Puka Puka Airport (PKP)

Puka Puka Airport (NTGP/PKP) is a small, public-use airstrip that serves as a vital lifeline to the remote coral atoll of Puka Puka, located in the northeastern Tuamotu Archipelago of French Polynesia. Its primary function is not to support tourism but to connect the island's small, isolated population to the rest of the country for essential supplies, medical transport, and administrative travel. The airport is a critical piece of infrastructure, ensuring the community’s sustainability and link to the outside world.

Inaugurated in 1979, the airport marked a significant milestone for the inhabitants of Puka Puka, who had previously relied on infrequent and often unpredictable maritime transport. Its construction provided the first reliable, all-weather connection for the atoll. The airport is situated on the main motu (islet) where the principal village, Teonemahina, is located. Given the small size of the settlement, the airstrip is within walking distance for most residents, and travelers arriving are typically met by their hosts or can easily walk to local guesthouses. There are no formal taxi services or car rentals available.

Operations at Puka Puka Airport are exclusively domestic and extremely limited. Air Tahiti is the sole airline providing scheduled passenger service, with flights that are often infrequent, sometimes operating on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. These flights are typically part of a multi-island route, connecting Puka Puka with other remote atolls before proceeding to larger hubs. Consequently, passenger volume is very low, consisting mainly of local residents and a handful of visitors. The airport does not handle any international traffic.

Facilities at the airport are minimal, reflecting its remote and functional nature. The "terminal" is a simple, often open-air shelter or a small, single-room building designed to provide basic protection from the sun and rain. Travelers will not find any amenities such as shops, restaurants, cafes, or lounges. Restroom facilities may not be available to the public. The infrastructure is purely utilitarian, focusing on the safe arrival and departure of small turboprop aircraft.

For those traveling to Puka Puka, it is essential to be self-sufficient. All snacks, water, and personal necessities should be brought with you, as nothing is available for purchase at the airport. Flight schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, so flexibility is key. Baggage allowances on these small aircraft are strictly enforced. Upon arrival, transportation should be pre-arranged with your host, though the short distance to the village makes walking a common option.