Bauerfield International Airport (VLI)

Port Vila, VU 🇻🇺 Large International Airport Scheduled Service

ICAO

NVVV

IATA

VLI

Elevation

70 ft

Region

VU-SEE

Local Time

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Airport Information

GPS Code: NVVV

Local Code: Not available

Location: -17.699301° N, 168.320007° E

Continent: OC

Type: Large International Airport

Keywords: Efate Field Vila Field McDonald Field Bauer Field

External Links

Verified links • Last updated: Nov 21, 2025

Nearby Points of Interest

What Travelers Say

Travelers generally view Bauerfield International Airport (VLI) in Port Vila, Vanuatu, as a functional but basic airport that is in need of significant renovation. Overall sentiment is mixed, with an average rating of 6/10 on Skytrax and 6.9/10 on Flight-report, indicating reasonable satisfaction for a small island airport despite its shortcomings.

What Travelers Love
  • Friendly Staff: Ni-Van staff are consistently described as courteous and helpful.
  • Ease of Navigation: The airport is relatively small and easy to navigate, making for a less stressful experience for many travelers.
  • Quick Processing (when not crowded): When there are no other flights, passport control, visa on arrival, and luggage collection can be very quick, sometimes as fast as 15 minutes from plane to taxi. Security checks are also generally quick.
  • Harry Bauer Lounge: The business lounge offers air conditioning, Wi-Fi, comfortable seating, and a quiet haven, which is a significant improvement over the general public areas.
  • Scenic Location: Travelers appreciate the beautiful mountains and greenery visible upon exiting flights.
  • Efficient Airport Transfers: Private airport transfer services are highly rated for friendly drivers, good communication, and door-to-door service to hotels.
Common Complaints
  • Lack of Air Conditioning: Most of the airport, including public waiting areas, is not air-conditioned, relying on fans, which can make it very hot. The domestic terminal is also not air-conditioned.
  • Outdated and Basic Facilities: The airport is well overdue for renovation, with noticeable wear and tear both internally and on the roads outside. Skytrax certifies it as a 2-Star airport, noting basic facilities, poor seating, and washroom standards.
  • Cleanliness and Maintenance Issues: Some reviews mention a lack of public toilet facilities, with many being broken.
  • No Air Bridges: Passengers consistently walk across the tarmac to and from the aircraft.
  • Crowding and Slow Processing (during peak times): When several flights depart or arrive simultaneously, the airport can become very crowded, leading to slower security, passport control, and check-in times. Check-in facilities can be slow if only one counter is open.
  • Limited Amenities: Food and beverage options are poor and limited, and free Wi-Fi is generally unavailable in public areas.
  • Airport Closure: The airport appears to close nightly, which could be an issue for travelers planning overnight stays.

Bauerfield International Airport serves as a functional gateway to Vanuatu, primarily benefiting from its helpful staff and quick processing during off-peak times. However, travelers should anticipate basic, dated facilities and a lack of modern comforts like air conditioning, especially during busy periods.

Last updated: False weeks ago
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Summary compiled by AirportRoutes.com based on publicly available traveler reviews and experiences. Information may change; verify details with official airport sources.

Current Weather Conditions

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Airport Routes

Bauerfield International Airport (VLI) offers 19 flight routes operated by 9 airlines. Major carriers include Air Vanuatu, Fiji Airways, Virgin Australia and others. Popular destinations from Port Vila include Brisbane, Santo-Pekoa Int'l, Honiara Int'l, Longana and Malekoula Island.

Popular Flight Routes

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Destination IATA City Aircraft Type Airline Details Route Map
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Top Airlines

Operating at Bauerfield International Airport
Airlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network
Airline Routes Flights Destinations Last Activity
Air Vanuatu
AVN / NF
9 229 9 Dec 9, 2025
1 56 1 Dec 9, 2025
1 52 1 Dec 9, 2025
1 43 1 Oct 24, 2025
3 32 3 Dec 2, 2025
Jetstar
JST / JQ
1 31 1 Nov 28, 2025
1 13 1 Nov 19, 2025
Qantas
QFA / QF
1 8 1 Dec 9, 2025
Air Niugini
ANG / PX
1 5 1 Dec 6, 2025
For Pilots

Designation Length Width Surface Status
11/29 8530 ft 148 ft ASP Active Lighted
11R/29L 3310 ft 105 ft GRS Active

Type Description Frequency
AFIS FLT SVC 120.7 MHz
AFIS FLT SVC 1133.9 MHz
CTAF CTAF 120.7 MHz
TWR TWR 120.7 MHz
TWR TWR 1133.9 MHz

Ident Name Type Frequency
BA Bauerfield NDB 361 kHz
VLI Bauerfield VOR-DME 114300 kHz

Ground Transportation

Last updated: Nov 21, 2025
Taxis

Taxis are readily available directly outside the arrivals terminal. They are not metered, so it is crucial to agree on the fare with the driver before starting your trip. A typical fare to downtown Port Vila is around 1,500-2,000 VUV. Official taxis can be identified by a 'T' on their license plate.

Rental Cars

Several car rental companies have desks inside the arrivals hall, including international brands like Hertz, Avis, and Europcar, alongside local operators. It is highly recommended to book your vehicle in advance, especially during peak season. A valid driver's license from your home country is usually sufficient, but an International Driving Permit is advised.

Public Transportation

The main form of public transport in Vanuatu is the privately-owned minibus system. These vans, identifiable by a red 'B' on their license plate, operate on flexible routes and are a very affordable option. You can usually hail one from the main road just outside the airport entrance. Tell the driver your destination when you get in.

Nearby Airports

Tongoa Airport
TGH • NVST
Tongoa Island, VU
Small Airport Scheduled Service
~93 km away
Valesdir Airport
VLS • NVSV
Epi Island, VU
Small Airport Scheduled Service
~101 km away
Lamen Bay Airport
LNB • NVSM
Lamen Bay, VU
Small Airport Scheduled Service
~125 km away
Tavie Airport
PBJ • NVSI
Paama Island, VU
Small Airport Scheduled Service
~141 km away
Lamap Airport
LPM • NVSL
Lamap, VU
Small Airport Scheduled Service
~147 km away
Forari Airport
NVVJ
Forari, VU
Small Airport
~22 km away
Siwo Airport
EAE • NVSE
Emae Island, VU
Small Airport
~67 km away
Tongoa Airport
TGH • NVST
Tongoa Island, VU
Small Airport Scheduled Service
~93 km away
Valesdir Airport
VLS • NVSV
Epi Island, VU
Small Airport Scheduled Service
~101 km away
Lamen Bay Airport
LNB • NVSM
Lamen Bay, VU
Small Airport Scheduled Service
~125 km away
Dillon's Bay Airport
DLY • NVVD
Dillon's Bay, VU
Small Airport
~139 km away
Tavie Airport
PBJ • NVSI
Paama Island, VU
Small Airport Scheduled Service
~141 km away
Lamap Airport
LPM • NVSL
Lamap, VU
Small Airport Scheduled Service
~147 km away
Distances are approximate and calculated as straight-line distances.