Bora Bora Airport: Does It Exist?

Bora Bora Airport, also known as Motu Mute Airport, is located on a small islet called Motu Mute, just northwest of the main island of Bora Bora. The airport accommodates around 275,000 passengers each year and is known for its lack of security lines and mellow vibes. To reach the main island, passengers must take a boat transfer, with most luxury hotels providing their own transport. The airport is open to the outside environment, with boarding and disembarking taking place on the tarmac.

Bora Bora Airport location and transport

Bora Bora Airport, also known as Motu Mute Airport, is located on the islet of Motu Mute in French Polynesia. The airport is accessible only via boat transfer from the main island of Bora Bora. The Air Tahiti shuttle, known as the "Bora Bora Navette," offers a free boat service to and from Vaitape Harbour, the main village of Bora Bora, which takes approximately 15 minutes.

The airport itself is quite small and mellow, with a laid-back atmosphere. It is open to the outside environment, so passengers board and disembark from the plane on the tarmac. The runway is 5,000 feet (1,500 m) long, accommodating only luxury private jets and smaller 48-seat and 68-feet twin-engine Air Tahiti aircraft.

When travelling to Bora Bora, most international visitors first fly into Faa'a International Airport (PPT) in Papeete, Tahiti, and then transfer to an inter-island Air Tahiti plane for a 45-minute to 50-minute flight to Bora Bora. It is important to note that there are no direct international flights to Bora Bora Airport, and all visitors must clear customs in Papeete and have a valid passport and outbound ticket.

Some resorts and accommodations in Bora Bora provide private transport for their guests to and from the airport, ensuring a seamless arrival and departure experience. These transfers are often done via boat, as the resorts are located on private islets, and can be quite costly. It is recommended to contact your resort or accommodation in advance to enquire about their specific transport services and any associated fees.

Additionally, some hotels offer a baggage transfer service, where luggage is transported separately from the passenger, allowing guests to explore the island before check-in or after check-out. This service should also be confirmed with your chosen accommodation prior to your arrival.

Bora Bora Airport history

Bora Bora Airport, also known as Motu Mute Airport, is located on the islet of Motu Mute and serves the island of Bora Bora in French Polynesia. The airport first opened in 1943 during World War II as an Allied air base, and commercial service began in 1958 after the runway was reconstructed.

Before the opening of the Faa'a International Airport (PPT) in Papeete, Tahiti in 1960, Bora Bora was served by French air carrier Transports Aériens Intercontinentaux (TAI) with Douglas DC-7C propliner service direct to Los Angeles (LAX) via a stop in Honolulu (HNL). TAI also operated weekly flights to Nouméa via a stop in Nandi (now Nadi). With the opening of the Papeete Airport, TAI began flying DC-7C and Douglas DC-8 jet service directly into Papeete, Tahiti, with connecting flights to Bora Bora operated by regional French Polynesian air carrier Reseau Aerien Interinsulaire (RAI) using Douglas DC-4 propliners and Short Sandringham "Bermuda" flying boats.

RAI was renamed Air Polynésie in the 1970s, and it introduced Fokker F27 turboprops on flights to Papeete. Air Polynésie also served Bora Bora with de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter commuter turboprops. In 1986, Air Polynésie was renamed Air Tahiti, which continues to serve Bora Bora today with ATR 42 and ATR 72 propjets.

Bora Bora Airport accommodates approximately 275,000 passengers each year, many of whom are honeymooners or vacationers seeking the island's famous overwater bungalows. The airport is open to the outside environment, and passengers board and disembark from the plane on the tarmac. A boat transfer is necessary to reach the main island of Bora Bora or any of the resorts. Air Tahiti runs a free public boat shuttle to Vaitape, and most resorts have their own boats to transfer guests.

Bora Bora Airport facilities

Bora Bora Airport, also known as Motu Mute Airport, is located on the islet of Motu Mute in the Society Islands of French Polynesia. The airport is a short boat ride from the main island of Bora Bora.

The Bora Bora Airport terminal has a range of amenities to meet the needs of its approximately 275,000 annual passengers. The terminal features a spacious and well-lit arrivals and departures hall with comfortable seating and information booths where travellers can obtain details about their flights and the island of Bora Bora. The airport is also fully wheelchair accessible, with elevators, ramps, and wheelchairs available upon request.

For dining, the airport offers a selection of restaurants and cafes, including Air Tahiti, which provides coffee or juice on flights over 30 minutes. Additionally, there are several shops, including a duty-free shop, and a currency exchange service. The airport also provides baggage storage and a dedicated special assistance team to help travellers with special needs, such as seniors, people with disabilities, and families with young children.

The airport has a large parking lot conveniently located next to the terminal building, offering ample parking spaces for drivers. The parking area is well-lit, safe, and provides easy access to the terminal.

To get to and from the airport, travellers can choose from various options, including taxis, shuttle buses, and private transfers. The airport also offers a free public boat shuttle service to Vaitape, and most resorts have their own boats to transfer guests.

Bora Bora Airport runway and aircraft

Bora Bora Airport, also known as Motu Mute Airport, is located on the islet of Motu Mute in a lagoon. It was opened in 1943 during World War II and has been serving commercial flights since 1958. The airport has since undergone modernisation and improvements.

The runway is 5,000 feet (1,500 metres) long, and the airport can only accommodate luxury private jets and smaller 48-seat and 68-feet twin-engine Air Tahiti aircraft. The airport is open to the outside environment, so passengers board and disembark from the plane on the tarmac.

The airport accommodates around 275,000 passengers each year. The airport staff are known for being friendly and efficient, and there are no long security queues. Services available at the airport include toilets, souvenir shops, a newsagent, and a snack bar.

Once passengers have disembarked, they will need to take a boat transfer to the main island or their resort. A free shuttle is available to Vaitape, and most resorts have their own shuttle boats for guests.

Bora Bora Airport opening hours

Bora Bora Airport, also known as Motu Mute Airport, is located on the islet of Motu Mute in French Polynesia. The airport is open, but its hours are not fixed and vary depending on the season. Below is an example of the opening hours for each day of the week, which are subject to change without notice:

• Monday: 7.15 am to 7.45 pm
• Tuesday: 7.45 am to 12.30 pm and 1.20 pm to 7.05 pm
• Wednesday: 7.15 am to 7.45 pm
• Thursday: 7.45 am to 12.30 pm and 1.30 pm to 7.15 pm
• Friday: 6.45 am to 7.30 pm
• Saturday: 6.45 am to 7.30 pm
• Sunday: 6.45 am to 7.30 pm

Special permission can be obtained from the Civil Aviation Department to land outside these times. The control tower staff speak both French and English.

The airport accommodates roughly 275,000 passengers each year. It is built on an island, so a boat transfer is necessary to get to the main island of Bora Bora or any of the hotels. Air Tahiti runs a free public boat shuttle service to Vaitape, and many resorts have their own boats to transfer guests.

Frequently asked questions