Ua Huka Airport (UAH)

Ua Huka Airport (IATA: UAH, ICAO: NTMU) is the sole airfield serving the remote island of Ua Huka in the Marquesas Islands of French Polynesia. This small, regional airport provides a vital air link for the island's residents and a small number of visitors, facilitating the transport of people, mail, and essential supplies. Its primary role is to connect Ua Huka with the larger administrative centers within the archipelago, breaking the island's geographic isolation and supporting its community.

Opened in 1972, the airport's construction was a transformative event for Ua Huka, which had previously been accessible only by infrequent and often arduous sea voyages. The airfield dramatically improved access to off-island medical care, education, and commerce, fundamentally altering the fabric of local life. Its short, sloped runway, perched atop a rugged coastal plateau, highlights the engineering required to establish modern infrastructure in such a challenging landscape.

The airport is located on a high plateau near the southern coast of the island, a few kilometers from the village of Hane. Access to the main villages of Vaipaee, Hane, and Hokatu is via a steep, unpaved road. Travelers must pre-arrange all ground transportation, as there are no taxis, rental agencies, or public transport services available upon arrival. Most visitors coordinate a pickup with their pre-booked accommodation, typically in a 4x4 vehicle suited for the island's terrain.

Operations at Ua Huka Airport are exclusively domestic and handled by Air Tahiti, the territory's inter-island airline. Flights are infrequent, usually operating a few times per week on small turboprop aircraft like the DHC-6 Twin Otter. These services connect Ua Huka to other Marquesan islands, most commonly Nuku Hiva (NHV) and Hiva Oa (AUQ), which offer onward connections to Tahiti. The airport handles a low volume of passenger traffic consistent with the island's small population and limited tourism.

Facilities are minimal and functional. The "terminal" consists of a simple, open-air shelter with a check-in counter, a baggage scale, and a small covered waiting area with benches. There are no shops, restaurants, or lounges. Basic restroom facilities are available. The entire airport experience is brief and straightforward, reflecting the unhurried pace of the island.

For travelers, planning is essential. All ground transport must be confirmed in advance of landing. Flight schedules are subject to change due to weather conditions, so maintaining a flexible itinerary is advisable. Baggage allowances on the small aircraft are strictly enforced. Visitors should also ensure they have sufficient local currency (Pacific Francs) before arriving, as there are no ATMs or currency exchange services at the airport or readily available on the island.