Fuaʻamotu International Airport (IATA: TBU, ICAO: NFTF) is located on the south side of the main island, Tongatapu, 21 km from Nuku’alofa.
International airlines with regular services to Fuaʻamotu include Air New Zealand, Air Pacific and Virgin Australia. Air Pacific fly Boeing 737-800s from Nadi and Suva. Air New Zealand flies Airbus A320s, Boeing 737-300s, and Boeing 767-300ERs from Auckland. Virgin Australia fly a Boeing 737-800 from Sydney and Auckland.
There are separate International and Domestic terminals; a shuttle bus service between the terminals is available . Regular domestic services are operated by Real Tonga to Vava’u, Ha’apai & ‘Eua, less frequent services are operated to Niuatoputapu and Nuiafo’ou.
Airport Location and Contact |
|
Country |
|
Province or District |
Tongatapu |
Nearest Town or City |
Nuku’alofa Distance: 21 Km |
Airport’s Complete Name |
Fuaʻamotu International Airport |
Latitude |
|
Longitude |
-175.149644
|
Elevation (ft and m) |
126 feet, 38 meters |
IATA Code |
TBU |
ICAO Code |
NFTF |
Managing Company or Airport Authority |
Tonga Airports Ltd |
Management Contact Person |
Silio Ali |
Open From (hours) |
3 hours before and after scheduled take-off and landings
|
Open To (hours) |
Airport Picture
1 = Terminal building
Description and Contacts of Key Companies
Tonga Airports Ltd (TAL) maintains and manages airport operations and infrastructure. This includes cargo screening for the airlines. Air Terminal Services (ATS) is responsible for all ground handling.
Real Tonga operate all domestic flights within Tonga’s islands.
For information on Tonga Airports contact details, please see the following links:
4.2.5 Tonga Airport Company Contact List
4.2.1 Tonga Government Contact List
Information on some aviation service providers can be found at: AZ Freight Website information on Tonga
Passenger and Cargo Performance Indicator
There are no reported issues with current performance. Resources appear adequate for current volumes. and there are plans to upgrade facilities progressively in future.
Volumes peak in January (cargo 92,000MT, Passengers 98,000).
Performance for 2016 |
|||
Per Year |
Per Month |
Per Day/ |
|
Total Aircraft Movements: International Domestic |
4,064 848 |
70 300 |
2 11 |
Total Passengers: International Domestic |
180,000 111,000 |
15,000 9,000 |
500 3,300 |
Total Capacity of the Airport (MT) |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
Current Activity of the Airport (,000 MT) |
737 |
50-60 |
TBC |
Current use by Humanitarian Flights (UNHAS) |
NIL |
NIL |
NIL |
Cargo capacity is adequate for current volumes, there are minor infrastructure improvements planned such as a chiller facility (2017-18) for export fresh fish.
Runways
1. Asphalt runway in good condition recently upgraded
Runway #11/29 |
|
---|---|
Runway Dimensions |
2681m x 45m |
Orientation |
11 / 29 |
Surface |
45 / F / B / X / T - Asphalt |
Fuaʻamotu Bitumen runway is PCN 45/F/B/1.1Mba/T and operates B 767-300ER restricted (ICAO Category 8). Project exists to upgrade to 9 in the coming years.
2. Grass runway in good condition.
Runway #17 / 35 |
|
---|---|
Runway Dimensions |
1509m x 115m |
Orientation |
17 / 35 |
Surface |
Grass |
Helicopter Pad(s)
There is an asphalted apron area that could be used as a helipad. Area available will depend on whether other aircraft are parked on apron.
Helipad #1 |
|
---|---|
Present (Yes / No) |
Yes |
Largest helicopter that can land |
All |
Width and Length (metres) |
220 x 75 |
Surface |
Asphalt |
There is abundant space for heli-landing using grass fields around runways and aprons.
Helipad #2 |
|
---|---|
Present (Yes / No) |
Yes |
Largest helicopter that can land |
Any |
Width and Length (metres) |
Unlimited |
Surface |
Grass |
Airport Infrastructure Details
Airport and equipment is functional, equipment. There are no issues noted.
Fuaʻamotu International Airport is equipped with VOR/DME (114.5) and NDB (245) navigational facilities. No ILS is available. Lighting is provided for the runway, apron, and taxiway.
There are plans for cargo chiller (fresh fish) to be constructed 2017-18.
Customs |
Yes |
JET A-1 fuel |
Yes |
---|---|---|---|
Immigration |
Yes |
AVGAS 100 |
Yes |
Terminal Building |
Yes |
Single Point Refueling |
Yes |
Passenger Terminal |
Yes |
Air Starter Units |
Yes |
Cargo terminal |
Yes |
Ground Power (mobile) |
Yes |
Pax transport to airfield |
Yes |
Ground Handling Services |
Yes |
Control Tower |
Yes |
Latrine Servicing |
Yes |
Weather Facilities |
Yes |
Fire Fighting Category (ICAO) |
Yes |
Catering Services |
Yes |
De-icing Equipment |
No |
Base Operating Room |
Yes |
Parking Ramp Lighting |
Yes |
Airport Radar |
Yes |
Approach & Runway Lights |
Yes |
NDB |
Yes |
VOR |
Yes |
ILS |
Yes |
|
Airport Operating Details
Operating Details |
|||
---|---|---|---|
Maximum Sized Aircraft that can be Offloaded on Bulk Cargo |
B-767, B777-300 |
||
Maximum Sized Aircraft that can be Offloaded on Pallet |
B-767, B777-300 |
||
Total Aircraft Parking Area (m²) |
1.5 km2 |
||
Storage Area (m3 and MT) |
300 m2 |
||
Handling Equipment |
|||
Elevators / Hi Loaders |
Trepel |
Max Capacity (MT) |
3 |
Max Height (m) |
10 |
||
Commander (x 2) | Max Capacity (MT) | 7 | |
Max Height (m) | 3.55 | ||
Loading Ramps |
Yes |
Customs Guidance
Customs officials are at the airport as required by flight schedules. They are on site 3 hours before scheduled departures and 3 hours after scheduled arrivals. Customs are generally efficient and honest with no unnecessary delays. Humanitarian flights will be given priority.
All border control and passenger immigration services are facilitated by ATS Tonga who operates all ground handling services.
For more information on customs in Tonga, please see the following link: 1.3 Tonga Customs Information
Storage Facilities
There are 2 storage facilities.
Storage Facility A is within the airport closed facility, located approx.150 m west of the main airport compound. This facility is already in use by the airport ground handler (ATS) In an emergency situation it may be used, however it is now fully utilised by ATS. The semi-closed hall is about 150 m².
Storage Facility B is just across the fence. It is approximately 150m². The quarantine department and customs offices are within this building. There is no excess space for storage available.
There is no other storage space available at present.
Airfield Cost
Charges below are for international flights.
NOTE THESE CHARGES ARE WAIVED FOR AIRCRAFT ENGAGED IN DISASTER RELIEF
Navigation Charges
Charges |
Aircraft Weight - MTOW (kg) |
||
0 - 7,000 |
7,001 - 136,000 |
136,001 and over |
|
Navigation (per journey) USD - $ (Payable to Air Services Australia Ltd) |
$ 25 / T |
n/a |
n/a |
Landing USD - $ |
$ 3.64 / T |
$ 3.64 / T |
|
Night Landing USD - $ |
After hours charge $ 302
|
||
Night Take-Off USD - $ |
|||
Parking |
3-8 hours $2.50 + .50c/hr. thereafter |
3-8 hours $30 + 3.50/hr. thereafter |
|
Handling Charges |
|
|
|
Fuel Services Charges
Pacific Energy supplies fuel. Price is set by the GoT.
TAL has a charge per litre.
Price per Litre USD - $ |
|
Jet A-1 |
US$ 0.01 |
Avgas |
n/a |
Cargo Terminal Charges
Services offered are basic only, hence many are not included /available in the table below.
Import Charges |
||
Type of Charge |
Rate USD - $ per kg |
Comments |
Handling Charge |
On application |
Charges are by the job lot not per Kg and prices only given on application |
Break Bulk Fee |
On application |
Charges are by the job lot not per Kg |
Diplomatic Mail |
N/A |
Service not available |
Strong Room – per consignment |
N/A |
Service not available |
Cold Storage Fee |
N/A |
Service not available |
Delivery Outside Normal Working Hours |
N/A |
Service not available |
Preparation of substitute AOA – Invoice – Receipt |
N/A |
|
Storage per Day |
$60.00 |
|
Export Charges (USD -$) |
||
Handling Charges – Un-palletized Cargo |
N/A
|
|
International Air Waybill |
$70 |
|
Local Air Waybill |
$22 |
|
Air Way Bill Amendment - Cancellation |
N/A |
|
Air Way Bill Documentation |
$70 |
|
Diplomatic Mail |
N/A |
|
Storage Charges per Day |
$60 |
|
Air-bridge Charges
There are no air-bridge services available.
Security
Security personnel are on duty 24/7. There have been no security issues raised in the past. Airport is to NZ and ICAO Certification Standards. Perimeter is fully fenced.