Longana Airport

Ambae Island

Ambae Island is beautiful, unspoiled, and well worth a visit while you are in Vanuatu.

Introduction

Located in the South Pacific, Longana Airport (IATA: LOD, ICAO: NVSG) is a small airport serving the island of Ambae. This tiny airport - but a key one as it links visitors to the island's intoxicating natural riches, cultural gems, and out-of-the-blue tales. Longana Airport, truly "Your Adventure Begins" on Ambae.

Airlines and Destinations

The airport serves 3 domestic routes within Vanuatu from Longana as of November. Longana's longest non-stop round trip is 103 km from the capital Port Vila, taking about an hour and twenty minutes. Although the airport's route network is sparse, it serves as a vital link for both locals and tourists alike to enjoy the diverse regions of this captivating island country.

Passengers and Flights

As a regional airport, Longana Airport is nowhere near capable of handling the amount of passengers common at major capital city airports. But the airport serves as a key transportation hub for Ambae Island and Penama Province altogether. The airport is expected to play an increasingly important role as Vanuatu's tourism industry expands, satisfying the requirements of both domestic and international travelers.

How to Get Here

Arriving at Longana Airport is quite easy, the airport can be found approximately 89.74 km from the city center. To reach the airport, locals and tourists alike can use private transfers or taxis for transportation. The island's smooth roads are perfect for those who prefer to drive, enchanting you through the stunning views surrounding every twist and turn of your journey.

Parking

The Longana Airport is a small airport that has only a few parking spots and serves the local population as well as visitors to Ambae. Although the focus of the airport is not a parking structure, there are areas devoted for travelers to park their vehicles when on vacation. During peak travel periods, it is suggested that you prepare to arrive at the airport well in advance due to parking constraints.

Transportation Prices

Depending upon the method of transport chosen and the distance to be covered, transfers to and from Longana Airport can vary in cost. While taxis and private transfers are excellent ways to get around, they will also cost the most. For visitors traveling on a budget, finding alternative ways to navigate such as local buses or ride-sharing may seem like more cost-effective alternatives. Going off the usual tourist trail and eating where locals do can also translate into savings at mealtime.

Terminal Layout

The terminal at Longana Airport is pretty simple, as it's a small airport of regional status. The single-story terminal building houses all passenger processing facilities, including check-in counters, security checkpoints, and baggage claim areas. The terminal may not have as many of the plush amenities that can be found at more substantial airports, but it still bustles with a comfortable feel.

Navigate the Airport

Longana Airport is very easy to use with a small layout. In the terminal, signage guides passengers seamlessly to check-in and security for departures, so clearly sign-posted throughout its seamless transition into the departure lounge. The airport staff are also there to help and guide you, making sure that your journey is smooth and stress-free.

Getting Between Terminals

The airport of Longana Airport is one terminal only, so passengers need not move between many terminals. Given its compact size where all arrivals and departures are done through the same facility, it took just around 15 minutes from walking into the check-in counters to reaching my boarding gate.

Services and Amenities

Although Longana Airport may not be replete with the same services as larger international airports, it provides passengers with all necessary amenities. Within the terminal building, passengers will have access to primarily basic facilities, which include washroom services and limited drinking water stations, along with F&B options.

Restaurants and Shops

Longana Airport serves the local community and has limited dining options. A limited range of quick-service food and drink options aimed at passengers on-the-go is offered for travelers. But it does enjoy a location close to the bewitching town of Longana (it would be nice for visitors to drop off there and explore some local food, drink, and retail on their way out from Ambae).

Security and Customs

Being a domestic airport, the security checks and customs at Longana Airport are rather simple. Travelers will be subject to the usual security checks, and should anticipate that their carry-on items and personal belongings might be scanned. This simplifies the customs process, as there are no international flights leaving from the airport.

Accessibility

We remind Longana Airport that it is up to the airport, and not our government, to provide any airport users with disabilities or special needs with designated parking spaces, access pathways, and assistance as per their requirements at the terminal building facilities.

Travel Tips

When you come to Longana Airport, it helps to have a strategic plan and make sure that the travel time is accounted for in advance. For updates on flight schedules and possible delays or cancellations, please check the airport website and airline pages. Also, read up on the ins and outs of the terminal building to help use your time wisely while in transit at this doorway into beautiful Ambae Island.