Sara Airport (SSR)

Sara Airport (IATA: SSR, ICAO: NVSH) is the primary aviation gateway to the northern part of Pentecost Island in Vanuatu's Penama Province. It serves a critical function, providing an essential link for local communities to the nation's main hubs and acting as the main entry point for international visitors coming to witness the island's world-renowned Naghol, or land diving, ceremony. The airport's role is fundamental to both tourism and the daily lives of residents, facilitating the transport of people, mail, and vital supplies to this relatively remote island. Established to connect the outer islands, its significance has grown with the international interest in Pentecost's unique cultural traditions.

Located on the west coast of northern Pentecost, Sara Airport is not situated within a major town but rather serves the scattered villages and bungalows of the region. The airstrip itself is a simple, unpaved runway, typically made of compacted coral and grass. Access from the airport to nearby accommodations is exclusively via rugged, unpaved roads. Travelers must arrange ground transportation in advance, usually through their hotel or tour operator. The most common form of transport is by 4WD trucks, which are necessary to navigate the island's challenging terrain. The journey from the airstrip can provide an immediate immersion into the island's lush, natural landscape.

Operations at Sara Airport are entirely domestic. The airport is served by Vanuatu's national carrier, Air Vanuatu, which operates scheduled flights using small, robust aircraft like the De Havilland Twin Otter, well-suited for short, unpaved runways. These flights primarily connect Pentecost with Port Vila (VLI) on Efate and Luganville (SON) on Espiritu Santo. Due to the airport's small scale and basic nature, passenger volume is low and concentrated around flight arrival and departure times. There are no international services, and all visitors must first fly into one of Vanuatu's international airports.

Travelers should be aware that facilities at Sara Airport are extremely limited, reflecting its role as a functional outer-island airstrip. The "terminal" is a simple, often open-air shelter that provides cover from the sun and rain. There are no shops, restaurants, lounges, or banking facilities. A small check-in desk is operated by the airline during flight times. For practical travel, it is essential to pre-book all ground transport, as there are no taxi ranks or rental car services waiting on arrival. Flight schedules can be subject to change due to weather, so it is wise to reconfirm flights 24 hours prior to departure and maintain a flexible itinerary. Visitors should also carry local currency (Vatu) and pack any necessary snacks or water, as none are available for purchase at the airport.