Mataveri International Airport

Mataveri Airport is not just a transport hub, but a true gateway to the lost world of Rapa Nui, the most remote inhabited island on the planet. Here, in the middle of the endless Pacific Ocean, landing feels like a small miracle, opening the path to the mysterious Moai statues. From the very first moments, travellers are greeted by a warm breeze and a unique Polynesian atmosphere, as the runway begins literally at the doorstep of the city of Hanga Roa. This is a place where modern aviation technology intertwines with ancient history, creating an unforgettable first impression of Easter Island.

Airport Features and Highlights

Mataveri Airport holds the unique status of being the most remote airport in the world receiving regular flights. The nearest air harbour is located over 3,700 kilometres away (in Santiago), making every flight here a true event. Despite its geographic isolation, the airport is capable of handling the largest wide-body liners, including the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, ensuring a comfortable flight from the mainland.

One of the main architectural features is its runway of incredible length — over 3.3 kilometres. It crosses the narrow part of the island almost from coast to coast. This length is due to historical cooperation with NASA: the strip was reconstructed as an emergency landing site for space shuttles, which now serves the benefit of the tourism industry.

The airport terminal features a cosy, "open" layout, characteristic of tropical islands. There is no hustle of giant hubs here: passengers often walk to the aircraft, enjoying the fresh ocean air. In the arrival zone, guests are often greeted by locals with traditional flower necklaces (leis), immersing them in the hospitable culture of Rapa Nui from their first seconds on the island.

• Official Website: As of the last update, Mataveri Airport does not have a separate official website. Information can be found on portals dedicated to tourism on Easter Island or on the website of the Chilean Directorate General of Civil Aeronautics (DGAC). The concessionaire's site is often mentioned: www.aeropuertoisladepascua.cl.
• Help Desk Phone: +56 32 210 0237. Please note that for calls from outside Chile, an international code will be required.
• Address: Aeropuerto Mataveri, Hanga Roa, Easter Island, Valparaíso Region, Chile.
• Email: There is no direct public email address for contacting the airport administration. It is recommended to contact them by phone.
• Social Media: Official social media accounts for the airport are not maintained.
• Lost Luggage Information: For all questions related to lost, delayed, or damaged luggage, please contact the representative of the airline you flew with directly. Airline counters are located in the arrival hall.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For information on flight status, carriage rules, and other questions related to your flight, please contact your airline. General information about airport operations can be obtained via the help desk phone.

Getting to Mataveri Airport (IPC), located in the city of Hanga Roa, the capital of Easter Island in Chile, is effortless. The island is very compact, and the airport is located practically within the city limits, making the journey quick and convenient.

Taxis and Hotel Transfers

This is the most common and logical way to get to the airport. A taxi ride from any part of Hanga Roa will take just 5-10 minutes. The cost of the trip is low, and a fixed fare is often applied. Important point: most hotels and guest houses on the island offer their guests free transfers from the airport and back. Be sure to clarify this information when booking accommodation — you will be met with a traditional flower necklace and delivered comfortably to your place of stay.

Vehicle Rental

Many tourists rent a car, jeep, scooter, or quad bike to explore the island. Rental agencies often offer a vehicle return service right at the airport before departure. This is extremely convenient: you can use the rented vehicle until the last minute and then simply leave it in the airport parking lot. This option is ideal for independent travellers.

Public Transport and Walking

There is no classic public transport, such as regular buses or trains, on Easter Island. The airport is so close to the city that some travellers living on the outskirts of Hanga Roa and travelling light may walk to it in 15-20 minutes. However, with luggage, this method is not recommended.

Parking at the Airport

There is a parking lot next to the Mataveri Airport terminal. As a rule, it is free, and finding a free space is not a problem, as traffic here is light. You can safely leave a rented or personal car here while waiting for a flight.

Mataveri Airport (IPC), the gateway to the mysterious Easter Island, is distinguished by its compactness and unique atmosphere. Its structure is simplified to the maximum, making navigation intuitively clear even for those visiting for the first time.

The airport has only one passenger terminal, which serves both arriving and departing flights. The terminal building is small, single-story, with elements of Polynesian style in its architecture, which immediately immerses you in the island's atmosphere. Due to the presence of only one terminal, there is no need to worry about transfers between them — everything is in one place.

The airport layout is incredibly simple. Upon entering, you immediately find yourself in the main hall where the check-in counters are located. After passing check-in and dropping off luggage, passengers proceed to pre-flight security, followed by a small waiting room with several boarding gates. Boarding, like disembarking, most often takes place by walking across the airfield.

The Arrivals Zone and Departures Zone are functionally separated but are located in close proximity to each other. Upon arrival, passengers walk to the terminal and enter the baggage claim hall. An important feature of the arrivals zone is that the ticket office where you must purchase a ticket to Rapa Nui National Park is located here; without it, it is impossible to visit most of the island's famous attractions. It is strongly recommended to do this immediately upon arrival.

Passing through registration and security procedures usually does not take much time, as the airport handles a small number of flights. On average, the entire process can be completed in 30-45 minutes. However, given the remoteness of the island and the rarity of flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport well in advance, at least 2 hours before departure.

The main advice for navigation is that it is practically impossible to get lost here. Follow the flow of other passengers, and you will easily find everything you need. Remember that the airport infrastructure is quite modest: there are several souvenir shops and a small cafe, but do not expect the wide variety of services characteristic of large international hubs.

The history of Mataveri Airport (IPC) is an amazing chronicle of how one of the most isolated corners of the planet gained a reliable connection with the outside world. The original airfield on Easter Island was built in the mid-1960s, and the first commercial flight, operated by LAN Chile, landed here in 1967, marking the beginning of the tourism era. However, at that time, it was just a small runway capable of receiving only small aircraft.

A key event that radically changed the fate of the airport was an agreement reached in the 1980s between the governments of Chile and the USA. The American space agency NASA was looking for suitable emergency landing sites worldwide for its space shuttles. Easter Island turned out to be an ideal point on the flight trajectory from Vandenberg Base in California. As a result, in 1986-1987, the runway was significantly expanded and lengthened to 3,318 metres with NASA funding. This would allow a shuttle to land safely in an emergency situation.

This massive modernisation was of immense importance not only for the space programme but also for the island itself. The lengthened and strengthened runway allowed the airport in Hanga Roa to receive large long-haul liners, such as the Boeing 767, and later the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. This revolutionised the island's tourism industry, making it accessible to travellers from all over the world. An interesting fact: due to its length and location, the runway begins almost at one coast and ends at the other, crossing a significant part of the southern tip of the island.

Today, Mataveri Airport is one of the most remote airports in the world serving regular flights. It remains the only air gateway to Easter Island and a vital artery providing its inhabitants with everything they need and connecting their unique culture with the rest of civilisation. The airport is not just a transport facility, but a living monument to the era of space exploration and a symbol of the island's connection to the mainland.

Mataveri Airport (IPC), despite its compact size, provides passengers with all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. It is important to remember that this is the only airport on one of the most remote islands in the world, so the range of services corresponds to its status and scale.

In the terminal, you will find several cafes and snack bars where you can have a bite before departure, as well as souvenir stalls. This is a wonderful opportunity to buy keepsakes made by local artisans, including miniature copies of Moai statues and other unique crafts. For a more comfortable wait, the airport operates a VIP lounge, Salones VIP Pacific Club, access to which can be obtained with Priority Pass cards or paid for on the spot.

Passengers have access to ATMs and a currency exchange point, however, it is recommended to carry some cash in Chilean Pesos. Access to Wi-Fi at the airport may be limited, and the number of outlets for charging devices is small, so it is better to charge gadgets in advance. The airport has a basic medical post for first aid. Standard amenities are provided for passengers with children and travellers with disabilities, including accessible restrooms and ramps for movement.

There are no specialised business centres or conference halls at the airport. There are also no hotels directly within the terminal territory, but plenty of accommodation options — from guest houses to hotels — are located in the city of Hanga Roa, just a few minutes' drive away.

Mataveri Airport (IPC), being the gateway to one of the most secluded islands in the world, offers a compact but functional selection of establishments for passengers. It is important to understand that this is a very small airport, so one should not expect the variety typical of large international hubs.

The main place for a snack is located in the general hall of the terminal, before passing security control (landside). Here you will find a small cafe where you can order hot and cold beverages, sandwiches, pastries, and local snacks. This is an ideal place to pass the time while waiting for flight check-in. The cafe's operating hours are usually tied to the flight schedule — it opens a few hours before departure and closes after the plane leaves.

After passing security (airside), dining options become even more limited. Typically, there is only a small kiosk offering beverages and packaged snacks. If you want to try something from the local cuisine, look for Chilean patties called empanadas, which are often sold in the main cafe. Variants with cheese or tuna are particularly popular, reflecting the island's specifics.

Passengers with strict dietary requirements (vegan, gluten-free, Halal dishes) will find it extremely difficult to find suitable options. In this case, it is strongly recommended to bring food with you. Prices at the airport are moderately high, which is typical for remote territories. For a quick snack, coffee with pastries is perfect, and for something more substantial — a sandwich or a couple of empanadas. However, for a full lunch or dinner, it is better to head to the town of Hanga Roa, located very close to the airport, where the selection of restaurants and Chile cuisine dishes is much wider.

A trip to Easter Island is a unique experience, and it begins at Mataveri Airport, one of the most remote air harbours in the world. To ensure your trip goes smoothly, use these tips designed specifically for guests of Hanga Roa.

Arrival Time and Check-in: Mataveri Airport is small, but due to its special status and remoteness, it is recommended to arrive at least 2-3 hours before departure. This will give you enough time in case of queues that may arise before the only flight of the day. If possible, complete online check-in to save time.

Control Features: When departing from Easter Island, as well as upon arrival, strict agricultural and customs controls are in place, aimed at protecting the unique ecosystem. Be prepared for your luggage and hand luggage to be thoroughly checked. It is strictly forbidden to export any stones (including volcanic ones), corals, plants, and archaeological artefacts. Buy souvenirs only in official shops.

Seat Selection on the Plane: To enjoy a farewell view of the island, choose a window seat. Upon departure from the island, stunning views of the coast and volcanoes open up, which will be a wonderful conclusion to your journey in Chile.

Hand Luggage: Standard rules for carrying liquids (up to 100 ml in a container) and sharp objects apply here as well. The main thing is to ensure that there are no natural materials prohibited for export in your hand luggage. Even a small pebble from the beach can cause serious problems.

Passengers with Connections: Mataveri Airport is not a transit hub. All flights from here fly to continental Chile (usually Santiago) or to Polynesia. If you have a connection planned at another airport, allow enough time for it, taking into account possible delays due to weather conditions on the island.

Savings and Hacks: Prices at the airport for food, water, and souvenirs are significantly higher than in the city. It is better to have a snack and buy gifts in advance in Hanga Roa. Bring an empty reusable water bottle to fill after passing security control.

In Case of Flight Delay: Be prepared for limited opportunities at the airport. There is a small cafe and a few shops, but the selection is small. Download movies or books to your devices in advance and bring a portable charger. Given the remoteness of the island, delays can be lengthy, so stay calm and have a "Plan B".