Faa'a International Airport (PPT)

Papeete, PF 🇵🇫 Large International Airport Scheduled Service

ICAO

NTAA

IATA

PPT

Elevation

5 ft

Region

PF-U-A

Local Time

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Airport Information

GPS Code: NTAA

Local Code: Not available

Location: -17.553699° N, -149.606995° E

Continent: OC

Type: Large International Airport

Nearby Points of Interest

What Travelers Say

AI-Generated Summary Based on web research

Faa'a International Airport (PPT) in Papeete generally offers a mixed but often positively memorable experience for travelers, frequently praised for its unique Polynesian charm upon arrival. While functional aspects like facilities and amenities can be considered dated or limited compared to larger international hubs, the overall sentiment is often shaped by the warm cultural welcome and relative efficiency for arrivals.

What Travelers Love
  • Traditional Polynesian Welcome: Many travelers are delighted by the warm reception, often including local music and fresh flower leis upon arrival, creating an enchanting first impression of French Polynesia.
  • Family-Friendly Features: The airport includes a children's play area and bathrooms with baby changing tables and even basic showers, which are appreciated by families traveling with young children.
  • Efficient Arrivals (Generally): Due to the airport's smaller size, immigration and baggage claim processes are typically quick and straightforward for arrivals.
  • Dedicated Workspace with Charging: An upstairs workspace with desks, electrical outlets, and USB ports provides a quiet area for those needing to work or charge devices, located conveniently near the children's play area.
  • Convenient Ground Transportation and Parking: A variety of transportation options are available, including taxis, buses, and shuttle services, making transfers to hotels or cruise ports straightforward. The airport also offers three parking lots (P0, P1, P2) catering to different needs, from quick drop-offs to economical long-term stays, with some free initial parking periods.
Common Complaints
  • Lack of Air Conditioning: A frequent complaint is the absence of air conditioning, making the airport quite warm and humid, especially during longer waits.
  • Limited Airside Food and Shopping Options: The international terminal, in particular, is noted for having poor food and beverage choices and limited shopping amenities once past security. Landside offers more variety, including a McDonald's.
  • Dated Facilities and Amenities: Skytrax, an airport rating organization, certifies PPT as a 3-Star Airport, noting its facilities are dated and lack amenities expected from an international terminal, such as sufficient seat power and free Wi-Fi limited to 30 minutes.
  • Inefficient Security and Immigration (Departures): Travelers, particularly for international flights, report that security and immigration can be slow and inefficient, leading to long wait times. It is strongly recommended to arrive at least 3 hours before international departures.
  • Noisy Workspace: While a positive, the proximity of the workspace to the children's play area can make it noisy for those without children seeking a quiet environment.

Overall, Faa'a International Airport provides a charming and unique cultural introduction to French Polynesia, with notable efforts to be family-friendly and offer practical transport. However, travelers should manage expectations regarding modern amenities, air conditioning, and the efficiency of departure processes, especially during peak times. Planning for early arrival for international flights is highly advisable.

Generated 7 days ago
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This summary is automatically generated by AI based on web research of traveler reviews and experiences. AI-generated content may not always be 100% accurate.

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Airport Routes

Popular Flight Routes
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Destination IATA City Aircraft Type Airline Details Route Map
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Top Airlines

Operating at Faa'a International Airport
Airlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network
Airline Routes Flights Destinations Last Activity
Air Tahiti
VTA / VT
31 959 31 Dec 11, 2025
NATRA AIR
NTR / NM
6 240 6 Dec 11, 2025
4 152 4 Dec 11, 2025
Air France
AFR / AF
1 53 1 Dec 8, 2025
1 45 1 Dec 11, 2025
United
UAL / UA
1 38 1 Dec 9, 2025
French Bee
FBU / BF
1 34 1 Dec 11, 2025
1 14 1 Dec 7, 2025
1 3 1 Oct 22, 2025
For Pilots

Designation Length Width Surface Status
04/22 11360 ft 148 ft ASP Active Lighted

Type Description Frequency
APP APP 118.1 MHz
ATIS ATIS 128.8 MHz
GND GND 121.9 MHz
TWR TWR 118.1 MHz

Ident Name Type Frequency
FA Tahiti Faaa NDB 305 kHz
TAF Tahiti Faaa VOR-DME 112900 kHz

Ground Transportation

Last updated: Nov 21, 2025
Taxis

Taxis are readily available 24/7 outside the arrivals hall. Fares are regulated and metered, but they are significantly higher at night (from 8 PM to 6 AM), on Sundays, and on public holidays. It is a convenient but more expensive option for getting to your destination.

Rental Cars

Several car rental agencies, including international brands like Avis, Europcar, and Hertz, have desks located directly in the arrivals hall. Renting a car offers the most flexibility for exploring the island. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season.

Public Transportation

The local bus service (RTC) is the most economical option, but it is not ideal for travelers with much luggage. The bus stop is not directly at the terminal; it requires a short walk to the main road. Service can be infrequent, particularly in the evenings and on weekends, so it's best for those with a flexible schedule.

Nearby Airports

Moorea Temae Airport
MOZ • NTTM
Moorea-Maiao, PF
Medium Airport Scheduled Service
~18 km away
Moorea Temae Airport
MOZ • NTTM
Moorea-Maiao, PF
Medium Airport Scheduled Service
~18 km away
Tetiaroa Airport
TTI • NTTE
Tetiaroa, PF
Small Airport
~60 km away
Distances are approximate and calculated as straight-line distances.