Rangiroa Airport

Rangiroa Airport (RGI) is not merely a runway on a remote atoll, but a true gateway to one of the largest and most picturesque atolls in the world. Built back in 1965, it serves as the main transport hub for the entire Tuamotu archipelago, connecting this slice of paradise with the rest of French Polynesia. It is here that your acquaintance with the amazing underwater world of Rangiroa begins, as the runway is located directly on the coral ring, surrounded by a turquoise lagoon and the boundless Pacific Ocean.

The main advantage of Rangiroa Airport is its compactness and simplicity. It is a small regional hub without long queues or complex navigation, allowing travelers to start their vacation as quickly as possible. The airport provides regular air connections to the capital, Papeete, as well as other popular islands such as Bora Bora, Fakarava, and Tikehau. Despite its modest size, the terminal offers basic amenities for passengers. Its location on a narrow strip of land (motu) means that immediately after landing, you find yourself in the heart of tropical exoticism, just a few minutes' drive from hotels and world-renowned diving centers.

For your convenience, we have compiled the main contact information for Rangiroa Airport.

• Official Website: Detailed information about flights, services, and airport regulations can be found on the official website of the management company Aéroports de Tahiti (ADT): www.tahiti-aeroport.pf.
• Information Desk Phone: For immediate information, you can call: +689 40 93 13 00.
• Airport Address: Aéroport de Rangiroa, 98775 Rangiroa, French Polynesia.
• Email: The direct email address of the airport is not published. It is recommended to use the contact form on the official website for communication.
• Social Media: News and updates for all airports in French Polynesia, including Rangiroa, are published on the Aéroports de Tahiti social media pages.
• Lost Luggage Information: If you have lost luggage or personal items on board the aircraft, please contact your airline first. For items lost within the terminal building, please contact the airport information desk.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general inquiries and assistance at the airport, please contact the main information desk number. For special service requests (such as assistance), it is recommended to contact your airline in advance.

Getting to Rangiroa Airport (RGI), located on the atoll of the same name in French Polynesia, is quite simple given the compact size of the island. The airport is located in close proximity to the main village of Avatoru, where most hotels and guesthouses are concentrated. It is important to remember that the transport system on the atoll differs significantly from city transport, and it is better to plan your movements in advance.

Hotel Transfers and Taxis

The most common and reliable way to get to or from the airport is a transfer provided by your hotel, guesthouse, or pension. In the vast majority of cases, this service is organized for all arriving and departing guests. The transfer may be free, included in the accommodation cost, or paid separately — it is recommended to clarify this point when booking. There are practically no classic taxi services waiting at the terminal on Rangiroa. If you require individual transport, it must be booked well in advance.

Public Transport and Car Rental

Conventional public transport, such as buses, trains, or metro, is completely absent on the atoll. For independent travel, you can rent a car, although scooters and bicycles are much more popular due to the short distances. If you have a rented vehicle, you can easily reach the airport on your own. The road network on the main motu (islet) is very simple and consists of one main road. The trip from most hotels in Avatoru village will take no more than 5–15 minutes.

Parking and Key Recommendations

Next to the terminal building, there is a small, usually free parking area. It is intended for short-term parking to drop off or pick up passengers. The main advice for all travelers: always arrange your airport transfer in advance. The infrastructure on the atoll is simple and not designed for spontaneous travel. If your accommodation is in the village of Tiputa, note that the transfer will be combined and will include not only a car ride but also a short boat crossing across the pass.

Rangiroa Airport (RGI) is a small and very cozy aviation hub, typical for the islands of French Polynesia. Contrary to expectations, there is no complex system of multiple terminals here. The entire airport consists of one single terminal that serves both arriving and departing flights.

The structure of the terminal is extremely simple and intuitive. It is essentially one small building, often with open or semi-open spaces, which creates a relaxed atmosphere. Inside, you will find several check-in counters (mainly for Air Tahiti), a small waiting area for passengers, and a boarding gate. Arrival and departure zones are effectively located in one common space, so it is impossible to get lost here. After landing, passengers walk to the building where they collect their luggage in a small area.

Completing all pre-flight formalities at Rangiroa Airport takes a minimal amount of time. Thanks to the compact size and low passenger traffic, flight check-in and security screening proceed very quickly, without long queues. As a rule, it is sufficient to arrive at the airport one hour before departure to check in luggage and wait for boarding without rushing.

Navigation in the airport will not cause any difficulties even for an inexperienced tourist. All key zones — from check-in counters to the boarding gate — are within direct line of sight. Rangiroa Airport resembles a small bus station more than a large international hub, and in this simplicity lies its special charm, allowing you to immediately immerse yourself in the leisurely rhythm of island life.

The history of Rangiroa Airport (RGI) is the story of a secluded atoll transforming into one of the world's most desirable diving destinations. The airport was opened in 1965, and this event was a turning point for the entire region. Initially representing a simple airstrip, it was built with the main goal of establishing reliable air connections with Tahiti and other islands of French Polynesia, thereby ending the atoll's isolation.

The main stages of the airport's development are inextricably linked with the growth of its tourist popularity. In the first decades after opening, when Jacques-Yves Cousteau and other explorers made Rangiroa's underwater world famous globally, the flow of travelers began to grow steadily. This required infrastructure modernization: the runway was paved and lengthened to accommodate larger turboprop aircraft, such as the ATR, the main fleet of Air Tahiti. This allowed for a significant increase in passenger traffic and ensured flight stability.

One of the most significant events in the airport's history was its major reconstruction at the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries. In 2000, a new, more modern terminal was opened. Although it remains small by global standards, its semi-open architecture in Polynesian style immediately immerses arriving guests in the atmosphere of a tropical paradise. This modernization was aimed at improving passenger comfort and service efficiency, which was critical for maintaining Rangiroa's status as a premium resort.

Although Rangiroa Airport cannot boast passenger traffic records on a global scale, its main achievement is its role as a vital artery for the atoll. It not only delivers tourists but also provides local residents with essential goods, mail, and the possibility of emergency medical evacuation. Interesting fact: the airport is located on a narrow strip of land (motu) between the boundless ocean on one side and a giant lagoon on the other, so landing and taking off here offer passengers unforgettable views that become part of the adventure themselves.

Rangiroa Airport (RGI) is a small regional airport serving the atoll of the same name in the Tuamotu Archipelago, French Polynesia. Given its size and purpose, the set of services here is basic but sufficient for a comfortable wait between island flights. It is important to understand that this is not a large international hub, so many services customary for major airports are absent here.

Restaurants, Cafes, and Shops: The airport has a small snack bar where you can buy beverages, coffee, and light snacks. There is also a small souvenir shop offering items from local artisans, pearl jewelry, and other memorabilia. The selection is limited, so for a full meal, it is better to eat in advance.

Waiting Areas and Wi-Fi: A general waiting hall is available to passengers. Specialized VIP lounges or business lounges are absent. Access to Wi-Fi may be limited or paid; it is recommended to check availability and conditions on-site or use mobile data. The number of outlets for charging devices is small, so it is better to bring a portable battery (power bank) with you.

Financial and Medical Services: There are no bank branches, ATMs, or currency exchange points within the airport terminal. All financial transactions, including cash exchange, are recommended to be done in advance in Papeete or by using ATMs in the main settlements of Rangiroa atoll. There is no specialized medical center, but airport staff can provide basic first aid and call for medics if necessary.

Services for Passengers with Special Needs: The airport is equipped to receive passengers with reduced mobility, however, to receive assistance during boarding and disembarking, you must notify your airline in advance. There are no special mother and child rooms or play areas for children, but the environment in the airport is quite calm.

Hotels and Business Services: There are no hotels directly on the airport grounds. However, many guesthouses, pensions, and hotels are located a few minutes' drive from the terminal. Transfers are usually organized by the hosting party. Conference rooms or business centers are not provided at Rangiroa Airport.

When planning a snack at Rangiroa Airport (RGI), it is important to remember that this is a very compact regional airport, serving mainly flights around the islands of French Polynesia. Infrastructure here is minimal, and the choice of dining establishments corresponds to the small size of the terminal.

In the single airport building, as a rule, there is one small snack bar or kiosk. It is located in the general waiting area, accessible to all passengers before passing security control. You will not find separate restaurants, cafes, or lounges here as in large international airports. This place is intended for a quick and simple snack.

The assortment usually includes:

• Simple snacks: sandwiches, pastries, chips, and sweets.
• Beverages: coffee, tea, bottled water, sodas, and juices.
• Sometimes local beverages are available for purchase.

Unfortunately, you will not be able to try authentic Polynesian dishes, such as poisson cru, here. For a full lunch or dinner, it is better to choose one of the establishments in the surrounding hotels or on the island before arriving at the airport.

Specialized dietary options (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or Halal dishes) are practically absent at the airport. If you have strict dietary restrictions, it is strongly recommended to bring food with you. Prices in the snack bar may be higher than average due to the island location and logistics. The establishment's opening hours are usually tied to the flight schedule — it opens shortly before departures and closes after the last plane leaves.

Using the airport in Rangiroa is an experience completely unlike the bustle of large international hubs. The terminal here is small and cozy, and the atmosphere is relaxed. To make your journey go smoothly, use these tips.

Arrival and Check-in. For domestic flights within French Polynesia, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 1.5 hours before departure. This time is more than enough to leisurely check in at the counter and drop off luggage. Security control procedures here usually proceed very quickly due to low passenger traffic.

Seat Selection and Carry-on. If possible, choose a window seat. Flights between atolls are a spectacular sight, and you can take amazing photos of the lagoons from above. In your carry-on luggage, besides standard restrictions on liquids (up to 100 ml), do not take local fruits or plants without special permission — strict bio-safety rules apply on the islands. Keep valuable purchases, such as black pearls, with you in your carry-on at all times.

Transfers and Customs. Rangiroa Airport mainly serves domestic flights. If you have an international transfer, it will most likely be at the main Tahiti airport (PPT) in Papeete. It is there that you will go through customs and passport control when entering or leaving the country. When flying from Rangiroa, clarify whether you will need to collect and re-check your luggage at the transfer point.

Saving Time and Money. To save money, buy water and snacks in advance at one of the shops in the villages of Avatoru or Tiputa. The selection at the airport itself is very limited, and prices may be higher. Saving time is simple — keep your passport and boarding pass ready, and follow the instructions of the staff, who are very friendly here.

Flight Delays. Flight delays on the islands happen sometimes, most often due to weather conditions. Amenities at the airport are minimal, so in case of a wait, it is worth having a book, a charged power bank, or a downloaded movie with you. Airline representatives (usually Air Tahiti) are always in the hall and will provide all current information about the status of your flight.