprop aircraft, such as the Dornier 228 or Beechcraft 1900 often used by Air Marshall Islands. Security at the field is managed locally and focuses on basic identification and cargo oversight. Despite its small scale, the airport is a vital lifeline for the atoll's population, providing the only reliable connection for essential medical supplies, emergency evacuations, and government services to this remote maritime community.
๐ Connection Tips
Aur Island Airport (AUL) serves as a specialized domestic gateway for the Aur Atoll. For travelers, 'connecting' at AUI is a localized experience because all operations are consolidated within a single, minimalist terminal building. Most passengers arrive on regional flights from Majuro (MAJ), which operate once or twice weekly. If your plans involve an international hub like Honolulu, you will first need to transit through Majuro. It is highly recommended to allow at least 48 hours between your regional arrival and an international departure to account for potential weather delays.\n\nGround transportation from the terminal into the Aur Island community is primarily managed through pre-arranged private pickups or walking, as the island is small. While there are no on-demand taxi ranks at the terminal, visitors are usually met directly on the apron by their local hosts. For those heading to other islets within the atoll, small motorboat 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, as cellular coverage at the airfield can be intermittent.\n\nTravelers should arrive fully self-sufficient, as there are no retail shops or ATMs available on-site. It is vital to carry sufficient U.S. Dollars (USD) in cash for all local expenses, as credit card acceptance is non-existent. For departures, aim to arrive at the terminal at least 60 minutes prior to takeoff for manual baggage weighing. Equatorial weather can cause sudden schedule changes; always maintain close contact with Air Marshall Islands for updates. For missed connections, travelers must typically contact the airline's main office in Majuro, as on-site support is limited.
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