Matei Airport (TVU)

Matei Airport (IATA: TVU, ICAO: NFNM), also known as Taveuni Airport, is the primary aviation gateway to Taveuni, Fiji's renowned "Garden Island." Located in the small settlement of Matei at the island's northern tip, the airport plays a crucial role in connecting this popular destination for diving, hiking, and nature tourism with Fiji's main international hub. Its function is essential for both the local tourism economy and for providing residents with a vital link to Viti Levu. Access to the airport from the island’s resorts and villages is straightforward, primarily via pre-arranged resort shuttles or local taxis, which are the most common forms of transport.

The airport's history is tied to the development of Taveuni itself, evolving to support the island's needs. A significant upgrade in recent years saw its runway paved, allowing for more reliable operations and accommodating larger turboprop aircraft. Operations at Matei Airport are exclusively domestic. The primary carrier is Fiji Link, the domestic subsidiary of Fiji Airways, which operates multiple daily flights to and from Nadi International Airport (NAN) and Nausori International Airport (SUV) near Suva. Regional carrier Northern Air also provides services, offering additional connectivity. The flights are operated using turboprop aircraft, such as the ATR 42/72 and De Havilland Canada Twin Otter, which are well-suited for the airport's infrastructure.

Reflecting the laid-back nature of the island, the airport facilities are simple and functional. It consists of a single, small terminal building with an open-air design. Inside, travelers will find check-in counters, a basic waiting area, and restrooms. There are no executive lounges, large retail stores, or a wide selection of restaurants. A small kiosk is typically available, offering light snacks, drinks, and local crafts, but visitors should not expect extensive dining or shopping options.

For those traveling through Matei Airport, several practical points are worth noting. It is advisable to arrive approximately 60 to 90 minutes before a scheduled departure to allow sufficient time for check-in and security. Travelers should be particularly mindful of baggage restrictions, as the smaller aircraft used on these routes have stricter weight and size limits than international flights. It is also wise to pre-book ground transportation with your accommodation, as the availability of on-demand taxis can be limited. Finally, when connecting from an international flight in Nadi, allowing a generous buffer of several hours is recommended, as schedules for inter-island flights can sometimes be affected by weather.