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Airports in Kiribati provide an effective gateway to the thriving island nation. The stunning destination has two international and numerous domestic airports, which represent its booming tourism, and connect its aquatic destinations to the rest of the world. Kiribati has 33 atolls and reef islands. Gilbert, Line, and Phoenix Islands are some of them, its largest atoll is Tarawa. Kiribati is well connected and has several airports. These airports in Kiribati ensure safety, clear communication and provide ample amenities. They are also equipped and oriented to manage crises effectively.
10 Best Airports In Kiribati
Knowing the key features of the airports in Kiribati provide access to Kiribati’s stunning marine life and breathtaking views can help make your journey smoother. Let’s explore more.
1. Bonriki International Airport / TRW
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An airport with full facilities, huge footfall, and stylish and comfortable infrastructure, TRW serves both domestic and international travellers. It is named among the famous airports in Kiribati. The airport finds its place in South Tarawa, the capital of Kiribati. Whether you’re on a spree to visit Tarawa’s historic and cultural sites or to explore the islands and atolls, Tarawa Bonriki Airport is the perfect gateway to your journey. The TRW Airport Facilities include a duty-free shop, a fine restaurant offering local and international snacks, and a facility-replete VIP lounge.
IATA Code: TRW
Type: International And Domestic Airport
Location: South Tarawa, Kiribati
Main Airlines: Air Kiribati, Nauru Airlines, Fiji Airways, FlexFlight
2. Cassidy International Airport / CXI
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This is one of the international airports of Kiribati, which is the embodiment of standard airport facilities that define a tourist’s upcoming travel experience. The airport offers fair food and shopping provisions. As the airport is at a remote place, the travellers must utilise local guest houses or lodges on the island itself. However, the nearest hotels are Captain Cook Hotel and Ikari House. The few indulgence options in Kiritimati (Christmas Island) are World-Class fly fishing, birdwatching at the Wildlife Sanctuaries, World War II Historical Sites, and snorkelling Activities.
IATA Code: CXI
Type: International and Domestic Airport
Location: Kiritimati (Christmas Island), Line Islands, Kiribati
Main Airlines: Air Kiribati, Nauru Airlines, Fiji Airways
3. Abemama Airport / AEA – Abemama Atoll, Kiribati
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Of the total airports in Kiribati, Abemama Airport (AEA) is the best domestic airport. A small, remotely located yet facilitative, this point brings ease of transportation for the locals as well as visitors. Although there are restaurant options to satisfy passengers, no major shops, restaurants, or lounges are found here. A small yet comfortable seating area allows passengers to rest. As the airport is remotely located, there are no major hotels nearby but local guest houses are pretty good, like Island Council Guest House and Chevalier College Guest House.
IATA Code: AEA
Type: Domestic Airport
Nearby Village: Tabiang
Location: Abemama Atoll, Kiribati
Main Airlines: Air Kiribati
4. Butaritari Airport / BBG – Butaritari Atoll
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On the Butaritari Atoll lies this isolated civilian airfield. Marking the history of World War II, this one was built by the United States military in 1943. The island’s airport, which serves the comparatively isolated atoll, is elementary in its design and facilities. Like many other domestic airports, this Kiribati airport has a few food alternatives. The terminal lacks a luggage handling facility. There are beautiful coral reefs and oceans close by. One can enjoy the cultural sightseeing of Japanese bunkers, and remnants of U.S. military operations.
IATA Code: BBG
Type: Domestic Airport
Location: Butaritari Atoll, Kiribati
Nearby Village: Ukiangang
Main Airlines: Air Kiribati
5. Tabiteuea North Airport / TBF – Tabiteuea Atoll
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One of the many domestic airports that Kiribati boasts of, the Tabiteuea Atoll connects people throughout Kiribati. Serving the relatively remote atoll, the island’s airport has a simple structure and just the basic infrastructure. There are no automated baggage handling provisions in the small airport. The facilities available include a few food alternatives for passengers, though no significant stores, ATMs, dining options, or lounges are available. Passengers can relax in a compact seating space. The transport and nearby staying options are tight, but local guest house help is ample.
IATA Code: TBF
Type: Domestic Airport
Location: Tabiteuea Atoll, Kiribati
Nearby Village: Utiroa
Main Airlines: Air Kiribati
6. Maiana Airport / MNK – Maiana Atoll
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Maiana Airport (MNK) serves as the vital regional connection for the people of Maiana Atoll with the rest of the country. It operates flights to and fro South Tarawa. In terms of facilities, it is a basic terminal which has fair provisions of food varieties but limited transportation and no ATMs as such. The baggage handling provisions too are absent so manual handling is required. The nearby guest houses suffice for the limited number of passengers who travel by the low-frequency flights.
IATA Code: MNK
Type: Domestic Airport
Location: Maiana Atoll, Kiribati
Nearby Village: Tamuning
Main Airlines: Air Kiribati
7. Makin Airport / MTK – Makin Atoll
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For residents of Makin Atoll as well as tourists, the Maiana Airport provides a crucial regional link to South Tarawa, and in this way to the whole country. In terms of amenities, it is a simple airline terminal with a small cafe as a food option, limited transport options and no ATMs. For the few passengers that take flights operated twice a week, the guest houses are enough to serve as decent accommodations. Neighbouring attractions include clear waters and vivid corals.
IATA Code: MTK
Type: Domestic Airport
Location: Makin Atoll, Kiribati
Nearby Village: Ukiangang
Main Airlines: Air Kiribati
8. Marakei Airport / MZK – Marakei Atoll
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Marakei Airport, a domestic airport serves as a gateway for local and regional travel. Serving flights to South Tarawa, the terminal facilitates travel within the boundaries of the island nation of Kiribati. Of the airports in Kiribati, Marakei Airport has a few amenities and services, such as basic food provision and seating space. Though there are taxis but not too many, the travellers looking for accommodation have access to local guest houses.
IATA Code: MZK
Type: Domestic Airport
Location: Marakei Atoll, Kiribati
Nearby Village: Rawannawi
Main Airlines: Air Kiribati
9. Nikunau Airport / NIG – Nikunau Island
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Regional travel in Nikunau is facilitated by Nikunau Airport, a domestic airport. With Nikunau Airport’s services, travel inside the borders of the island nation of Kiribati is made easier. The flights serving this purpose fly from Nikunau to the South Tarawa route, and from South Tarawa to Nikunau. There are no food options here so it is advisable to carry refreshments. Although there are taxis, they are not very common. However, travellers who are looking for accommodation can stay at local guest houses.
IATA Code: NIG
Type: Domestic Airport
Location: Nikunau Atoll, Kiribati
Nearby Village: Tabutoa
Main Airlines: Air Kiribati
10. Beru Airport / BEZ – Beru Island
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Serving as another domestic air travel terminal, this is a minimalist one which provides basic flight services to connect the Beru Atoll with the capital of Kiribati. Talking of facilities, they too are minimalistic, including flying grounds and a seating space. It is recommended to carry refreshments. Advanced facilities are not available at the port, like luggage handling and frequent cabs. Lodgers can find nearby guest houses providing basic comforts.
IATA Code: BEZ
Type: Domestic Airport
Location: Beru Atoll, Kiribati
Nearby Village: Aoiniman
Main Airlines: Air Kiribati
In conclusion, there are several airports in Kiribati that connect its breathtaking islands. The primary gateway, Bonriki International Airport, stands out as one of the most popular, offering a comfortable experience with excellent dining and lodging options. While domestic airports are more minimalistic, they prioritise efficiency, safety, and timely travel. Navigating the islands and numerous atolls can be challenging, but TripXL is here to handle the complexities of your journey, tailoring every detail to your travel preferences.
Cover Photo: Enzino / Wikimedia Commons
