Airport Overview

Bonriki International Airport (TRW) is Kiribati’s main airport and is located on the island of Tarawa which is part of the Gilbert group of Islands. Currently, direct international services to Tarawa are operated by three international airlines – Fiji Airways, Solomon Air and Air Nauru. The airport has only two parking positions for narrow body jet aircraft, and renovations to the terminal building are currently underway. The Airport Ground Handling Agent possesses very limited GSE equipment.

Airport Picture

The airport site comprises:

• • Runway strip and terminal area;
• • Control Tower and ARFF on the north side of the runway;
• • A water reserve north of runway. This excludes native residential land along the road at north end; and
• • Residential land (south-west corner is Bonriki Village whilst the south-eastern land is Native residential land).

Bonriki Airport has a single runway as follows:

• • Runway 09/27 - 2,011 m long x 45 m wide (paved) within a 150 m wide runway strip.

Description and Contacts of Key Companies

Air Kiribati has had a tradition of being the national flag carrier for the Republic of Kiribati. Though only in existence since 1995, the organisation can trace its roots back to the late 1970s with previous national carrier called Air Tungaru which serviced Kiribati for almost 20 years. Since 1995 Air Kiribati has offered international services but has been predominately focused on providing domestic connections through the Gilbert Islands Group of Kiribati. In 2016 Air Kiribati commenced domestic operations in the Line Island Group servicing both Washington and Fanning Islands. In 2017, the IATA once again recognised Air Kiribati as an international airline once it was allocated its official two-letter code IK and three numeric code 069. This change has allowed the airline to operate internationally once again.   

Air Kiribati is a 100% government owned airline. The Air Kiribati Board directly reports to the Minister for Information, Communication, Transport and Tourism Development (MICTTD). 

KOIL Kiribati Oil Company – fuel supplier (Jet-A1) at Bonriki International Airport

Located on south Tarawa, Kiribati Oil Co ltd is fully government-owned. The company was established in 1986 as marketer and distributor of fuel products under government company act registration #21.

For more information on airport contacts, please see the following link: 4.5 Airport Companies Contact List

Information on some aviation service providers can be found at: http://www.azfreight.com/

Passenger and Cargo Performance Indicator

Currently 3 carriers are serving international routes: Fiji Airways, Solomon Air and Air Nauru. The passenger terminal which was undergoing renovations at the time of this assessment, is one of the bottlenecks as it can serve only (max) one narrow body aircraft per hour; however, there will be no more space provided after completion as the terminal will remain within its current footprint, meaning the capacity will remain the same. Completion of terminal renovation works is expected by the end of 2018.

The airport’s current cargo capacity meets immediate requirements. The terminal cargo handling area is undergoing an upgrade that will improve efficiency and capacity. Completion is scheduled for late 2018.

Runways

Complete runway, taxiway and apron resurfacing was finished in 2016. However, runway and apron surfaces are deteriorating rapidly due to inappropriate aggregate (mud stone) used as one of the asphalt components. 

Helicopter Pad(s)

There is no helipad but sufficient areas in proximity to the terminal could be used in cases of humanitarian action.  

Airport Infrastructure Details

The runway strip at Bonriki International Airport is not compliant with NZ CARs and ICAO SARPs as its width is less than 75 m to both sides of the centre line (width less than 150 m) due to obstacles in the strip.

Several new pieces of equipment have been provided through KAIP (Kiribati Aviation Investment Program):

-       new PAPI system

-       Automated weather Observation System (AWOS) (not commissioned)

-       New VHF radio console

-       Wind Direction Indicators for both RWY 09 and 27

-       Two newly refurbished fire tenders Oshkosh T-1500

In June 2017, a new runway, taxiway and apron lighting system was installed and commissioned, which enables use of the aerodrome at night. Maintenance of equipment is being done regularly; however, when it comes to procurement of spare parts, the situation sometimes becomes very difficult due to different constraints (remoteness, transportation, availability of suppliers, etc.).

Airport Operating Details

Customs Guidance

Customs are present during airport operating hours.

Depending on the size of an aircraft (the number of passengers), all passenger formalities can take up to 1.5 hours, including Immigration, Health, Customs and Agriculture. 

For more information on customs in Kiribati, please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information

Storage Facilities

There is very little available storage space. If storage is required, containers brought in from the port area would be the best option. Larger scale storage would require Mobile Storage Units to be constructed.

Airfield Costs

Navigation Charges

Under the Civil Aviation Act 2004 (Part V Section 46 and 47) Civil Aviation (Fees and Charges) Regulations 2014 The following fees (table below) are applicable. 

Aircraft involved in search and rescue or those that have applied for exemption from the Minister will be exempt from Landing Fees.

Fuel Services Charges

Fuel and services are supplied by KOI. This government-owned company sets the fuel prices.

Cargo Terminal Charges

Air Kiribati who are responsible for all cargo handling advise they do not have handling charges and neither do customs.

Air-bridge Charges

n/a

Security

Security non-designated airport. Passenger, hold baggage and cabin baggage screening available.

New x-ray equipment expected when terminal renovation process is finished (2018).