Faa’a International Airport (PPT) Guide For Travellers
When you are traveling to and from Faa’a International Airport, it is a good idea to know about the airport and the amenities it offers. Whether it’s your holiday or a business trip, having general information and tips, especially when traveling alone or with a companion, can actually save you from experiencing troubled moments.
Our airport guide gives you all the essential insights that you, as a traveler, can make use of while journeying across places in any part of the globe.
A Brief Overview of Faa’a International Airport in Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia
Situated in French Polynesia collectivity on the island of Tahiti in France and at a distance of about 5 km (3 miles) from Papeete, the capital city of French Polynesia collectivity, lies the Faa’a International Airport.
It is the only international airport serving French Polynesia and is managed by ADT. It is, however, limited to a few international flights that arrive and depart simultaneously, in which case, passengers scramble for available seating.
IATA: PPT
Address:
BP 60161
Faa’a Center, Tahiti 98702
PYF
Airport Contact: +689 86 6060
Website: http://www.tahiti-aeroport.pf
Operation Hours: Faa’a International Airport is open 24 hours. However, certain shops, food concessions, on-site accommodation, and public and private transport services may not offer services throughout day and night. Also, services like airline check-in and baggage drop hours may vary with the flight schedule. Therefore, it is advised that you check with the airport.
About Airport’s Terminal
Faa’a International Airport has two terminals for domestic and international flights. The terminals are connected via a walkway and shuttle service.
Travelers can easily find various amenities, such as information desks, lounges, ATMs, conference rooms for business travelers, newsagent, courtesy telephones, restaurants, restrooms, facilities for handicap passengers, retail shopping outlets, ticket counters, baggage claim, and locker facilities, gift shops, transportation, car park and more at the airport.
On-site and Off-site Parking Options
Faa’a International Airport offers convenient and affordable parking options to travelers. Parking is available at both Terminals. One can choose from on-site parking options, off-site car parks, and garages that are located in the nearest proximity to the airport. These consist of short and long-term parking.
Free parking at the airport is only offered for a limited period.
Valet Parking: Valet Parking service is also available at the airport. You also receive complimentary services, such as window cleaning and interior vacuuming, and luggage assistance.
Airlines Operating from Faa’a International Airport
Faa’a International Airport serves only a few domestic, international, government, and cargo airlines. Airlines that operate short and long-distance flights to and from the airport’s Terminals include:
Air France, Air New Zealand, Air Tahiti, Air Tahiti Nui, Aircalin, French Bee, Hawaiian Airlines, LATAM Chile, and United Airlines.
Facilities and Services Available at Faa’a International Airport
Faa’a International Airport on the island of Tahiti offers various amenities to passengers to make their traveling experience worthwhile. The airport also offers a range of duty-free stores, food and beverage outlets, Wi-Fi and internet access, business services, and more.
Security Check-points
There are security checkpoints at the airport’s terminals. All passengers are required to pass through the security checkpoints.
Help Desk
When you are at the Faa’a International airport and need help, there are information desks to assist you. Here, you can inquire about your flight or find other facilities easily at the airport. They are open 24 hours and can be found at the airside and landside of Terminals.
Wi-Fi and Mobile Charging Points
Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the terminals at the airport, in case you want to connect your smartphone, tablet, or laptop to access the internet. Free Wi-Fi (connect to the “Wi-Tahitiairport” network) is offered for 15 minutes only. To further access Wi-Fi internet service at the airport, passengers are required to pay CFP 300 ($2.85 USD) for up to 1 hour or CFP 900 ($8.55 USD) for up to 6 hours. There are also pre-paid cards available for purchase at facilities such as Snack Express and Atrium Revanui on the landside of Terminals.
In addition to Wi-Fi internet access, mobile and laptop charging power outlets are also available at the airport, in case you need to charge your laptop and/or phone’s battery. Mobile charging power outlets can be found throughout the Terminals.
Baggage Handling and Storage
Luggage Lockers: Lockers and luggage storage facilities are available at the airport. The facility is located on the landside of Terminal 1, International.
Luggage Wrapping: Luggage wrapping services are not available at the airport.
Luggage Trolleys/Carts: Luggage carts are available at the airport.
Porter Services: Porter services are not available at the airport.
There is a Baggage Claim facility available at the airport.
Make sure to check with your respective airline as to what carry-on items (and their size) are allowed.
Lounge and Business Conference Rooms
At Faa’a International Airport, passengers can use public lounges, VIP lounges, and business conference rooms, which may be available for free or paid in order to access these facilities.
A few lounges and business conference rooms that are available at the airport are:
Air Tahiti Nui Lounge: The lounge is located in the airside of Terminal 1, upstairs. There is a shower facility available. Access to the lounge is via membership program only.
Business Center: There is a business center available at the airport. It is located on the landside of Terminal 1, Domestic area. It is open from 7:30 am till 6 pm (Monday-Friday), 7:30 am till 1 pm on Saturdays and 7:30 am till 12:00 pm on Sundays.
Stores and Duty-Free Shopping
There are plenty of shops that can be easily found throughout the airport’s terminals and concourses. These shops sell a wide range of items, from children’s toys to fashion accessories for adults. You may also buy books, magazines, newspapers, etc., to help pass time during your stopover or flight delay. The Fare Hei traditional Polynesian marketplace sells fragrant flower leis and shell necklaces.
Duty-Free stores are also available at the airport that sells all kinds of merchandise, including souvenirs. These are located in the airside of International Departures, Arrivals Hall, and Baggage Claim area.
Cafe, Bar, and Restaurants
Finding snack and beverage options should not be a problem as there are many local and popular nationwide food chains at Faa’a International Airport. These cafeterias and restaurants are located throughout the terminals and concourses, giving you the best options to eat and satisfy your pre-flight craving.
Food concessions throughout the airport operate with varying schedules. A wide variety of dining options are also available and can be found at both the landside and the airside. These include Atrium Revanui Bar & Snack Shop, Atrium Terrace, Atrium Lounge, Atrium Express, McDonald’s (landside of Terminal 1, Domestic); Snack Kuriri (airside of Terminal 1, Domestic, near Boarding area) and Atrium Revenue (International Terminal, Boarding area).
Other Amenities Available at Faa’a International Airport
There are other amenities that are available to passengers at the airport. These include:
Postal Services: There is a postal service available at the airport. The facility is located on the landside of Terminal 1, Domestic.
ATM: ATMs are available at the airport. You can swipe your bank card and withdraw cash at the airport’s ATMs if you’re running low on cash or need to make cash payments at other services or stores. You can find ATMs located at airside and landside areas of Terminals.
Currency Exchange: The currency used in the overseas collectivity of French Polynesia in the country of France is the French Pacific Franc (CFP or XPF). It is operated by Tahiti Exchange and is located on the landside of the International Terminal. It is open from 8 am till 11:30 am on weekdays and three hours before the departure of the last international flight.
Banking Services: Banking facilities are available at the airport. The service is operated by Banque Socredo. It is located on the landside of Terminal 1, Domestic hall. It is open from 8 am till 11:45 am on weekdays and from 1:30 pm till 4:30 pm on weekends.
Hotels On-site and Nearby Faa’a International Airport
Finding accommodations on-site or nearby Faa’a International Airport should not be a problem for travelers as there are several hotels and resorts out there. Whether you are traveling alone, with friends, family, or children, you will find convenient and affordable places for a comfortable stay during your visit to French Polynesia on the island of Tahiti.
A few hotels that are located on-site as well as near the airport are:
Tahiti Airport Motel: The motel is located about 5 minutes of walking distance, just across the street from the airport.
InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa: The resort is located about 5 minutes from the airport. There is no airport shuttle service available.
Hotel Sarah Nui: The hotel is located about 10 minutes from the airport. There is an airport transfer service available for free from the airport to the hotel only. Reservation is required.
Ground Transport Options To and From Faa’a International Airport
Getting to and from Faa’a International Airport should not be much of a hassle as you will find transport options. You can quickly find a convenient mode of transportation to meet your travel needs. There are several ground transportation options available to travelers that make visiting nearby places and other places of interest very convenient, quick, and affordable.
Many travelers often find shuttle services to be very favorable as it saves them plenty of time when getting to hotels and/or airports. Free shuttle buses provide travelers with easy connectivity. Also, there may be a few hotels in the city and adjoining areas that provide free or on-demand shuttle services to and from the airport.
Additionally, you may also book pre-arranged rides that offer services to and from the Faa’a International airport, and which can also be scheduled as per your needs. You can usually find their kiosks or counters/stands located either at the terminal’s entrance or exit area. These may also contain information on the companies that are permitted to render such services at the airport.
Airport Shuttle Service
There is a shuttle service available to passengers within the airport.
Hotel Shuttle Service
Few hotels in the city may offer free or paid shuttle services to their guests. These include Le Meridien Tahiti, Pension Ahitea Lodge, and Tahiti Pearl Beach Resort.
Bus Service
Public bus transportation services are available for the commute. It is both affordable and convenient and can get you to places in no time.
Train and Metro Service
Faa’a International Airport is not connected with train and metro services.
Limousine Service
Limousines may be available for hire at the airport.
Taxi Service
Taxis are available, if you need a ride to a hotel or want to go sightseeing. Taxi stands can be found in the ground transportation area. Travelers may need to negotiate fares because the taxis operate without taximeters.
Car Hire Service
You can hire a car at Faa’a International Airport if you are in the mood to cruise around places in the city. There are several companies that offer cars on hire/rent at the airport. The car hire/rental agencies or companies have their counters/stands located on-site.
The companies or agencies that offer car hire/rental services at the airport include Avis, Europcar, Hertz, and Tahiti Easy Car.
App-Based Ride-Sharing Service
Aside from several transport options that are available to travelers from and to Faa’a International Airport, app-based ride-sharing services may be offered.
Conclusion
The island of Tahiti, where French Polynesia’s capital city Papeete is situated, also offers several places of attractions to foreign tourists, who visit the island each year. A few popular attractions on the island are Iipona archaeological site, Nuku Hiva, Notre Dame Cathedral, Cook’s Bay, Matira Beach, Teresa Beach, Belvedere Lookout, Aremiti, Fautaua Waterfall, Mount Otemanu, Bougainville Park, Point Venus, Lagoon, Maria Grotto, Bora Bora Lagoon, Bora Bora Turtle Centre and Marché de Papeete (Papeete Market).
Traveling to and from Faa’a International Airport in French Polynesia will certainly give you a pleasant experience. And, if you plan on staying here for a while, you will find lots of attractions to enjoy your holidays. Dial our toll-free number +1-800-831-1547 to get the best airlines reservation offer and discounts.
