RAF Ascension Island (ASI)

Cat Hill, SH 🇸🇭 Medium Airport Scheduled Service

ICAO

FHAW

IATA

ASI

Elevation

278 ft

Region

SH-AC

Local Time

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Airport Information

GPS Code: FHAW

Local Code: Not available

Location: -7.9696° N, -14.3937° E

Continent: Africa

Type: Medium Airport

Keywords: Wideawake Airfield Ascension Island Auxiliary Field

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Departures
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What Travelers Say

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Online Reviews Summary

Traveler experiences at RAF Ascension Island (FHAW (ASI)) at Cat Hill are significantly shaped by its primary role as a military airfield with highly restricted civilian access. Overall sentiment is generally positive for those who successfully navigate the stringent entry requirements, often highlighting the unique nature of the destination and the efficiency of the entry process.

What Travelers Love
  • Efficient Immigration/Security: Travelers generally report swift progression through immigration, especially when all necessary entry forms and permits are completed in advance. Recent data indicates security wait times are typically around 6-8 minutes and immigration around 7-9 minutes.
  • Friendly and Welcoming Staff: Some visitors have described immigration officers and local police as friendly, helpful, and reassuring upon arrival.
  • Unique and Tranquil Destination: For those who manage to visit, the island offers exclusive nature and tranquility, appealing to travelers seeking remote and uncrowded experiences.
Common Complaints
  • Extremely Limited Access and Flights: RAF Ascension Island is primarily a military facility, and civilian travel is highly restricted. Only state aircraft (military and diplomatic flights) are authorized to land, with the sole exception of domestic commercial air services to Saint Helena. Access for tourists is via a monthly charter service from Saint Helena (which connects to South Africa) or a very limited number of seats (15 per flight) made available by the Ministry of Defence on flights between the UK (RAF Brize Norton), Ascension, and the Falkland Islands. These military flights prioritize personnel and residents, and civilian seats are not guaranteed.
  • Minimal Airport Facilities and Amenities: The arrival lobby at RAF Ascension Airport is described as small and neat, with no shops or extensive passenger amenities within the terminal. A past review noted a coffee shop *outside* the airport.
  • Lack of Public Transportation and Taxis: There are no taxis or public transportation options available on the island. Visitors must arrange their own transport, typically by pre-booking local guides or renting a car (often arranged with accommodation) to explore the island.
  • "One Day or One Month" Stay Limitation: Due to the infrequent flight schedule (e.g., monthly flights to Saint Helena), visitors might be constrained to very short stays (e.g., around 18 hours) or be required to stay for a much longer period, such as a month, if they miss their connecting flight.
  • Historical Runway Issues (Now Resolved): Previously, there were concerns about runway conditions and associated weight limitations which temporarily impacted civilian flights. However, runway repairs were fully completed in April 2023, allowing full flight operations to resume.

Overall, travel to RAF Ascension Island is not a typical commercial airport experience but rather a highly controlled access point to a remote military outpost. Travelers who are prepared for the logistical challenges and limited amenities often appreciate the efficiency of the entry process and the unique destination itself. However, the restrictive nature of travel and lack of standard airport services are significant considerations.

Last updated: 3 days ago

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AI-Generated: Compiled from publicly available reviews. May not be current or accurate.

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Airport Routes

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For Pilots

Designation Length Width Surface Status
13/31 10019 ft 150 ft ASP Active Lighted

Type Description Frequency
A/G RAF HAVENS HF 1124.7 MHz
ACC ATLANTICO FIR 1795.5 MHz
RDO ASCENSION RDO 1078.0 MHz
TWR WIDEAWAKE TWR 126.2 MHz

Ident Name Type Frequency
ASI Ascension Aux Af VORTAC 112200 kHz
ASN Ascension Aux Af NDB 360 kHz

Ground Transportation

Last updated: Nov 21, 2025

Taxis

There are no formal taxi ranks at the airport. A very limited, pre-booked taxi service is operated by one or two private individuals on the island. Arrangements must be made well in advance of arrival, often through your on-island sponsor, employer, or accommodation provider.

Rental Cars

Car rental options are extremely limited and must be arranged long before you travel. There are no international rental agencies. Local entities, such as the Ascension Island Government Motor Pool or private garages, offer a small fleet of vehicles, often 4x4s suited to the island's terrain. Booking well in advance is essential.

Public Transportation

There is no scheduled public bus or transit system that serves the general public or connects directly with airport flight arrivals and departures. A limited shuttle bus service exists primarily for military and contract personnel moving between the main settlements. Visitors must rely on pre-arranged private transport.

AI-Generated Content: This ground transportation information was compiled using AI from publicly available sources. Prices, schedules, and availability may change; please verify with official airport or transportation provider websites before traveling.

Nearby Airports

No nearby airports found within reasonable distance.
Distances are approximate and calculated as straight-line distances.