Air Vanuatu
Vanuatu’s state-owned scheduled national carrier, linking the archipelago’s island communities with Port Vila and regional South Pacific gateways.
About Air Vanuatu
Air Vanuatu was established in 1981 and is Vanuatu’s state-owned national airline. It has traditionally served both a public-transport role and a tourism function, connecting widely separated island communities while linking the country with overseas markets. Its history has included changes in operating structure and periods of disruption, but the Air Vanuatu identity remains closely associated with the nation’s inter-island air network.
Port Vila is the primary hub and the airline’s busiest departure point, followed by Espiritu Santo, Tanna, Longana and Norsup. The network comprises 86 routes serving exactly 31 destinations across 6 countries. Domestic points include Craig Cove, Ipota, Sola, Aniwa, Dillons Bay and Gaua, while notable international destinations include Auckland, Brisbane and Sydney.
Aircraft associated with Air Vanuatu’s route operations include Aerospatiale/Alenia ATR turboprops, Airbus A320s, Boeing 737-700s with winglets, Boeing 737-800s, De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otters, Pilatus Britten-Norman BN-2A/B Islanders and Yunshuji Y-12 or Xian Y-12 aircraft. Equipment can differ by route and operating arrangement. Smaller domestic aircraft generally have compact, economy-only cabins, while larger regional jets may offer broader service options.
Air Vanuatu is not a member of Star Alliance, SkyTeam or Oneworld. It has instead used bilateral airline relationships and operating partnerships to support regional connectivity. The carrier does not currently promote a proprietary frequent-flyer programme, so passengers should verify directly whether a particular codeshare or partner-operated booking qualifies for points with another airline’s loyalty scheme.
The airline’s defining strength is the breadth of access it provides across a geographically dispersed island nation, including communities served by small airfields. Its challenge is operational resilience: weather, runway conditions, maintenance requirements and limited spare aircraft can cause schedule changes, especially on thinner domestic routes. Travellers should reconfirm flights, leave generous connection time and avoid tightly timed onward bookings on separate tickets.
Good to know
Flying with Air Vanuatu — what to expect
Reconfirm Your Flight
Schedules can change because of weather, aircraft availability or conditions at smaller island airfields. Check your flight status with Air Vanuatu before travelling to the airport.
Allow Connection Time
Leave a generous buffer when connecting through Port Vila or Espiritu Santo, particularly if the onward flight is on a separate ticket. Disruption on one inter-island sector can affect later services.
Aircraft Vary Widely
Equipment ranges from small island-hopping aircraft to turboprops and regional jets. Cabin space, seating and onboard service therefore vary considerably by route.
Check Baggage Limits
Baggage conditions may differ according to aircraft, route and fare, with stricter practical limits on smaller planes. Use the allowance shown in your booking and confirm unusual or bulky items in advance.
Expect Simple Service
Short domestic sectors generally provide a straightforward economy experience with limited onboard amenities. Bring essential supplies while observing airport security restrictions, especially when using remote airfields.
Network overview
Where Air Vanuatu flies
Air Vanuatu operates 86 routes to 31 destinations across 6 countries, its longest sector reaching Sydney to Port Vila (2,482 km nonstop).
Destinations served
Cities Air Vanuatu flies to, most-served first.
Main hubs
Busiest departure bases, by route count.
Fleet
Aircraft types on record for these routes.
Longest nonstop route
Sydney → Port Vila
2,482 km · SYD → VLI
The longest sector in the Air Vanuatu network, measured as the great-circle distance between the two airports.
Route data · TravelPayouts route data · updated 2026-07
Route network
Popular routes operated by Air Vanuatu
Notable destinations on Air Vanuatu's network.
NFPort ViladirectNFEspiritu SantodirectNFTannadirectNFNorsupdirectNFCraig CovedirectNFIpotadirectNFSoladirectNFAniwadirectNFAucklanddirectNFBrisbanedirectNFDillons BaydirectNFGauadirectDestination list is indicative of Air Vanuatu's network; see the airline's official route map for its complete, current schedule.
FAQ
Air Vanuatu — frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the details travellers usually check first, from codes and locations to the practical basics that help with planning.
8 common questions
- Carry-on limits can vary by fare, route and aircraft, particularly on compact Twin Otter, Islander or Y-12 services. Passengers should follow the allowance stated on their booking and confirm requirements directly before departure.
- Air Vanuatu serves domestic destinations across the Vanuatu archipelago, including Espiritu Santo, Tanna, Norsup, Craig Cove, Ipota, Sola, Aniwa, Dillons Bay and Gaua. Its regional network also includes cities such as Auckland, Brisbane and Sydney.
- Tickets are often cheaper when booked early and outside school holidays, major festivals and peak visitor periods. Comparing nearby dates can help, although low-frequency island routes may offer limited flexibility.
- Air Vanuatu’s primary hub is Bauerfield International Airport in Port Vila. Port Vila is also its busiest departure hub by number of routes.
- The busiest departure hubs are Port Vila, Espiritu Santo, Tanna, Longana and Norsup, in that order by number of routes. Port Vila provides the broadest range of connections.
- Air Vanuatu serves exactly 31 destinations across 6 countries. Its network comprises 86 routes.
- Air Vanuatu’s longest route is Sydney to Port Vila, about 2,482 km nonstop. Operating schedules and the airline providing the aircraft should still be checked for the intended travel date.
- Originfacts compares live fares from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies via its partner Travelpayouts. Originfacts never adds a fee.