Ulei Airport: The Gate to Vanuatu's Inner Heart
Introduction
Sitting on the beautiful Ambrym Island, Ulei Airport (IATA: ULB) is a small, yet very important getaway that opens access to travelers toward Vanuatu's breathtaking landscapes and heritage. The only airport serving the island, Ulei is an essential piece of travel infrastructure for domestic travel through Vanuatu and provides a hassle-free portal to discover this captivating South Pacific destination.
Airlines and Destinations
Currently, there are two domestic airlines operating at Ulei Airport, the main one being Air Vanuatu. That ranks as Ulei's longest non-stop haul, a 16-mile (25 km) trip to Craig Cove Airport (CCV), which the airline serves in approximately 15 minutes.
Passenger & Flight Volume
Being a small regional airport, the destination sees relatively few passengers and flights. But it is in no way underemphasized as an integral part of the local community and, of course, connectivity throughout Vanuatu. Only sparse details are published about the airport, considered to be one of Vanuatu's essential connections with the outside world.
How to Get Here
It is also easy to get here as Ulei Airport, on the island of Ambrym, is its only airport. Visitors who want to fly - be it on local airlines like Air Vanuatu, Unity, or one of a number of inter-island carriers - come from outside Tanna and must either book passage at the airport in Port Vila, Santo, or elsewhere.
Parking
The airport is designed only for local and regional traffic; therefore, its parking facilities are limited. Visitors are encouraged to ask how management will handle parking upon arrival or included with their transportation package.
Transportation Price
The cost of transportation to/from Ulei Airport depends on travel and distance contractors' output. You can book domestic flights between Vanuatu using Air Vanuatu as well, and taxi companies have been around since forever, so you will most definitely find one waiting for recently arrived passengers; alternatively, there are private transfers or rental vehicles available.
Terminal Layout
Ulei Airport has a small terminal building handling both departures and arrivals. The terminal building follows a simple layout which ensures ease of use for passengers.
Navigate the Airport
Maneuvering Ulei Airport ends with a simple grip, whereas the dais is much smaller and modest. Departure, Arrival Gates, and all the services/amenities inside the terminal can be easily identified by passengers.
Getting Between Terminals
Since Ulei is a domestic flight airport, they do not need to change from different terminals.
Services and Amenities
Although the airport does offer only modest services and amenities due to its small size, there can be found a waiting area where one may use restrooms or purchase light refreshments.
Restaurants and Shops
There is an extremely small concession stand for dining and shopping at Ulei Airport. Passengers are also reminded to be mindful of this and plan in advance for food or grab bags before going out on-the-go.
Security and Customs
Ulei Airport only operates within Vanuatu, hence passengers go through standard domestic security and customs processes. Any passengers showing up to the Airport either for screening or clearance must do so with enough time.
Accessibility
Ulei Airport strives to provide accessibility for disabled as well as people who may all have a need for special assistance. Airport staff are trained to assist if help is needed, and the terminal building and facilities themselves were designed with accessibility in mind.
Travel Tips
For those flying from Ulei Airport, you are going to want to be sure to arrive with plenty of time because the terminal gets busy during high travel periods. In addition, passengers must be ready for the reduced range of facilities and services that are offered on location.