Plizio Visual Lab
Bonriki Airport Terminal
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
Weather…
Water temperature…
The Bonriki International Airport terminal is the primary gateway to the island nation of Kiribati, located on Bonriki islet in South Tarawa. The facility underwent significant modernization in recent years to enhance its capacity for international passengers and cargo. As the only major international airport in the country, it connects the remote Gilbert Islands with regional hubs like Nadi and Brisbane. The airport's history is rooted in World War II, as the runway was originally constructed by U.S. forces following the 1943 Battle of Tarawa and named Hawkins Field. Today, the terminal features a functional design optimized for the tropical climate, serving as a vital logistics hub for medical supplies, trade, and the developing tourism sector. The airstrip is particularly notable for spanning the entire width of the narrow coral islet, providing travelers with a dramatic view of both the lagoon and the Pacific Ocean during take-off and landing.
- Location: Kiribati
- Top sights: Bonriki Roman Catholic Church · KPC area · Bill house
- Nearby: Bikenibeu (4 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Sep–Nov.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 |
| Rain mm | 212 | 157 | 220 | 171 | 103 | 136 | 119 | 107 | 92 | 95 | 95 | 208 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Bonriki Airport Terminal is the main terminal of Kiribati's international airport. Travelers can enter public areas, but security zones are not accessible.
Typical hours
The terminal is open during flight times, typically from early morning until evening. Exact opening hours depend on the flight schedule.
Photography
Photography in the public hall is allowed, but not at security checks. The modern architecture of the terminal gives interesting perspectives.
Time needed
A visit to the terminal takes 15 to 30 minutes. If you want to explore the surroundings, allow extra time.
Combine with
Combine the visit with the nearby Bonriki Plateau, which houses the important freshwater lens. The nearby beach invites relaxation.
Getting there
The airport is on the mainland of Tarawa, about a 20-minute drive from Bairiki. Taxis and buses run regularly between towns.
Insider tip
Come early to avoid the check-in rush if you are flying. The terminal café has local snacks and drinks.
Geography
Facts
- Built in 1963
- Renovated in 2002
- Single runway
- Length 1,500 meters
- 100,000 passengers annually
- Flights to Fiji
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Bonriki Airport Terminal (5)
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints near Bonriki Airport.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Is there Wi-Fi in the terminal?
Wi-Fi is often unavailable or very unreliable; do not count on it.
How long before departure should you be at the airport?
At least 2 to 3 hours before, as processing can be slow.
Is there food and drink in the terminal?
There are only very small kiosks with snacks and drinks.
Are there taxis in front of the terminal?
Yes, taxis and minibuses usually wait for international flight arrivals.
Can you exchange money at the airport?
There are limited options; it is better to bring Australian dollars in advance.
Bonriki Airport Terminal: where is it located?
Bonriki Airport Terminal is located in Kiribati.
Bonriki Airport Terminal: what is there to see?
Highlights include Bonriki Roman Catholic Church, KPC area, Bill house.
Bonriki Airport Terminal: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Sep, Nov.
Bonriki Airport Terminal: why is it worth visiting?
The Bonriki International Airport terminal is the primary gateway to the island nation of Kiribati, located on Bonriki islet in South Tarawa.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Oceania
More places in Kiribati →
Nearby cities
Betio
Betio is the economic center of Kiribati, located in the southwest of Tarawa Atoll.
Bikenibeu
Bikenibeu is a significant settlement in the southeast of South Tarawa.
Teaoraereke
Teaoraereke is a populous village in South Tarawa.
Temwaiku
Temwaiku is a rapidly growing settlement at the eastern end of South Tarawa.
Eita
Eita is a village located in the center of South Tarawa.
South Tarawa
South Tarawa is the capital and most populous area of the Republic of Kiribati.
Bairiki
Bairiki is the administrative center of South Tarawa.
Bairiki Business District
Bairiki serves as the economic and administrative center of South Tarawa, housing the country's main banks and government offices.
Bonriki
Bonriki is the easternmost village of South Tarawa and site of the international airport.
Tabwakea
Tabwakea is the largest settlement on Kiritimati, the world's largest coral island.
Banana
Banana is a village on Kiritimati island located right next to the Cassidy International Airport.
Marakei Atoll
Marakei is a unique, circular atoll famous for its closed lagoon and the 'Te Kabaia' welcoming rituals at four sacred shrines.
Rawannawi
Rawannawi is the largest settlement on the Marakei atoll.
Abemama Atoll
Abemama is a historically significant atoll where the British protectorate was declared in 1892 and author Robert Louis Stevenson once li…
Poland
Poland is a small village on the Kiritimati atoll.
History & landmarks
Bonriki Plateau
The Bonriki area on Tarawa comprises one of the widest landmasses of the atoll.
Maneaba ni Maungatabu
The Parliament Building of Kiribati is located in Ambo on South Tarawa.
Bairiki Independence Site
The central square in Bairiki where the independence of Kiribati from the United Kingdom was officially proclaimed in 1979.
Bairiki National Stadium
The stadium in Bairiki is the largest sporting venue in Kiribati.
Betio Islet
Betio is a flat islet at the western end of Tarawa Atoll.
Nature
🗺️
Tarawa Lagoon
Tarawa Lagoon is the centerpiece of Kiribati's main atoll.
🗺️
Abaokoro Wetlands
The Abaokoro area in North Tarawa encompasses valuable wetlands crucial for the biodiversity of the Gilbert Islands.
Abaiang Lagoon
Abaiang Lagoon is an expansive, tranquil body of water in the northern Gilbert Islands, fringed by beautiful motus and coral reefs.
More places
Bonriki Solar Farm
This photovoltaic facility near the airport is a cornerstone of Kiribati's efforts to reduce dependence on expensive diesel imports.
National Library and Archives
The National Library of Kiribati is located in Bairiki on South Tarawa.
Kiribati Fish Limited Facility
This modern industrial facility in Betio processes tuna for export and is a major joint venture to increase local value addition.
🗺️
Betio Shipyard
The shipyard in South Tarawa is the central facility for the maintenance and repair of the national commercial and fishing fleet.
🗺️
U.S. Marine Memorial
This memorial honors the soldiers of the U.S.
Betio Port
The primary international seaport of Kiribati in South Tarawa handles the vast majority of the island nation's import goods and containers.
Red Beach Tarawa
The primary landing site for US Marines during Operation Galvanic in 1943, one of the bloodiest battles in the Pacific theater.
Australian War Memorial
This memorial on Betio honors the Australian coastwatchers who were executed during World War II.