Ofu Airport (OFU)

Ofu Airport (IATA: OFU, ICAO: NSAS) is a small public-use airstrip located on Ofu Island, part of the remote Manuʻa Islands group in American Samoa. The airport's primary role is to provide a critical lifeline, connecting the residents of Ofu and the adjacent island of Olosega to the territory's main island, Tutuila. It is an essential hub for passenger travel, medical evacuations, and the transport of mail and light cargo, playing a vital part in overcoming the islands' geographic isolation. For visitors, it serves as the main gateway to the stunning Ofu-Olosega unit of the National Park of American Samoa.

Constructed by the U.S. Marine Corps, the airport opened in 1974. Its creation significantly transformed life in the Manuʻa Islands, replacing long and often arduous boat journeys with a short, reliable flight. Before its establishment, travel to the capital of Pago Pago could take many hours by sea and was heavily dependent on weather conditions. The airport's continued operation is a cornerstone of public infrastructure for the outer islands, ensuring access to government services, healthcare, and economic opportunities based on Tutuila.

Ofu Airport is situated on the southwestern coast of Ofu Island. The island itself is connected to Olosega by a small, single-lane bridge, making the airport accessible to residents of both islands. There are no formal taxi services or public transportation on Ofu. Travelers typically arrange for pickup in advance with their host family or guesthouse, as ground transportation is not readily available upon arrival. The airport is easily reached from anywhere on the small island via a single coastal road.

Operations at Ofu Airport are exclusively domestic. The sole scheduled route is to Pago Pago International Airport (PPG) on Tutuila, operated by the government-owned Samoa Airways. Flights are conducted using small, nine-passenger twin-propeller aircraft, and the schedule is limited, often with only a few flights per week. Passenger volume is very low, consisting mainly of local residents, government workers, and a small number of tourists. All flights are subject to weather conditions and can be canceled or delayed with little notice.

Facilities at Ofu Airport are extremely basic, reflecting its remote location and low traffic. There is no terminal building in the traditional sense. Instead, a small, open-air concrete shelter serves as the waiting area and check-in point. There are no restrooms, shops, restaurants, or other passenger amenities. Travelers should bring their own water and snacks, as nothing is available for purchase at the airport.

For those traveling through Ofu, it is essential to pre-arrange all ground transportation. Arriving about 60 minutes before departure is typically sufficient, but confirming with the airline is recommended. Given the frequency of weather-related disruptions, travelers connecting to international flights from Pago Pago should build at least one or two buffer days into their itinerary to avoid missing their connection. Pack light, as the small aircraft have strict weight limitations for both checked and carry-on baggage.