Our History

OUR HISTORY
From WWII – NOW

Vanuatu’s airport history began during World War II with the establishment of military airfields, and it has since evolved into a network of international and domestic airports support tourism and trade.

Start

1983

In 1983, Vanuatu became a member of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), promoting safety, efficiency, and environmental protection in aviation.

1988

In 1988, the Civil Aviation Authority of Vanuatu (CAAV) was established, separating from Airports Vanuatu Limited to oversee aviation safety, regulation, and compliance with international standards.

1942

The first significant airport in Vanuatu, Port Vila International airport, was constructed by the US Navy during World War II in 1942 as a naval base, originally named Efate Field. It was built by the Marines to support military operations in the Pacific and later transitioned to civilian use, becoming the main gateway for international flights to Vanuatu. Over the decades, Vanuatu developed additional airports to connect its many islands. Espiritu Santo and Tanna Airport became key international airports, while 26 outer island airports were constructed to facilitate domestic travel and inter-island connectivity. Many of these smaller airports have unpaved runways and primarily serve light aircraft and seaplanes, linking remote islands and coral atolls.

2000

In 2000, Airports Vanuatu Limited (AVL) was corporatized to manage the three international airports and maintain outer island airstrips. The government remains the sole shareholder, and the organization focuses on improving infrastructure, safety, and passenger services while training local personnel in aviation skills.

2000 - Present

Today, Port Vila International Airport serves as the main international hub, handling flights to Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, and other Pacific destinations. The airport has undergone expansions and renovations to accommodate medium-sized aircraft and meet the growing demand for passenger traffic. The other international airports, Pekoa and White Grass, support both domestic and limited international flights, ensuring connectivity across the archipelago. Vanuatu now has 32 airports, combining international, domestic, and outer island airstrips, reflecting a history of strategic military origins, gradual civil aviation development, and modern efforts to support tourism, trade, and regional integration.

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