Tahiti Faa'a Airport

Welcome to Faa'a International Airport — the main air gateway to French Polynesia and the starting point for your journey through these paradise islands. Located on the famous island of Tahiti, this airport is the first sight travellers see upon arriving in this corner of the planet, and the last to leave vivid memories before departure. The uniqueness of the airport lies not only in its exotic location but also in the fact that a significant part of it was built on reclaimed lands of a coral reef, making it a true engineering marvel in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. It is from here that all adventures in Tahiti and the neighbouring islands begin.

Faa'a Airport, despite its relatively small size, plays a key role in the region's transport system. It is the only international airport in French Polynesia and serves as a hub for local airlines Air Tahiti and Air Tahiti Nui. This makes it the main transfer node for those planning to explore other islands, such as Bora Bora, Moorea, or Rangiroa. Its runway, 3420 metres long, is capable of accommodating large long-haul aircraft, connecting Tahiti with America, Asia, New Zealand, and Europe.

For the convenience of passengers, the airport has everything necessary: souvenir shops where you can buy famous black pearls, cosy cafes, currency exchange points, and car rental desks. You can get to the centre of the capital, the city of Papeete, by taxi or by the colourful local bus known as «le truck», allowing you to immediately immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. The airport combines modern amenities with a relaxed Polynesian style, creating a sense of comfort and hospitality from your very first minutes in Tahiti.

You can contact representatives of Faa'a Airport (PPT) in several ways. Below are the main contact details for passengers.

• Official Website: www.tahiti-aeroport.pf — here you will find the most up-to-date information on flights, services, and airport regulations.
• Information Desk Phone: +689 40 86 60 60. You can clarify general questions regarding the airport's operation at this number.
• Address: Faa'a, Tahiti, Polynésie française. The airport is located in the commune of Faa'a, near the capital Papeete.
• Email: For most enquiries, it is recommended to use the contact form available on the airport's official website.
• Social Media: You can follow news and updates on the airport's official page on Facebook.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, you need to contact the Lost & Found service of your airline, whose counters are located in the arrivals area.
• Passenger Support Service: Assistance and advice can be obtained at the information desk located in the main terminal of the airport, or by calling the enquiry service.

Faa'a International Airport (PPT) is the main air gateway of French Polynesia, located just 6 kilometres west of the centre of Papeete. Getting to or from the city is quite simple, and travellers have several options to choose from depending on their budget and preferences. A car journey usually takes 15-20 minutes, but more time may be required during peak hours.

Public Transport is the most budget-friendly way to travel. Local buses, known as «Le Truck», run along the main coastal highway. They can take you from the city to the airport area for a nominal fee. However, it is worth noting that they do not have a strict schedule and run infrequently, especially in the evenings and on weekends. This option is best suited for travellers with light luggage and plenty of time.

Taxi and Private Transfer are the most convenient and popular options. Taxi stands are located right at the exit of the arrivals terminal and are available 24/7. The trip to the centre of Papeete is quick and comfortable, though it is the most expensive option. It is recommended to clarify the cost with the driver in advance. Many hotels also offer a transfer service for their guests, which can be booked ahead of time — this is an excellent way to avoid hassle upon arrival.

Car Rental is the ideal choice for those planning to explore the island of Tahiti on their own. Offices of several international and local rental companies are located at Faa'a Airport. Having a car gives you complete freedom of movement, and you can return it directly at the airport before departure. The road infrastructure is simple, and getting lost is practically impossible.

For those arriving at the airport in their own or a rental car, parking is provided. There are both short-term and long-term parking zones located in the immediate vicinity of the terminal. This is a convenient option if you need to meet or see someone off, or leave your car while travelling to other islands.

Faa'a International Airport (PPT), the main air hub of French Polynesia, is distinguished by a well-thought-out and relatively simple structure. The airport consists of one main terminal that serves both international and domestic flights, which significantly simplifies navigation for travellers.

The terminal layout is intuitive. The building is divided into two main zones: for international and for domestic flights, located in different wings. Transition between them is done on foot inside the terminal and does not take much time. On the ground floor, there are check-in counters, the arrivals area with customs control and baggage claim, as well as tourist company offices and currency exchange points. The upper floor is entirely dedicated to the departures area, where, after passing security and passport control, passengers enter waiting lounges with shops and cafes.

A feature of the airport is its semi-open architecture, creating a tropical resort atmosphere immediately upon arrival. Departure and arrival zones are clearly demarcated. International flights are handled in the larger part of the terminal, while domestic ones, connecting Papeete with other islands, are in the adjacent, smaller section. All navigation is duplicated in French, Tahitian, and English.

The time required to go through all procedures at Faa'a Airport is generally less than in major global hubs. However, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 2.5–3 hours before an international flight and 1.5–2 hours before a domestic one. This time will be sufficient for calm check-in, baggage drop-off, and security screening, especially during peak hours when several large aircraft are being serviced.

For easy navigation, simply follow the signs «Départs» (Departures) or «Arrivées» (Arrivals). Thanks to the compactness and logical layout of the terminal, getting lost here is practically impossible, making the start and end of your island journey as comfortable as possible.

The history of Faa'a International Airport (PPT) is the story of how a remote paradise corner became accessible to the whole world. Officially opened in 1960, the airport radically changed the economy and tourist landscape of French Polynesia, transforming it from a hard-to-reach region into one of the most desirable destinations for travellers.

The construction of the airport was a true engineering feat of its time. Since there was no sufficiently flat and long stretch of land on the island of Tahiti, a bold decision was made — to build the runway directly on the coral reef. To do this, a significant part of the coastal zone was drained and filled, and the runway itself was literally extended into the lagoon. This fact still impresses passengers watching the landing from the window.

Initially, the airport could only accept smaller classes of aircraft. However, with the growing popularity of the destination in the 1970s, the runway was significantly lengthened, allowing it to receive long-haul liners such as the Boeing 747. This event opened the era of mass tourism and strengthened the islands' connection with Europe, America, and Asia. The airport became the main gateway not only for Papeete but for all the archipelagos.

Throughout its history, Faa'a Airport has been modernized repeatedly. The latest major renovations were aimed at expanding the terminal, improving waiting areas, and enhancing the quality of passenger service. Today, it is a modern and, despite its busyness, cosy airport that serves as the base for the national airline Air Tahiti Nui and the main transport hub connecting dozens of islands. Its unique location between the mountains and the ocean makes arrival and departure an unforgettable part of the journey.

Faa'a International Airport, the main air gateway of French Polynesia, offers passengers all necessary amenities for a comfortable start or end to their journey. Here you will find several cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy both local and international cuisine while admiring views of the island of Moorea. For those looking for souvenirs, shops are open offering famous black pearls, handmade crafts, and Polynesian delicacies. Of course, there is also a standard Duty Free shop with perfumes, beverages, and cosmetics.

For passengers wishing to spend time in a quieter environment, the Air Tahiti Nui Lounge is available. It offers comfortable seating, complimentary snacks, drinks, and high-speed internet. Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal (often with limited free time), and charging stations for mobile devices are installed in the waiting areas.

Financial matters are easily resolved at the airport: at your service are bank branches, ATMs, and currency exchange points, where you can exchange major world currencies for Pacific Francs (XPF). In case of unforeseen health situations, a medical point is operating in the terminal, ready to provide first aid.

The airport is well-equipped for passengers with special needs. Escort services are provided, and ramps and adapted toilets are available. Families with children can use the mother and child rooms for infant care. Although there are no separate play areas, the spacious waiting halls allow for comfortable accommodation with children.

There are no hotels directly within the terminal, however, right opposite the airport building, a couple of minutes' walk away, is the Tahiti Airport Motel — a convenient option for those with an early departure or late arrival. Other large hotels are located 5-15 minutes away by car and often offer transfer services. Specialized conference rooms are absent in the airport, but conditions for work can be found in the business lounge.

At Faa'a Airport (PPT), travellers will find several cosy establishments where they can have a snack or a full meal. The main cafes and restaurants are located in the public area before security control, while in the departures zone, there are options for those who want to refresh themselves immediately before boarding.

The main establishment of the airport is the Atrium Restaurant, located on the ground floor in the public zone. This is an excellent place for a leisurely lunch or dinner if you have enough time before your flight. Its menu features both international dishes and famous Polynesian delicacies. Be sure to try poisson cru — a salad of fresh tuna in coconut milk, or order a steak of freshly caught fish. Besides the restaurant, snack bars operate in this same area, where you can quickly have coffee with fresh pastries or grab a sandwich.

After passing security control, in the airside zone, the choice becomes more limited but sufficient for a quick snack. Here, a bar is located where you can order various beverages and soft drinks, as well as light snacks, crisps, and sweets. This is an ideal option to relax while waiting for boarding.

Finding vegetarian dishes, such as salads or sandwiches with vegetables, will not be difficult, especially at the Atrium restaurant. However, with more specific requests (vegan, gluten-free, or halal dishes), difficulties may arise, so it is recommended to clarify ingredients with the staff. Prices at the airport are expectedly higher than in Papeete. Opening hours of establishments are generally tied to the schedule of international flights, but the main restaurant may close during quiet periods.

Faa'a Airport is the main air gateway to French Polynesia and your first step towards a paradise holiday. To ensure your journey starts smoothly, use our tips to help navigate this cosy but busy airport.

Arrival Time and Check-in. For international flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 2.5–3 hours before departure. For domestic flights to other islands (for example, to Bora Bora or Moorea), 1.5–2 hours is sufficient. Although the atmosphere here is relaxed, queues can form at check-in counters and security control during peak hours. If possible, check in for your flight online to save time.

Seat Selection on the Plane. When flying out of Papeete or flying between islands, we strongly recommend choosing a window seat. Views of turquoise lagoons, coral atolls, and volcanic peaks of the islands are simply breathtaking. Life hack: when flying from Tahiti to other Society Islands, seats on the left side of the aircraft often offer a farewell view of the picturesque island of Moorea.

Hand Luggage and Customs. Standard rules for carrying liquids (up to 100 ml in one container) apply here as well. This also applies to popular souvenirs such as Monoi oil or vanilla extract. Be careful when taking out natural souvenirs: the export of certain types of corals and shells is prohibited. Strict phytosanitary control operates upon entry to French Polynesia to protect the unique ecosystem. Be sure to declare any food products, plants, or seeds you are bringing in.

Tips for Transfer Passengers. If you arrived on an international flight and are flying further to another island, you will need to pass passport control, collect luggage, go through customs, and then check in for the domestic flight in the departures hall. Terminals for international and domestic flights are in the same building, making the transfer quite convenient and quick.

Saving Time and Money. Prices for food, drinks, and souvenirs at the airport are significantly higher than in the city. If there is time, it is better to have a snack before arriving at the airport. You can exchange currency at the airport (local currency is the CFP Franc, XPF), but the rate is usually better at banks in Papeete. ATMs are available in the arrivals hall.

In Case of Flight Delay. Faa'a Airport is small, and the choice of entertainment is limited to a few shops and cafes. In case of a long delay, contact your airline representative for information on meal vouchers or possible accommodation. It is useful to have a book with you or films and music downloaded to your devices in advance to pass the waiting time.