An island nation in the Pacific Ocean northeast of Australia is not the most frequent destination for Russian travelers. But wealthy tourists still fly here for great diving and in search of unique fishing opportunities, and visa-free entry in every possible way simplifies border formalities. Naturally, there are no direct flights from Moscow to Vanuatu airports, and you can get to exotic islands via Australia or New Zealand. A flight with several connections will take at least 36 hours, but even this does not stop fans of relaxing on these uninhabited Pacific islands.
Vanuatu International Airport
Vanuatu's only international airport is not at all similar to the air gates of European and world capitals with the same solid status. Its terminal is reminiscent of the Aboriginal huts erected on the side of the runway near Port Vila. The city where the airport is located is the capital of the country on the island of Efate.
Technical details
Despite its almost toy-like appearance, Vanuatu Airport is quite capable of receiving Airbus-330 aircraft, which are used by the local airline Air Vanuatu. It operates two weekly flights to Auckland, three to Brisbane and daily flights to Sydney. Several times a week, the following air carriers fly from the airport:
- Aircalin to the capital of New Caledonia, Noumea.
- Air New Zeland to the city of Auckland in New Zealand.
- Air Niugini in Port Moresby, the capital of Papua New Guinea.
- Air Vanuatu to other Vanuatu airports.
- Fiji Airways in Nadi and Suva in Fiji.
- Solomon Airlines at Honiara in the Solomon Islands.
- Virgin Australia to the city of Brisbane in Australia.
Transfer to the city from Vanuatu International Airport is not difficult, as the passenger terminal is located on the outskirts of the capital. Taxis are inexpensive here, and other islands and resorts can be reached by local airlines.
A bit of history
Construction of Vanuatu International Airport began in 1942, when the US Navy decided to develop and build a naval base in the Pacific Islands. The airport was built by the Marines and was originally called the Efat Field. During the Second World War, several squadrons of US fighters were deployed on the territory of this air harbor.
Alternate aerodromes
In total, there are more than 30 airports in Vanuatu, the vast majority of which do not have asphalt runways. Light aircraft provide shuttle services to outlying islands, and seaplanes connect coral atolls.
