What You Need To Know About the Airport in Bora Bora

Your first experience of any destination is usually the airport. While all airports can vary greatly from each other, your experience here can greatly impact your vacation before it’s even properly begun. 

The airport in Bora Bora is slightly smaller than many others, however, it will not disappoint. In addition to offering a scenic and impressive approach, your arrival here will kick off your island adventure with the warmest of welcomes. 

Bora Bora Airport

Because Bora Bora enjoys such a remote and isolated location, getting to Bora Bora is rarely simple or cheap. It is, however, always absolutely worth it. Here, we take a look at what you can expect from the airport in Bora Bora and some handy traveling tips to help you get the most out of your journey.

Getting to the Airport in Bora Bora

There are no direct flights to Bora Bora, so all air travel to this French Polynesian island first arrives in Tahiti, at Faa’a International Airport. No matter where in the world you begin your journey, you cannot reach Bora Bora in fewer than two flights. You will always have to fly to Papeete in Tahiti first.

It is possible to reduce the cost of your travel by connecting via destinations that are closer. This may mean a longer travel time overall and adding more legs to the journey. 

You can fly to Tahiti using the following airlines: 

• Air France
• Air New Zealand
• Hawaiian Airlines
• Air Tahiti Nui
• Aircalin
• French Bee
• LATAM Airlines
• United Airlines

From Tahiti, you can board an Air Tahiti flight to Bora Bora, which is around 50 minutes in length. During the flight, passengers are served coffee or juice in-flight. During the busy season, there are around eight or nine flights to Bora Bora from Tahiti.

If you want to have the most incredible view from the plane of the island as you arrive in Bora Bora, choose a seat on the left-hand side of the plane (when embarking from the rear of the plane). To achieve this, you’ll need to arrive at the airport early to ensure you’re in the front of the queue for boarding. Unfortunately, this isn’t entirely guaranteed as the winds may require the pilot to land in the opposite direction, thereby foiling the plan for a view. 

About Bora Bora Airport 

The airport in Bora Bora is also known as Motu Mute Airport. On average, around 275,000 passengers a year come through the airport. Originally opened in 1943 during WWII, the airport opened to commercial flights in 1958. Since then, Bora Bora's airport has undergone plenty of improvement and modernization to ensure a great travel experience. 

The airport is built on its own island, or ‘motu’ as the locals call it. As a result, the first thing you’ll notice on arrival is the runway, which is all but surrounded by the bluest water. Because of the limited space for the runway, the airport can only accommodate luxury private jets and smaller aircraft. Travelers will board and disembark the aircraft on the tarmac in the open air. 

The one thing you’ll notice at the airport in Bora Bora is how friendly and efficient the airport staff are. There’s a welcoming and laid-back vibe to kick off your island adventure the right way. And the real highlight? No long security queues.

Services available at the airport include toilets, souvenir shops, a newsagent, and a snack bar. 

Once you’ve gathered your luggage, you’ll need to take a boat transfer to the main island or your resort. There’s a free shuttle to Vaitape, but most of the resorts have their own shuttle for their guests. The boats are all lined up outside the airport and clearly labeled with resort names to make it easy for you to find your ride. 

Baggage allowance at the Airport In Bora Bora

Standard tickets to Bora Bora include a baggage allowance of 50lbs (23kgs). The total weight allowance of your luggage can be spread over a maximum of three bags. Bag dimensions cannot exceed 59 inches (150cm). 

Special tickets allow twice as much luggage weight as a standard ticket. This is particularly useful for divers bringing their own gear. 

Hand luggage may not exceed 11lbs (5kg). Maximum dimensions for luggage are 17 x 13 x 7 inches (45 x 35 x 20cm). 

Travel tips

• On arrival, the best view from the plane is on the left. You’ll see the beautiful Mount Otemanu and the island as you land. On departure, the best view is from the right side of the plane. 
• There are often miscommunications between Air Tahiti staff and international travel agents. Make sure to confirm your Bora Bora flights and other arrangements when you arrive in Tahiti. 
• When waiting for your flight to Bora Bora from Tahiti, be attentive to airport announcements. Flights to Bora Bora have been known to depart up to 20 minutes early. 
• The last flight to Bora Bora from Tahiti is at 17:30 and the last flight from Bora Bora airport is at 19:30 to ensure no airplane noises over the island at night disturb the guests.
• When booking your flights, you can save money on your trip to Bora Bora (up to 10%) by booking return flights instead of two one-way fares. Look out for Air Tahiti packages that include hotels, transfers, flights, and other islands too. 
• If you want to see other islands in the area consider buying an Air Tahiti Multi-Islands Pass. Choosing one of these passes will allow you to book your return flights to Tahiti, as well as flights to either Raiatea, Huahine, or Moorea for less than what it could cost to book these individually. 
• Inter-island flights may have a lower luggage restriction – make sure to double-check this. 
• When departing at the end of your vacation, plan to be in Tahiti the day before your international flight home. This is just to make sure that you avoid any potential problems. 
• It’s a good idea to exchange money at the airport in Tahiti. If the exchange office is closed, you can use the money exchange machine that’s available 24/7.

Frequently Asked Questions