Faa'a International Airport or Tahiti Faa'a International Airport (Aéroport International Tahiti Faa'a) is located in the commune (municipality) of Faaa, on the island of Tahiti, French Polynesia, approximately 5 km (3 miles) southwest from the town center of Papeete, the capital of French Polynesia. It is the only airport in French Polynesia serving international flights.

Because of limited level terrain, rather than leveling large stretches of sloping agricultural land, the airport is built primarily on reclaimed land on the coral reef just off-shore. The airport, operated by Setil Aéroports, has a single 11,360 ft. (3,463 m) runway, large and sound enough to accommodate all commercial and military aircraft.

Airlines and destinations

International:

• Aircalin (Nouméa)
• Air France (Los Angeles, Paris-Charles De Gaulle)
• Air New Zealand (Auckland)
• Air Tahiti (Rarotonga)
• Air Tahiti Nui (Auckland, Los Angeles, New York-JFK, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Sydney, Tokyo-Narita)
• Hawaiian Airlines (Honolulu)
• LAN Airlines (Hanga Roa, Santiago de Chile)

Domestic:

• Air Moorea (Moorea-Temae)
• Air Tahiti (Huahine, Raiatea, Bora Bora, Maupiti, Rimatara, Rurutu, Tubuai, Raivavae, Nuku Hiva, Hiva Oa, Mataiva, Tikehau, Rangiroa, Manihi, Ahe, Arutua, Kaukura, Takaroa, Takapoto, Kauehi, Katiu, Makemo, Anaa, Raroia, Hikueru, Hao, Tatakoto, Pukarua, Reao, Mangareva.)

Incidents

• On 13 July, 1973, Pan Am Flight 816, a Boeing 707, crashed into the sea just after take-off. 72 of the 73 on board were killed.
• On September 12, 1993, Air France flight 72, a 747-428, ran off the runway on landing, running into the reef at the end of the tarmac. The nose of the 747 was submerged in the water. There were no fatalities.
• On December 24, 2000, Hawaiian Airlines flight 481, a DC-10-10, overshot the runway on landing and slid off the tarmac. There were no fatalities.

References