Wallis Island Airport

Wallis Island Airport, also known as Hihifo, is not merely a runway, but the sole aerial gateway to the world of Wallis and Futuna, hidden away in the Pacific Ocean. It is here that travellers touch down to discover the unique Polynesian culture and the pristine nature of the islands. Despite its modest size, this airport plays a pivotal role in the life of the entire archipelago, connecting it with the outside world. Arriving here is the first step into a true adventure, where the bustle of metropolises is replaced by the rustle of palm trees and a warm ocean breeze.

For the convenience of travellers, essential information about the airport is provided below.

The main feature of Hihifo Airport is its compactness and intimate atmosphere. There is none of the chaotic rush of major transport hubs here; check-in and security screening proceed at a calm and friendly pace. The terminal building is simple and functional, yet it contains everything necessary for passengers, including a waiting lounge and check-in counters. The airport primarily serves flights by Aircalin, which operates routes to Nouméa (New Caledonia), providing a vital link for locals and tourists alike. It is more than just an airport—it is the place where a journey to one of the most remote and authentic corners of the planet begins and ends.

Below you will find contact details for Wallis Hihifo Airport (WLS), serving Mata-Utu and the entire island.

• Official Website: Currently, the airport does not have a separate official website. Basic information on flights and services is provided by Aircalin, as well as the Civil Aviation Service (SEAC) on the government portal of Wallis and Futuna.
• Information Desk Phone: +681 72 11 00. Please note that this is a local number; for calls from the UAE or other countries, the international code is required.
• Address: Aéroport de Wallis Hihifo, BP 1, 98600, Hihifo District, Wallis, Wallis and Futuna.
• Email: For official enquiries, you may contact the Civil Aviation Service at: seac.wf@wallis-et-futuna.pref.gouv.fr.
• Social Media: The airport does not maintain official pages on social media platforms.
• Lost Luggage Information: For all issues related to lost or damaged baggage, please contact the representatives of the airline that operated your flight (Aircalin) directly.
• Passenger Support Service: For assistance and consultations, it is recommended to contact your airline or call the general airport number for questions not related to booking or baggage.

Getting to Wallis Island Airport (also known as Hihifo), located in the northern part of the island, from the capital Mata-Utu and other districts of Wallis and Futuna is quite straightforward, though it requires prior organisation. Unlike major tourist hubs, the transport system here has its own specificities, so planning your trip to the airport is a key element of your journey.

Taxi and Transfer
Finding a taxi in the conventional sense (with a meter and taxi ranks) on the island is practically impossible. The primary mode of transport for tourists is a pre-arranged transfer. Most hotels and guesthouses offer a meet-and-greet service at the airport for their guests. This is the most reliable and convenient option. Be sure to contact your hotel before arrival to arrange the transfer. Private drivers can also be found, but the cost and details of the trip must be discussed well in advance.

Car Rental
Renting a car is the most popular way to get around the island for independent travellers. This provides complete freedom of movement and allows you to easily reach the airport at the required time. The drive from the centre of Mata-Utu to Hihifo Airport takes approximately 15–20 minutes. There are several small rental agencies operating on the island. Given the limited number of vehicles, it is strongly recommended to book a car in advance, especially during the tourist season.

Public Transport
It is important to know that there is no public transport system on Wallis Island. There are no regular bus routes, trains, or metro services that one could rely on for a trip to the airport.

Airport Parking
Wallis Island Airport is small and serves a limited number of flights. There is a simple car park located next to the terminal where you can leave your vehicle. Generally, parking is complimentary, and finding a free space is not difficult.

Wallis Island Airport (WLS), also known as Hihifo Airport, is distinguished by its compactness and simplicity, which is more of an advantage for travellers than a drawback. The airport operates just one passenger terminal, which serves both domestic and international flights—primarily flights to Nouméa (New Caledonia) and the neighbouring island of Futuna.

The structure of the terminal is extremely simple and intuitive. It is a small single-storey building where all key zones are within walking distance of each other. The departure and arrival areas are located under one roof, completely eliminating the need for transfers between terminals or the use of shuttles. Navigation will pose no difficulties: check-in counters, the security screening zone, the waiting lounge, and the boarding gate are all in a unified space. Upon arrival, passengers also quickly reach the baggage claim area and the airport exit.

Flight check-in and security control procedures usually take minimal time due to the low passenger volume. Long queues are rare here. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport generally 1.5-2 hours before departure to complete all formalities without rushing, especially if you are flying on an international flight.

The main recommendation regarding navigation is not to worry. It is practically impossible to get lost at Hihifo Airport. Its atmosphere resembles a small regional station rather than a large aviation hub. Signs are simple and clear, and staff are always ready to assist and answer your questions. Everything you need will be literally a few steps from the entrance.

The history of Wallis Island Airport (WLS) is inextricably linked with the events of the Second World War. It was built in 1942 by the U.S. Navy Construction Battalions, known as the "Seabees", and initially functioned as the Hihifo military airfield. Its main task was to provide a strategic airbase for American forces in the South Pacific. It was a time when the remote island of Wallis unexpectedly found itself at the centre of global geopolitical events.

After the war ended, the military base was converted for civilian needs, becoming a key infrastructure facility for the entire territory. Today, the airport, located in the Hihifo district near the capital Mata-Utu, is the only international airport in Wallis and Futuna. It serves as the main aerial gateway connecting these islands, lost in the ocean, with the rest of the world, primarily with New Caledonia.

Over the decades, the airport has undergone various stages of modernisation to meet modern aviation standards. One of the significant events in recent years was the comprehensive reconstruction of the runway, carried out to ensure flight safety and the capability to accommodate aircraft such as the Airbus A320. Although Wallis Island Airport does not break records for passenger traffic, its role for the local population and the development of tourism cannot be overestimated, as it is a vital artery maintaining the islands' connection with the mainland.

Wallis Island Airport (WLS), also known as Hihifo Airport, is the main aerial gateway to Wallis and Futuna. It is important to understand that this is a small regional airport with a very limited range of services, focused primarily on facilitating the arrival and departure of passengers. When planning your journey, it is worth arranging many things in advance that are taken for granted at major airports.

In the terminal building, you will not find large restaurants, cafés, or duty-free shops. Occasionally, a small kiosk offering beverages and light snacks may be open, but one should not count on a full meal or shopping. Access to Wi-Fi for passengers is generally unavailable, and the number of power outlets for charging devices is extremely limited. It is strongly recommended to bring a portable charger (power bank) with you.

Financial services are also not provided at the airport. There are no bank branches, ATMs, or currency exchange points here. All financial transactions, including exchanging money into CFP Francs (XPF), must be done in advance in the capital, Mata-Utu. A specialised medical centre is absent, although airport staff can provide basic first aid in an emergency.

For passengers with special needs, infrastructure is minimal. Although airline staff will assist with boarding and disembarking if notified in advance, the terminal itself is not equipped with complex amenities. There are also no dedicated play areas for children or mother-and-child rooms. Hotels do not exist directly on the airport territory—the nearest accommodation options are located several kilometres away, in the Mata-Utu area. Similarly, the airport lacks business lounges, VIP lounges, and conference rooms.

When planning a departure from Wallis Island Airport (WLS), it is important to consider that this is a very small regional airport serving the island territory of Wallis and Futuna. Infrastructure here is minimal, and the choice of dining establishments is extremely limited, which is typical for small air terminals in remote parts of the world.

In the airport's single terminal, a small snack bar or kiosk usually operates. It is located in the public area (landside), accessible to both departing passengers and those seeing them off. Its opening hours are directly linked to the schedule of the few flights—typically, it opens a few hours before departure and closes shortly after the aircraft takes off. The assortment here is basic: one can purchase soft drinks, water, coffee, crisps, biscuits, and perhaps simple sandwiches.

There are no full-service restaurants, cafés serving hot meals, or specialised establishments at Wallis Island Airport. Options for passengers with specific dietary requirements (such as Halal, vegetarian, gluten-free, etc.) are also unavailable. If you require a substantial meal, it is strongly recommended to eat beforehand in the capital, Mata-Utu, or other settlements on the island. Travellers with strict dietary restrictions are best advised to bring food with them to avoid inconvenience.

Travelling through Wallis Island Airport (Hihifo), the gateway to the exotic world of Wallis and Futuna, will be a pleasant start to your adventure if you take note of a few specific features. This small airport mainly serves regional flights, so the atmosphere here is quite calm. Here are a few tips to help make your journey as comfortable as possible.

Arrival Time and Check-in. Despite the airport's compact size, it is recommended to arrive approximately 2 hours before the departure of an international flight. This will give you sufficient time to check in and drop off luggage without rushing. Security screening procedures here are standard, but thanks to the low passenger volume, queues are generally minimal.

Seat Selection and Hand Luggage. If possible, choose a window seat. During take-off and landing, you will be treated to breathtaking views of the lagoon and coral reefs surrounding the island. Regarding hand luggage, standard international rules apply: liquids in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag, and no sharp objects. Given the island location, be prepared for regulations on carrying certain food products and plants to be particularly strict to protect the local ecosystem.

Customs Control and Transfers. The airport enforces strict customs and biosecurity control. The import of most fresh produce, plants, and seeds is prohibited without a special permit. Be sure to declare all such items. Hihifo Airport is rarely used as a transit hub; most passengers begin or end their journey here, in Mata-Utu. If you do plan a transfer, check the visa requirements for the transit country in advance.

Economy and Unforeseen Situations. To save money, bring light snacks and an empty water bottle that can be filled after passing security, as the selection of cafés and shops at the airport is limited. In the event of a flight delay, be prepared to wait in the conditions of a small terminal. Download films or books to your device in advance and have a portable charger with you. Having your hotel's contact details will also be useful to inform them of a potential late arrival.