Domestic Flights in Vanuatu: Your Guide to Interisland Flights

Travellers can fly to around 13 islands in Vanuatu, primarily from Port Vila, but sometimes from Espiritu Santo, on scheduled domestic flights. Flights from Port Vila to the outer islands operate seven days a week.

Flight Routes in Vanuatu with Air Vanuatu

Here’s a quick overview of the flight routes with Air Vanuatu, their duration and how many flights there are a day.

Note that the number of flights operating per day is a rough indication, as it changes with flight demand.

Flight frequencies listed are for one-way travel only:

• Port Vila - Santo, around 50 to 70 minutes, typically 10 to 14 flights per week
• Port Vila - Tanna, around 40 to 60 minutes, typically 7 to 10 flights per week
• Port Vila - Norsup, around 60 minutes, typically 5 to 7 flights per week
• Port Vila - Longana, around 80 minutes, typically 3 to 5 flights per week
• Port Vila - Lonorore, around 60 minutes, typically 3 to 5 flights per week
• Santo - Sola, around 50 to 60 minutes, typically 3 to 4 flights per week
• Santo - Gaua, around 45 minutes, typically 3 to 4 flights per week
• Santo - Mota Lava, around 40 minutes, typically 2 to 3 flights per week
• Port Vila - Lamen Bay, around 45 minutes, typically 2 to 3 flights per week

Flight Routes in Vanuatu with Belair Airways

For the lesser-known Belair Airways, here’s a quick overview of the flight routes, their duration and how many flights there are a day. Note that Belair doesn't have scheduled flights on weekends.

Note that the number of flights operating per day is a rough indication, as it changes with flight demand.

Flight frequencies listed are for one-way travel only:

• Port Vila - Valesdir, around 30 minutes, typically 3 flights per week
• Port Vila - Lamen Bay (via Valesdir), around 40 minutes total, typically 3 flights per week
• Port Vila - Tongoa, around 30 minutes, typically 3 flights per week
• Port Vila - Paama, around 50 minutes, typically 2 flights per week
• Port Vila - Craigcove (via Paama-Ulei), around 75 minutes total, typically 2 flights per week
• Port Vila - South West Bay, around 45 minutes, typically 2 flights per week

For more information on the arrival airport on each island, check out our guide to Airports in Vanuatu: Where Can You Fly to in Vanuatu?

How do domestic flights work in Vanuatu? Domestic flights depart from Port Vila International Airport’s domestic terminal. This is in the building next door to the international airport, which is signposted from inside the international terminal. Otherwise, the domestic terminal is to your left when facing the main entrance.

Air Vanuatu passengers check in at the row of check-in counters in the main domestic terminal. Online check-in is available for direct flights to/from Port Vila, Santo and Tanna, which opens 24 hours before departure and closes 5 hours before departure.

Belair Airways passengers check in at their office, visible next to the main check-in counters.

At Santo's Santo-Pekoa International Airport, the domestic check-in counters are to your right as you face the main entrance.

As for the rest of the islands, well, you'll have no trouble locating which building is the domestic terminal (hint: it's usually the only building).

When Do You Need to Check In for Your Domestic Flight in Vanuatu?

For domestic flights in Vanuatu, you are required to check in before check-in closes, which is 60 minutes prior to the scheduled departure. However, we recommend checking in much earlier, especially if you suspect your bags are over the baggage allowance or if you're taking a flight from any of the outer islands other than Santo, Tanna or Port Vila. Check-in opens two hours before departure.

When you check in, you will receive a ticket, the date and time of your flight, the flight number, and your seat number. You will need to get this stamped when you pay your Departure Tax (see below). Show your ticket to the attendant before crossing the tarmac to your flight.

What Do You Need for Check-In for Domestic Flights in Vanuatu?

You will be requested to show personal identification, which for international travellers, a passport is the best option.

Women who are 28-35 weeks pregnant must have a medical certificate stating they are fit to travel.

If you or anyone you are booking for has special needs, please contact Air Vanuatu to make special arrangements. See more advice in Accessibility in the Vanuatu: Travellers with Disabilities, Wheelchair Access & More.

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What are the Standard Baggage Allowances for Vanuatu Domestic Flights?

Here's what you need to know about baggage allowances to avoid any surprises at the airport. Note that the following applies for both Air Vanuatu and Belair Airways.

For carry-on luggage, both adults (12 years and over) and children (two to 11 years) are allowed one piece weighing up to 5 kg (11 lbs). Infants under two years old don't get a separate carry-on allowance.

When it comes to checked baggage, adults and children can each check one bag weighing up to 10 kg (22 lbs). The maximum size allowed is 158 cm (62 in) when you add up the length, width and height. Again, infants don't receive a checked baggage allowance.

Note that passengers are required to be weighed while holding their carry-on bags for flights on smaller aircraft. Luckily for some, there are no weight restrictions for passengers.

What are the Oversized Baggage Fees?

If you're planning to pack a bit extra for your trip, Air Vanuatu does allow excess baggage beyond your free allowance for a fixed rate of a few thousand vatu per piece.

Here's what you need to know: the airline reserves the right to refuse excess baggage or pop it on a different flight if operational issues, weather or other factors get in the way. Weight restrictions fall under operational reasons too.

One thing we've learned from our travels is that just because you managed to bring extra bags without charge on one flight doesn't mean you'll get the same treatment next time. Each flight is different, and if you're connecting with other airlines, they'll likely have their own excess baggage rates.

Our advice? Pack smart and check the current rates before you fly, and purchase excess baggage through the Air Vanuatu website before you fly.

Can I Take My Surfboard on Flights in Vanuatu?

Here's what you need to know about bringing your surfboard on Air Vanuatu: you're allowed one fibreglass surfboard or surf ski (with paddle) as long as the total measurements don't exceed 158 cm (62 in).

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Domestic Departure Tax at Regional Airports

Before boarding a domestic flight in Vanuatu, travellers may need to pay a Domestic Departure Tax at the airport. This is a small provincial tax, usually 200 VT, and it’s paid after check-in rather than included in your airfare.

Once you have your boarding pass, head to the departure tax counter or desk, pay the fee in cash and get your boarding pass stamped. Keep hold of that stamped boarding pass, as you’ll usually need to show it before boarding (yes, it’s one more little island-hopping step to remember).

This tax only applies when departing, not when arriving, and it can’t usually be prepaid with your ticket. Credit cards are not accepted, so keep a little cash handy when flying out of regional airports.

There are a few exemptions and airport-specific details, so for the full breakdown, see Vanuatu Tipping & Tax Guide for Travellers.

When it comes to exploring Vanuatu's spectacular islands at your own pace, charter flights are absolutely the way to go. You'll skip the rigid schedules of commercial airlines and create your own adventure across the archipelago.

Charter flights in Vanuatu open up remote destinations that would otherwise take days to reach by boat. Plus, the aerial views are simply breathtaking.

Unity Airlines

Unity Airlines has built quite a reputation for reliable charter services throughout Vanuatu and beyond. Their all-weather aircraft can reach any airport in the country, plus international destinations like New Caledonia, Fiji and the Norfolk Islands.

Their Piper Chieftain aircraft seats up to nine passengers in air-conditioned comfort, with soundproofing that makes conversations actually possible during flight (which you'll seriously appreciate if you've ever taken flights in small aircraft in the South Pacific).

Popular routes include Port Vila to Santo, Tanna, Norsup, Lonorore and Longana, though they'll happily arrange flights to other Pacific islands upon request.

Unity Airlines also offers scenic flight tours that showcase Vanuatu's dramatic landscapes from above. You can read more about these in our 5 Best Scenic Flights in Vanuatu guide.

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Air Taxi

Air Taxi (affectionately known as "Air Tanna" by locals due to their daily flights there) operates one of the most comprehensive charter services in Vanuatu. Like Unity Airlines, they're not just about passenger transport; they handle everything from aerial photography to medical evacuations.

Their fleet of twin-engine aircraft is equipped for IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) flying. This means they can operate safely in adverse weather conditions when other operators might be grounded. The fleet has been specifically chosen for reliability and the ability to land at Vanuatu's many remote "bush" airstrips.

For travellers wanting to truly explore Vanuatu's diverse islands, Air Taxi offers impressive flexibility and have staff on-hand to help tailor island-hopping adventures.

Their domestic destination list reads like a who's who of Vanuatu's islands: Aneityum (Mystery Island), Aniwa, Craig Cove, Dillon's Bay, Emae, Futuna, Gaua, Ipota, Lajmoli, Lamap, Lamen Bay, Longana, Lonorore, Maewo, Mota Lava, Norsup, Paama, Ratua, Redcliff, Sara, Santo (Luganville), Sola, South West Bay, Tongoa, Torres, Ulei, Valesdir, Walaha and White Grass (Tanna).

They also arrange international charters to New Caledonia and the Solomon Islands. As they have said themselves: "If it has an airstrip, we can fly you there."

Perhaps most appealingly, they offer a price-beat guarantee. If you receive a lower quote from another operator for similar service, they'll happily match and beat it.

Belair Airways

Belair Airways is another useful name to know for private charter flights in Vanuatu, especially if you’re looking at outer-island routes from Port Vila. Alongside its scheduled services, Belair offers private charters using aircraft such as a Twin Otter and Islander.

Belair's charters cover the same airstrips as their scheduled flights, with routes from Port Vila to Emae, Tongoa, Valesdir, Lamen Bay, Craig Cove, South West Bay, Norsup, Tanna, Santo, Sola, Mota Lava and more. In other words, it’s well worth asking Belair if you’re trying to reach an island that doesn’t line up neatly with the regular schedule.

Belair charters are best arranged directly with the airline, as availability depends on aircraft, routing and operational requirements. They’re a practical option for travellers, groups or operators needing more flexibility than the standard scheduled flights can offer.

Air Vanuatu

That's right, the national airline, Air Vanuatu, also offers private charter flights for travellers who need a more flexible way to move around the islands. This can be useful for corporate travel, group trips, special-interest tours or reaching destinations that don’t quite match up with the scheduled domestic timetable.

Charter flights with Air Vanuatu can be tailored to suit the trip, with flexible itineraries and direct routing to islands and regional destinations where operationally possible. It’s the sort of option worth considering when timing matters, the group is large enough to make it worthwhile or you simply need a route that scheduled flights don’t cover neatly.

Air Vanuatu’s charter aircraft include the ATR 72-600 and De Havilland Canada DHC-6-300 Twin Otter turboprop aircraft, giving the airline options for both larger groups and smaller island airstrips. As with all charters, availability depends on the aircraft, route, weather and operational requirements.

Travellers can enquire directly with Air Vanuatu for a quote and to discuss their specific travel needs. Expect to provide your preferred route, dates, passenger numbers and any luggage requirements so the team can work out what’s possible.

Like most places in the world, air travel is relatively expensive in Vanuatu. Take a look at the list below to see typical prices for domestic flights to the outer islands.

Typical Airfares for Scheduled Domestic Flights in Vanuatu

The following prices are one-way adult fares only. Children's fares (ages 2-11) are 3 to 75% of the adult airfare, while infants typically pay about 9 to 11% of the adult airfare.

Please note that prices are approximate and subject to change.

• Port Vila - Santo - 19,320 VT
• Port Vila - Tanna - 17,600 VT
• Santo - Norsup - 10,240 VT
• Santo - Longana - 10,010 VT
• Santo - Lonorore - 11,160 VT
• Santo - Sara - 10,930 VT
• Santo - Maewo - 10,350 VT
• Santo - Sola - 12,190 VT
• Santo - Gaua - 12,650 VT
• Santo - Mota Lava - 12,620 VT
• Sola - Port Vila - 21,470 VT
• Gaua - Port Vila - 22,050 VT
• Mota Lava - Port Vila - 24,350 VT
• Lonorore - Port Vila - 15,840 VT
• Lonorore - Santo - 11,010 VT
• Longana - Port Vila - 17,790 VT
• Longana - Santo - 11,010 VT
• Maewo - Port Vila - 19,520 VT
• Maewo - Santo - 10,350 VT
• Sara - Santo - 10,780 VT
• Sara - Port Vila - 16,990 VT
• Port Vila - Valesdir - 10,900 VT
• Port Vila - Lamen Bay - 11,630 VT
• Port Vila - Tongoa - 10,900 VT
• Port Vila - Paama - 12,530 VT
• Port Vila - Ulei - 12,700 VT
• Port Vila - Craigcove - 12,970 VT
• Port Vila - South West Bay - 12,970 VT

The prices above include taxes, except for a local provincial tax that is added to your airfare at the airport.

Typical Charter Flight Prices in Vanuatu

Charter flights are priced differently from scheduled domestic flights, usually by the hour, aircraft or route, so the following prices are a rough guide only.

• Island-Hopping Hourly Rate - 135,000-175,000 VT
• Port Vila - Tongoa - 144,000 VT
• Port Vila - Valesdir - 156,000 VT
• Port Vila - Lamen Bay - 180,000 VT
• Port Vila - Tanna - 278,000-355,000 VT
• Port Vila - Santo - 372,000-419,000 VT
• Port Vila - Nearby Outer-Islands - 96,000-209,000 VT
• Port Vila - Far Outer-Islands - 408,000-684,000 VT
• Medical Evacuation to New Caledonia - 900,000-1 million VT

The prices above are approximate and subject to change, so always request a fresh quote directly from the airline or operator before confirming your trip.

Now that you know all the important things to know about flying domestically in Vanuatu, here are a few more questions often asked:

How Do You Fly Domestically in Vanuatu?

The easiest way to fly domestically in Vanuatu is to book a scheduled interisland flight, usually departing from Port Vila. Scheduled domestic flights are available with Air Vanuatu and Belair Airways, while private charter flights are also available if the scheduled timetable doesn’t match your plans.

Before booking, check the route, flight times, baggage allowance and weather outlook. Domestic flights can be affected by weather, especially on routes using outer-island grass airstrips, so we strongly recommend building a 24-hour buffer into your itinerary before connecting to an international flight. Future you, frantically trying to catch a long-haul flight, will thank you.

Can You Book Air Vanuatu Domestic Flights Online?

Yes, Air Vanuatu flights can now be booked and paid for online at airvanuatu.com. Payment options include Visa, MasterCard and BRED Bank Smart Card.

The website also allows travellers to manage their booking, purchase excess baggage, select seats, check flight status and view schedules online. In other words, it’s the first place to check before making a call or visiting a ticketing office.

How Far in Advance Can You Book Domestic Flights in Vanuatu?

Air Vanuatu’s website allows users to view flight schedules up to 355 days in advance. Air Vanuatu has also advised that domestic flights are generally available to book up to 365 days ahead.

That said, popular travel periods, such as Christmas, New Year, school holidays and special events, can sell out faster than usual. If your island-hopping plans depend on a particular flight, it’s best to book early.

How Do You Check the Status of an Air Vanuatu Domestic Flight?

Air Vanuatu passengers should first check the flight status and schedule tools on the Air Vanuatu website. These online tools are useful for confirming flight times, checking current schedules and keeping an eye on any changes.

If you’re travelling to the outer islands or the information online is unclear, it’s still a good idea to contact Air Vanuatu directly. Schedules can change due to weather, demand or operational requirements, so a quick check can save a lot of airport-side head-scratching.