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Pekoa Airport Terminal
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The Pekoa Airport terminal on Espiritu Santo island is Vanuatu's second most important aviation hub and the primary gateway to the largest island in the archipelago. Espiritu Santo is renowned for its remarkable natural landscapes and significant World War II history, making Pekoa Airport a key destination for international travelers and divers. The terminal has been modernized in recent years to efficiently handle domestic regional flights and occasional direct international services. Its design is practical and unpretentious, reflecting the relaxed atmosphere of island life. The airport serves as a vital link for the export of local commodities, such as copra and beef, to the capital, Port Vila. For divers aiming to explore the world-famous SS President Coolidge shipwreck, this terminal is the essential starting point of their journey. Its location near Luganville, the nation's second-largest town, ensures the airport remains an indispensable infrastructure asset for the economic growth of the northern provinces.
- Location: Vanuatu
- Top sights: Banban whitewood christian fellowship · Banban transfiguration parish · Pentecost church
- Nearby: Big Nambas Territory (68 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 26 | 25 | 24 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 26 | 27 |
| Rain mm | 272 | 274 | 271 | 272 | 183 | 162 | 116 | 105 | 109 | 151 | 175 | 170 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
Pekoa Airport Terminal serves as the main airport for Luganville and Espiritu Santo island. It connects the northern islands to Port Vila and international destinations via domestic and regional flights.
Visiting
The terminal building is accessible to passengers; public areas offer a view of the apron and runway. The building is also clearly visible from the road.
Where to view it
A small terrace in front of the terminal allows watching arriving and departing aircraft. The parking lot also gives a good view of the runway.
Local products
A small shop in the terminal has local crafts and snacks. Travelers can buy souvenirs like palm-leaf hats and handwoven baskets.
Active season
The terminal is busiest at departures of domestic flights to Port Vila, usually in the morning and late afternoon. In the peak tourist season from June to September, there is more traffic.
Nearby
Combine an airport visit with exploring Luganville town and its main attractions like Million Dollar Point. Champagne Beach and Aore Island beaches are also easily reached.
Geography
Facts
- Pekoa Airport was originally established as a major U.S. military base during World War II.
- The airport features a single paved runway measuring 1,988 meters (6,522 feet).
- It is located approximately 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) east of Luganville city center.
- Air Vanuatu operates scheduled services from here to Port Vila and Brisbane.
- The terminal is a crucial transit point for the island's famous 'Santo Beef' exports.
- The official IATA airport code for Pekoa is SON.
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 Pekoa Airport Terminal (6)
Pentecost church
Pentecostal church in the Pentecost region, offering evangelical services.
Beterihi cultural park
Cultural park featuring dance performances and handicraft demonstrations from Vanuatu.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What makes the Pekoa terminal important?
It is the main access point to the island of Espiritu Santo.
Are there car rentals at the airport?
Yes, there are some local providers right at the terminal.
Is the terminal accessible?
Basic accessibility is present, but assistance is recommended.
How long is the transfer to Luganville?
The trip takes about 10 to 15 minutes by taxi.
Are there catering facilities in the terminal?
Selection is very limited, bring snacks.
Pekoa Airport Terminal: where is it located?
Pekoa Airport Terminal is located in Vanuatu.
Pekoa Airport Terminal: what is there to see?
Highlights include Banban whitewood christian fellowship, Banban transfiguration parish, Pentecost church.
Pekoa Airport Terminal: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Pekoa Airport Terminal: why is it worth visiting?
The Pekoa Airport terminal on Espiritu Santo island is Vanuatu's second most important aviation hub and the primary gateway to the largest island in the archipelago.
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Nearby cities
History & landmarks
Port Vila City Hall
The City Hall is the administrative center for the municipal government of the capital, Port Vila.
Luganville Airfield
A massive military airfield constructed by the US on Espiritu Santo during World War II.
Avenger Wreck
The underwater wreck of a US Navy TBF Avenger torpedo bomber located near Santo.
Million Dollar Point
A historic underwater graveyard off Espiritu Santo, where the US military dumped equipment after World War II.
PBY Catalina Wreck
The wreck of a US PBY Catalina flying boat that sank in the Segond Channel during World War II.
Northern District Hospital
The Northern District Hospital in Luganville is the main health center for the northern islands.
SS President Coolidge
A former luxury liner and troop transport of World War II that sank in 1942 after hitting US mines.
SBD Dauntless Wreck
A US dive bomber that crashed off the coast of Espiritu Santo during World War II.
Nature
Aore Island Reefs
The coastal waters of Aore are rich in brain corals and provide habitats for diverse marine invertebrates.
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Riri Blue Hole
Riri Blue Hole is accessible via a shallow river creek rich in mangroves and riparian vegetation.
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Matevulu Blue Hole
Matevulu is one of the largest blue holes on Santo, known for its lush mangroves lining the banks.
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Bokissa Island Marine Reserve
A private island dedicated to preserving turtle nesting sites and protecting local dugong populations.
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Circe Blue Hole
A lesser-known blue hole distinguished by its deep sapphire color and surrounding undisturbed wilderness.
Ratua Wildlife Reserve
Ratua combines sustainable tourism with the protection of wild horses and tropical bird species.
Oyster Island Mangroves
This small island near Santo hosts an important ecosystem for oysters and other shellfish within its mangroves.
Malo Peak
Malo Peak is the highest elevation on the island of Malo.
More places
Santo Meat Packers
The primary meat processing facility in Luganville, packing premium beef for export to markets like Japan.
Pekoa Cargo Center
The logistics facility at Pekoa Airport on Espiritu Santo supports the export of northern agricultural products.
Million Dollar Point Reef
US military equipment dumped after WWII has created a unique artificial reef with high marine biodiversity.
SS President Coolidge Reef
The wreck of the SS President Coolidge is now a massive artificial ecosystem for marine life off Espiritu Santo.
SS President Coolidge Wreck
The wreck of this luxury liner, sunk during WWII, is one of Vanuatu's most famous historical landmarks.
Luganville Wharf
The country's second-largest port on Espiritu Santo, serving as a hub for exporting copra, beef, and cocoa.
Santo War Memorial
This memorial in Luganville honors those who served on Espiritu Santo during World War II.
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Sarakata Hydroelectric Power Station
This facility provides most of the electricity for Luganville, reducing reliance on expensive imported diesel fuel.