Funafuti International Airport (FUN), Tuvalu
Funafuti International Airport (IATA: FUN, ICAO: NGFU) is the principal and only international airport of Tuvalu. It is located at Vaiaku on Fongafale Island, Funafuti Atoll, serving Tuvalu’s capital, Funafuti. The airport sits only a few metres above sea level and is notable for its compact facilities and a runway that also functions as community space when aircraft are not operating.
Funafuti International Airport — Quick Facts
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Airport name | Funafuti International Airport |
| Local area | Vaiaku, Funafuti Atoll, Tuvalu |
| Country | Tuvalu |
| IATA code | FUN |
| ICAO code | NGFU |
| Airport type | Public international airport |
| Serves | Funafuti, the capital of Tuvalu |
| Elevation | Approximately 3 m / 9 ft |
| Runway | 03/21 |
| Runway length | Approximately 1,524 m / 5,000 ft |
| Runway surface | Asphalt |
| Terminals | 1 passenger terminal |
| Time zone | Tuvalu Time (UTC+12) |
| International dialing code | +688 |
| Location | Fongafale Island, Funafuti Atoll |
| Primary scheduled carrier | Fiji Airways |
| Official airport website | No dedicated, currently verifiable airport website located |
| Government tourism website | Timeless Tuvalu — Government of Tuvalu Tourism Portal |
| Wikipedia | Funafuti International Airport — Wikipedia |
Airport Contact Numbers
Because Funafuti is a very small airport and its aviation administration is government-operated, several contact numbers are associated with the airport, Civil Aviation Directorate and airport/travel office rather than a conventional large-airport call centre.
| Purpose | Telephone | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Airport / Civil Aviation / flight information | +688 20847 | Published in airport directories for airport/flight information; verify before relying on it. |
| Tuvalu Travel Office at airport | +688 20737 | Located at Funafuti International Airport; also listed as a travel/visitor contact. |
| Tuvalu Travel Office fax | +688 20057 | Published contact detail. |
| National Civil Aviation Administration | +688 20052 | ICAO material identifies this as the Tuvalu National Civil Aviation Administration contact. |
| Civil Aviation/AIS-related government contacts | +688 20186 / 20825 | Listed in FAA country aviation information for Tuvalu. |
| Tuvalu Tourism Department | +688 20840 | Useful for visitor/travel information rather than airport operations. |
Emergency Contacts at Funafuti Airport and in Tuvalu
There is an important discrepancy in older airport documentation versus current travel guidance.
Current UK and U.S. government travel information identifies 911 for police/emergency services, while current regional emergency directories list 911 police, 999 ambulance and 000 fire.
| Emergency service | Number | Current guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Police | 911 | Current UK/U.S. travel guidance |
| Ambulance | 999 | Current UK guidance |
| Fire | 000 | Current UK guidance |
| General emergency assistance | 911 | U.S. State Department identifies 911 for emergency services |
| Princess Margaret Hospital | +688 20749 | Current regional travel/emergency information |
| Airport terminal first-aider contact — historical project document | +688 700 3002 | Brian Oman; verify locally before use |
| Airport terminal first-aider contact — historical project document | +688 700 2996 | Stephen Carter; verify locally before use |
Runway and Airport Operations
Funafuti’s runway is one of the most distinctive features of the airport.
| Feature | Information |
|---|---|
| Runway designation | 03/21 |
| Length | Approx. 1,524 m |
| Surface | Asphalt |
| Elevation | Approx. 3 m |
| Operational environment | Very low-lying atoll |
| Lighting | Historical sources indicate restrictions associated with limited runway lighting |
| Aircraft environment | Primarily regional turboprop operations |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the airport code for Funafuti International Airport?
The IATA code is FUN and the ICAO code is NGFU.
Where is Funafuti International Airport located?
It is located at Vaiaku on Fongafale Island, Funafuti Atoll, Tuvalu.
Is Funafuti International Airport the only international airport in Tuvalu?
Yes. It is Tuvalu’s sole international airport.
How many terminals does Funafuti Airport have?
It has one passenger terminal.
When did the new terminal open?
The current international terminal opened in 2018.
Which airline flies to Funafuti?
Fiji Airways is the principal scheduled international carrier. Routes and frequencies can change, so check the current airline schedule before travelling.
What is the Funafuti Airport telephone number?
+688 20847 is published as an airport/flight-information contact. +688 20737 is the Tuvalu Travel Office at the airport. Because airport contact information is inconsistently published, verify the number before making an urgent trip.
What is the emergency number at Funafuti Airport?
For a life-threatening emergency, 911 is the safest currently documented general emergency number. Current Tuvalu travel guidance separately lists 911 police, 999 ambulance and 000 fire.
What is the airport’s elevation?
Approximately 3 metres (9 feet) above sea level.
How long is the runway?
Approximately 1,524 metres (5,000 feet).
Can people use the runway when there are no flights?
The runway has historically been used as a community recreation and sports area when aircraft are not operating. People must clear it when aviation operations are taking place.
Is there a dedicated official Funafuti Airport website?
I could not verify a currently operating standalone official airport website. The Government of Tuvalu’s tourism portal and government aviation-project publications are the more reliable official online resources.
What is the country calling code for Tuvalu?
Tuvalu’s international telephone code is +688.
What hospital serves Funafuti?
Princess Margaret Hospital is the principal hospital on Funafuti. Current regional emergency information lists +688 20749 as the hospital contact.