RAF Ascension Island Airport (IATA: ASI, ICAO: FHAW) serves Cat Hill, SH. It has 0 scheduled routes to 0 destinations in 0 countries, operated by 0 airlines.
- Efficient Immigration/Security: Travelers generally report swift progression through immigration, especially when all necessary entry forms and permits are completed in advance. Recent data indicates security wait times are typically around 6-8 minutes and immigration around 7-9 minutes.
- Friendly and Welcoming Staff: Some visitors have described immigration officers and local police as friendly, helpful, and reassuring upon arrival.
- Unique and Tranquil Destination: For those who manage to visit, the island offers exclusive nature and tranquility, appealing to travelers seeking remote and uncrowded experiences.
- Extremely Limited Access and Flights: RAF Ascension Island is primarily a military facility, and civilian travel is highly restricted. Only state aircraft (military and diplomatic flights) are authorized to land, with the sole exception of domestic commercial air services to Saint Helena. Access for tourists is via a monthly charter service from Saint Helena (which connects to South Africa) or a very limited number of seats (15 per flight) made available by the Ministry of Defence on flights between the UK (RAF Brize Norton), Ascension, and the Falkland Islands. These military flights prioritize personnel and residents, and civilian seats are not guaranteed.
- Minimal Airport Facilities and Amenities: The arrival lobby at RAF Ascension Airport is described as small and neat, with no shops or extensive passenger amenities within the terminal. A past review noted a coffee shop *outside* the airport.
- Lack of Public Transportation and Taxis: There are no taxis or public transportation options available on the island. Visitors must arrange their own transport, typically by pre-booking local guides or renting a car (often arranged with accommodation) to explore the island.
- "One Day or One Month" Stay Limitation: Due to the infrequent flight schedule (e.g., monthly flights to Saint Helena), visitors might be constrained to very short stays (e.g., around 18 hours) or be required to stay for a much longer period, such as a month, if they miss their connecting flight.
- Historical Runway Issues (Now Resolved): Previously, there were concerns about runway conditions and associated weight limitations which temporarily impacted civilian flights. However, runway repairs were fully completed in April 2023, allowing full flight operations to resume.
Bottom line: Travel to RAF Ascension Island is not a typical commercial airport experience but rather a highly controlled access point to a remote military outpost. Travelers who are prepared for the logistical challenges and limited amenities often appreciate the efficiency of the entry process and the unique destination itself. However, the restrictive nature of travel and lack of standard airport services are significant considerations.
Route Network Map
Airport routes
RAF Ascension Island Airport (ASI) offers 0 flight routes operated by 0 airlines.
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Common questions about ASI
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How many destinations have nonstop flights from ASI?
RAF Ascension Island Airport has 0 scheduled routes to 0 destinations in 0 countries, operated by 0 airlines.
Where is RAF Ascension Island Airport located?
RAF Ascension Island is located in Cat Hill, SH, at an elevation of 278 ft. Its IATA code is ASI and ICAO code is FHAW.