โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Torres Airstrip serves the Torres Islands in northern Vanuatu, a small and remote island group where aviation is essential for access, administration, and medical movement. The airstrip is simple because its job is straightforward: keep Linua and nearby islands connected to Santo and Port Vila when sea travel is slow or weather-sensitive.
The field reflects the realities of a small outer-island runway. It exists to move people, mail, and basic supplies in and out of the Torres group, so the passenger side is intentionally minimal and the operational side is practical. That makes the airport more of a lifeline than a terminal complex.
For travelers, TOH matters because the islands do not have a dense transport network to fall back on. If the flight runs, it saves a long and uncertain sea crossing; if it does not, the rest of the trip becomes a matter of local boats and accommodation coordination. The airport's role is therefore access first and convenience second.
๐ Connection Tips
Torres Airstrip is a local-island connection, so the right plan starts with the island chain rather than with the airport itself. Linua is small enough that many places are reachable on foot, but travel to nearby Loh still depends on small boats or canoes that are usually arranged in advance by your host. That means the real transfer point is often your bungalow or village contact, not a taxi stand or terminal desk. If you are arriving from Santo or Port Vila, confirm who is meeting the flight and how the onward boat movement is being handled, because there are no formal taxi or bus services in the Torres group. Weather and sea state matter just as much as the flight schedule, so a delay can easily change the rest of the day. Pack for a low-infrastructure arrival, keep your baggage light, and avoid building same-day onward commitments that require a tight handoff. TOH is useful because it keeps the Torres Islands connected to the rest of Vanuatu, but that only works when accommodation, boat transport, and arrival timing are all lined up in advance. If you are crossing between islands with supplies or luggage, confirm the load space on the boat before the flight lands so the handoff stays smooth.
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.
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