Tikehau Atoll Airport

Tikehau Airport (TIH) is more than just a runway; it is the aerial gateway to one of the most idyllic atolls in French Polynesia. Imagine landing on a narrow strip of land, with a turquoise lagoon stretching on one side and the boundless Pacific Ocean on the other. This small yet welcoming airport instantly immerses travelers in an atmosphere of seclusion and tropical paradise, for which they have traveled such a long way. Here begins your introduction to a world of pink sands and incredible underwater diversity.

The main feature of Tikehau Airport is its intimacy and simplicity. Do not expect huge terminals and duty-free shops here; instead, you will be met by a modest building in the Polynesian style, resembling a hospitable bungalow. The arrival and departure process here is as fast as possible and devoid of fuss, allowing you to immediately plunge into the relaxed rhythm of island life.

A key advantage of the airport is its proximity to major hotels and the village of Tuherahera, which can often be reached in just a few minutes by boat or car. It is the ideal starting point for exploring the famous pink beaches, snorkeling, and diving in the lagoon, which Jacques-Yves Cousteau called one of the most fish-rich in the world. The airport mainly serves Air Tahiti flights, connecting the atoll with Tahiti and other islands of the Tuamotu archipelago.

Tikehau Airport (TIH) is a small regional airport serving the atoll of the same name in French Polynesia. Like many similar airports in the region, it does not have a large number of dedicated contact services. Most issues are resolved through the central office of the operator, Aéroports de Tahiti (ADT), or directly through the airline.

• Official Website: The airport does not have its own website. Current information is published on the portal of the operator Aéroports de Tahiti (ADT), which manages the airport: www.tahiti-aeroport.pf.
• Information Desk Phone: There is no dedicated helpline at Tikehau Airport. For general questions regarding the operation of airports in French Polynesia, you can call Aéroports de Tahiti at: +689 40 86 60 60.
• Airport Address: Aéroport de Tikehau, 98778 Tikehau, Polynésie française.
• Email: A direct email address for contacting the airport is not provided. For official inquiries, it is recommended to use the contact form on the Aéroports de Tahiti website.
• Social Media: The airport does not maintain its own social media pages. You can follow news on the official accounts of Aéroports de Tahiti.
• Lost Luggage Information: For all questions related to lost or damaged luggage, you must contact your airline's baggage tracing service directly (usually Air Tahiti).
• Passenger Support Contacts: If your question concerns tickets, flight schedules, or check-in, please contact your airline.

Getting to Tikehau Airport (TIH) is part of the unique experience of traveling through the atolls of French Polynesia. It is important to understand that on such a small island, the transport system differs radically from that in major cities. There are no familiar bus networks or taxi services here, and movement is organized simply and oriented towards the needs of guests.

Transfer from Hotel or Guesthouse

This is the most common and reliable method to get to and from the airport. Almost all hotels, pensions (local guesthouses), and diving centres on Tikehau offer transfer services for their guests. As a rule, you arrange this in advance at the time of booking. Upon arrival, you will be met by a representative of your accommodation. The trip from the main village of Tuherahera to the airport takes only 5-10 minutes. The cost of the transfer may be included in the price of the stay or paid separately — this point needs to be clarified directly with your hotel.

Taxi and Public Transport

There is no official taxi service on the atoll that can be called by phone or found at a rank. The role of taxis is performed by the same private transfers organized by local residents or pensions. Public transport, such as buses or trains, is completely absent on Tikehau. The main ways for tourists to move around the island are bicycles, walking, and boats.

Transport Rental and Parking

Car rental is not practiced on Tikehau due to the small size of the atoll. The most popular type of transport for independent exploration is a bicycle. However, getting to the airport with luggage on a bicycle is inconvenient. Parking near the airport consists of a small free area where you can leave a scooter or bicycle. It is not guarded, but on such a peaceful island, this is rarely a problem.

Key Recommendation: The best and, in fact, the only guaranteed way to organize your trip to Tikehau Airport is to arrange a transfer with your accommodation in advance. This ensures a comfortable and calm start and end to your stay on this paradise atoll.

Tikehau Airport (TIH) is a charming and very compact aviation hub, typical for the small atolls of French Polynesia. Its structure is as simple and intuitive as possible, which fully corresponds to the relaxed atmosphere of the island. There are no complex diagrams or long corridors here, as in large international airports.

The airport complex consists of one small terminal, which serves both departing and arriving passengers. In essence, it is a small pavilion under the open sky or with partially open walls, allowing you to immediately immerse yourself in the tropical atmosphere. Departure and arrival zones here are nominal and are located within the same hall. On one side, there are several check-in counters, and on the other, a waiting area with a small number of benches.

Navigation at the airport is extremely simple: you cannot get lost. Everything is in one room: the entrance, Air Tahiti check-in counters, the waiting area, and the boarding gate, which involves a walk to the aircraft across the airfield. There are, of course, no transfers between terminals. The baggage claim area after arrival is usually just a place next to the building where staff bring suitcases on a cart.

Check-in and security procedures (if conducted) are very fast. There are no queues or fuss inherent in large airports. Usually, it is enough to arrive at the airport 45–60 minutes before departure. The main recommendation for navigation is to relax and enjoy the simplicity. The entire process from entering the terminal to boarding the plane will take you a minimum of time and effort.

Tikehau Airport (TIH), opened in 1977, became a key element in the development of this secluded atoll within French Polynesia. Its history is not a tale of massive construction projects and records, but a story of how a small airfield changed the life of an entire island. Initially built to establish reliable air communication with Tahiti and other islands of the Tuamotu archipelago, it allowed not only for the delivery of essential goods but also laid the foundation for the development of tourism.

The main stages of the airport's development involved maintaining and improving its modest infrastructure. Instead of building multi-story terminals, efforts were focused on ensuring the safety and functionality of the runway and the small passenger pavilion. No significant reconstructions that radically changed the appearance of the airport were carried out; its modernization was always aimed at meeting modern flight safety and passenger comfort requirements while preserving its authentic island atmosphere.

The main historical achievement of the airport can be considered its role in transforming Tikehau from an isolated atoll into one of the most attractive destinations for diving enthusiasts and eco-tourism. An interesting fact: the airport terminal is a simple, often open structure that instantly immerses travelers in the relaxed atmosphere of Polynesia. For many tourists arriving here, this small and cozy airport becomes the first and vivid impression symbolizing the beginning of a holiday far from the city bustle.

Tikehau Airport (TIH) is a small and welcoming air hub serving one of the most picturesque atolls in French Polynesia. Its infrastructure is simple and functional, offering passengers the most necessary services before departure or upon arrival on the paradise island.

In the airport's single terminal, you will find a small snack bar where you can purchase beverages, sandwiches, and light snacks, as well as a small souvenir shop. There are no full-service restaurants or duty-free shops here. The waiting area is a modest hall, often open-air, allowing you to enjoy the warm climate. VIP lounges are not provided at the airport.

Options for passengers needing network connectivity are limited. Wi-Fi may be unstable or absent, and the number of power outlets for charging devices is minimal, so it is worth bringing a portable power bank. There are no bank branches, ATMs, or currency exchange points at the airport. It is recommended to arrange for cash in advance.

Specialised services, such as mother and child rooms or business centres, are absent. Passengers with reduced mobility should notify the airline in advance of the need for escort and assistance. There are no hotels on the airport territory, however, many accommodation options — from cozy guesthouses to luxury resorts — are located within a few minutes' drive across the atoll.

Tikehau Airport (TIH) is a small regional airport serving the atoll of the same name in French Polynesia. It is important to note that its infrastructure is quite modest, and the choice of catering establishments here is extremely limited, which is typical for small island air terminals.

There are no full-service restaurants, separate cafes, or bars at the airport. Typically, in the single small terminal, there is one snack bar or small kiosk. It is located in the general waiting hall, accessible to all passengers before security control, so there is practically no difference between "landside" and "airside" zones.

The assortment in such a kiosk usually includes basic items for a quick snack: bottled water, carbonated drinks, juices, chips, chocolate, and possibly simple sandwiches or local pastries. It is not possible to have a full meal here. If you want a substantial meal, it is better to do so at your hotel or at one of the pensions on the atoll before traveling to the airport.

Specialised dietary options, such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or halal dishes, are practically impossible to find here. Passengers with special dietary requirements are strongly advised to bring food with them. Prices at the airport kiosk are generally higher than the average on the island. Its opening hours are directly tied to the flight schedule: it opens shortly before departure and closes soon after the plane takes off.

Traveling through Tikehau Airport (TIH) is more part of your island adventure than a standard airport routine. It is a small regional airport serving mainly Air Tahiti flights, and its operation has its own peculiarities. Here are a few tips to help make your trip as comfortable as possible.

Arrival Time and Check-in. The airport in Tikehau is very compact, and there are no long queues. Arriving 1-1.5 hours before departure will be more than sufficient. The check-in and baggage drop-off process happens quickly at a small counter. Security checks are also minimal compared to large international airports, but should not be neglected.

Seat Selection on the Plane. Most flights between the islands of French Polynesia are operated by ATR turboprop aircraft. Window seats are your best choice! During takeoff and landing, incredible views of the turquoise lagoon and the coral ring of the atoll open up. Try to check in online in advance to secure the best seat.

Hand Luggage and Baggage. Standard rules for carrying liquids (up to 100 ml in a container) apply here as well. However, pay special attention to weight restrictions for hand luggage and checked baggage, as they are stricter on small aircraft. Pack all essentials in your hand luggage: documents, medication, swimwear, and light clothing in case your luggage is delayed. Fragile souvenirs, such as black pearls, should always be kept with you.

Passengers with Connections and Customs. Most transfers to other atolls or international flights take place at the main airport, Tahiti Faa'a (PPT) in Papeete. Tikehau Airport is the endpoint or start of the route. Customs and immigration control for international travelers are conducted in Papeete. There is no customs control on domestic flights, but random baggage checks are possible.

Saving Time and Money. Book tickets in advance, especially during the high season (May to October), to get the best prices. Travel light to avoid excess baggage fees. There are practically no shops in the airport itself, so it is better to bring food and beverages with you to avoid spending extra.

In Case of Flight Delay. Delays or schedule changes on the islands happen, often due to weather. Tikehau Airport has very limited facilities (usually just a shelter with seats), so be prepared to wait. Bring a book, a charged power bank, and water. Airline representatives are usually on-site and will provide all current information. Stay calm and enjoy the island rhythm of life — after all, you are in paradise!