Sara Airport

The Sara Airport: Door to the North of Pentecost Island

Introduction

At the northern tip of Pentecost Island in Vanuatu lies Sara Airport (IATA: SSR, ICAO: NVSH) — an important airport serving residents. Although small, it serves to connect Pentecost with the rest of Vanuatu and further abroad. With regular flights to Sara Airport, we enable travelers who seek adventures around the island with access via air transport and residents as a reliable way into the heart of Vanuatu.

Airlines and Destinations

The airport serves two domestic destinations, both in Vanuatu. This airport serves only Air Vanuatu, the national airline which operates domestic services to other islands in the country. Sara also has a 39-mile (62 km) sector to Luganville (SON), and this is the furthest non-stop flight from Sara. It takes about 45 minutes of flight time.

Passengers and Flights

Sara Airport is not among the busiest in terms of passenger traffic because it has limited flight options and a very distant location that makes this airfield poorly served by aviation. Yet it is a lifeline for the communities of northern Pentecost: people and goods can travel here in a way that simply wouldn't be possible without Sara Airport.

How to Get Here

Located in Pentecost Island, Sara Airport is an airport serving Saratamata Village, Penama province, Vanuatu. The airport is situated in the village of Arongbwaratu, and is approachable from a network of local roads and paths. The airport is accessible by private car, taxi or through a vehicle organised with your accommodation provider.

Parking

There is limited short-term parking available at Sara Airport precincts. Based on this, the new parking rates will be as follows:

• 0-40 minutes: $3.00
• For each additional 20 minutes: $2.00
• Daily maximum: $16.00

Transportation Prices

Transportation To/From Sara Airport: Since the airport is situated in a remote area, rates for transportation to/from Sara Airport may vary. Travelers are encouraged to check with the venue or transit provider for current prices.

Terminal Layout

Sara Airport has one small terminal. The air terminal building is a passenger processing facility which offers check-in counters, a lounge for awaiting passengers, and services such as luggage handling.

Navigate the Airport

The airport is for the most part small and with a tiny structure that makes it easy to get around Sara Airport. The terminal building is very accessible for passengers to get in and out, making it easy for customers to navigate their way through check-in procedures and the corresponding boarding areas.

Getting Between Terminals

There will be no transfer service, because Sara Airport is a single terminal building and passengers do not need to transfer between terminals.

Services and Amenities

A small and informal arrival hall serves Sara Airport with limited services and amenities. Likewise, no frills: minimal amenities beyond a pre-flight and post-arrival waiting area (and probably restrooms) might include a limited-service concession stand or kiosk.

Restaurants and Shops

Hospitality & Shopping at Sara Airport: Inside the terminal building, there may be a small concession stand or kiosk but with limited choice.

Security and Customs

Sara does not serve international passengers, so security and customs at the airport are a breeze. Standard security screening will be required to board flights.

Accessibility

Sara Airport, like Yap International Airport, struggles with trying to serve passengers with disabilities. Because the airport is small and only serves a few flights per day, there may be other challenges. Anyone with mobility issues is urged to contact their airline or travel provider beforehand, and ensure that they can get assistance.

Travel Tips

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when making holidays for Sara Airport:

• Try booking flights at off-peak times (i.e. mid-week) to avoid the rush hour.
• Get to the airport with plenty of time before your scheduled departure for an easy check-in and boarding.
• Keep it simple with packing lightly and minimizing luggage.
• Keep up-to-date on the weather, as mountains make it a bit more of an experience than landing in downtown Seattle.

There are no dining options in the airside terminal at all — sadly, the Bar del Sole sold out of food hours before our flight took off, so they were instead selling just cigarettes.