Faleolo International Airport (APW)
Apia, WS 🇼🇸 Medium Airport Scheduled Service
ICAO
NSFA
IATA
APW
Elevation
58 ft
Region
WS-AA
Local Time
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GPS Code: NSFA
Local Code: Not available
Location: -13.83° N, -172.007996° E
Continent: Oceania
Type: Medium Airport
What Travelers Say
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Online Reviews Summary
Faleolo International Airport (APW) in Apia, Samoa, generally receives mixed traveler reviews, often reflecting its status as a smaller international airport in a developing nation. While some travelers appreciate its efficiency and local charm, others highlight areas needing improvement, particularly regarding cleanliness and certain aspects of security and facilities. The airport has undergone significant upgrades, including a new regional terminal, aiming to enhance the passenger experience.
What Travelers Love
- Efficient Immigration and Customs: Many travelers report quick and efficient processing through immigration, customs, and baggage handling upon arrival.
- Friendly Staff: Airport staff are often described as friendly, welcoming, and helpful.
- New Regional Terminal and Upgrades: A new regional terminal has recently opened, featuring an art gallery and a local food market, aiming to enrich the passenger experience, speed up baggage processing, and provide larger waiting areas. The airport has also seen upgrades to its apron and the addition of aerobridges, enhancing the quality of air travel.
- Open and Spacious Design: The airport's open and spacious design, with tiles throughout, is noted, and the departure lounge offers a tropical Pacific feel with a large bar.
- Accessible Transportation: Taxis and shared airport shuttles are available and considered reasonably priced for transfers to Apia. Shared shuttles often offer air-conditioning, free WiFi, and SIM card options. Car rental services are also available from several companies located near baggage claim.
- Improved Security Check (Recent Data): Recent data from November 2025 indicates security check wait times around 11 minutes, and immigration processing around 9 minutes.
Common Complaints
- Lack of Air Conditioning: Outside of security areas and in check-in, the lack of air conditioning can make conditions uncomfortable, especially in humid weather. Only the departure lounge and the Polynesian Airlines Business Class lounge are air-conditioned.
- Cleanliness of Landside Toilets: Landside toilets have been described as "derelict and filthy." Even baby changing rooms have been found in a dirty state.
- Security Issues and Confiscations: Some travelers have reported aggressive and rude security personnel, with instances of unwarranted confiscation of items, including compliant batteries and under-limit liquids, sometimes suggesting theft.
- Overpriced Airside Offerings: The cafe and duty-free shops airside are sometimes described as overpriced, with duty-free products being more expensive than at other international airports.
- Limited Lounge Facilities: While a lounge exists, it may be cramped and sometimes unavailable for certain airlines or walk-ins. There are no lounge facilities for premium passengers other than a government lounge for VIPs.
- Occasional Slow Immigration/Baggage Claim (Historical): While some reviews highlight efficiency, others have experienced slow immigration and baggage claim processing, especially during peak times or due to disorganization.
Overall, Faleolo International Airport appears to be an airport in transition, with recent investments aimed at modernizing its facilities and improving passenger experience. While positive aspects include friendly staff and increasingly efficient processing, consistency in cleanliness and a need for improved, transparent security procedures remain key areas for enhancement. Travelers should be aware of potentially limited air conditioning and consider pre-booking airport transfers for convenience.
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Airport Routes
Faleolo International Airport (APW) offers 8 flight routes operated by 6 airlines. Major carriers include Air New Zealand, Fiji Airways, Samoa Airways and others. Popular destinations from Apia include Pago Pago Intl, Auckland, Brisbane, Nadi Int'l and Daniel K Inouye Intl.
Route Network Map
Top Routes (by observations)
Newly Discovered
- Nadi Int'l (NAN) new
- Auckland (AKL) new
- Brisbane (BNE) new
- Daniel K Inouye Intl (HNL) new
- Pago Pago Intl (PPG) new
Popular Flight Routes
| Destination | IATA | City | Aircraft Type | Airline | Details | Route Map |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Top Airlines
Operating at Faleolo International AirportAirlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network| Airline | Routes | Flights | Destinations | Last Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Air New Zealand
ANZ
/ NZ
|
1 | 102 | 1 | Jan 27, 2026 |
|
Fiji Airways
FJI
/ FJ
|
2 | 93 | 2 | Jan 27, 2026 |
|
Samoa Airways
PAO
/ OL
|
1 | 28 | 1 | Jan 16, 2026 |
Qantas
QFA
/ QF
|
1 | 26 | 1 | Jan 19, 2026 |
Virgin Australia
VOZ
/ VA
|
1 | 18 | 1 | Jan 25, 2026 |
|
POL-MAK Air Cargo
PLM
/ EB
|
1 | 7 | 1 | Jan 19, 2026 |
For Pilots
| Designation | Length | Width | Surface | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
08/26 |
9843 ft | 148 ft | ASP | Active Lighted |
| Type | Description | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| APP | APP | 118.1 MHz |
| APP | APP | 655.3 MHz |
| APP | APP | 1790.4 MHz |
| INFO | RDO | 118.1 MHz |
| INFO | RDO | 655.3 MHz |
| INFO | RDO | 1790.4 MHz |
| TWR | TWR | 118.1 MHz |
| TWR | TWR | 655.3 MHz |
| TWR | TWR | 1790.4 MHz |
Ground Transportation
Taxis
Taxis are readily available outside the arrivals hall, meeting all international flights. Fares are not metered, so it is crucial to agree on a price with the driver before your trip. A one-way fare to the capital, Apia, typically costs between WST 60 and WST 80.
Rental Cars
Several car rental companies, including international brands like Avis and Budget as well as local operators, have service desks inside the arrivals terminal. Pre-booking is highly recommended. A temporary Samoan driver's license is required and can usually be issued by the rental agency upon presentation of your valid home country license.
Public Transportation
The local public bus system is the most affordable option. These colorful, open-sided buses can be flagged down on the main road outside the airport. They do not run on a fixed schedule and may not be available for late-night arrivals. This option is best for travelers with minimal luggage and a flexible schedule.