Located on the island of Efate near the Vanuatu capital of Port Vila, the airport was built in 1942 on a plantation by the United States Navy to establish an allied airbase during World War II. Initially variously known as Efate Field and Vila Field after its location, the airfield was later renamed Bauer Field after Lieutenant-Colonel Harold W. Bauer, a fighter pilot who was shot down during the Battle of Guadalcanal. Today, Bauerfield International Airport has a single terminal building serving international and domestic passengers and six international airlines.
Bauerfield International Airport Quick Facts
Distance from CBD: 6 kilometres
Number of airlines: 6 airlines operate out of Bauerfield International Airport
Number of destinations served: 8 destinations in 5 countries
Number of terminals: One
Number of runways: One
Check-in
The eight check-in counters at Bauerfield Airport are located near the entrance of the terminal. It is recommended that passengers arrive at check-in three hours before an international flight and two hours prior to departure for domestic flights. Ensure you have your plane tickets, passport, the relevant visa and baggage ready for handling on arrival.
Baggage
If you need to store your luggage at the airport for a few hours or days, proceed to the Arrivals Hall on the ground floor of the terminal for baggage services. The fee for luggage storage is charged per item.
Money Exchange
Money can be exchanged at two National Bank of Vanuatu outlets. One is located in the Arrivals Hall of the international area, which is open for all arrivals and departures, and the Bureau de Exchange facility can be found in the general public area of the terminal. There is also an ANZ ATM located at the airport. Vanuatu Vatu can be pre-purchased before you depart Australia from Travel Money Oz. Australian Dollars are also widely used as currency in Port Vila but not outside of the capital or Luganville on Espiritu Santo.
Internet Access/ Wi-Fi
Moorings Hotel in Port Vila operates an internet connection desk in the check-in area of the terminal for passenger use. Unity Airlines, a Vanuatu-based charter and tour operator, provides Wi-Fi access in the Domestic area of the terminal.
Family Services
Travelling with children? Bauerfield Airport has no dedicated entertainment options for little ones. There are two restaurants (Flight Café and Spirit Café in the international and domestic areas respectively) and a few shops within the terminal but with limited internet and Wi-Fi services, families on a layover should be prepared with their own electronic devices and toys to entertain the kids. Toilets, including baby change facilities, are available throughout the terminal. Children under 12 are admitted free to the onsite VIP lounge.
Airport Lounges
Harry Bauer’s Airport Club Lounge
The petite air-conditioned lounge at Bauerfield International Airport is located within the Departures Hall of the international area of the passenger terminal after passport control. Seating just 15, facilities within the lounge include internet access, free Wi-Fi, alcoholic and hot and cold beverages, snacks, TV, magazines and newspapers as part of the entry fee. Business Class passengers are issued an invitation to the lounge on check-in.
Harry Bauer’s Club Lounge is generally open 05:00 to 21:00 on Mondays, 06:00 to 17:00 on Tuesdays, 05:00 to 17:00 from Wednesday to Thursday, Fridays from 05:00 to 20:00, 05:00 to 16:00 on Saturdays and 05:00 to 18:30 on Sundays, however access times may vary according to flight schedules.
Terminal 1
The sole terminal at Bauerfield International Airport is open from 7:00 to 18:00 daily with separate areas serving international and domestic flights. Within the terminal are two gates, two baggage claim areas and a selection of facilities including toilets, money exchange and ATM services, eateries, tourist information kiosks and shops.
Transfers
Various licensed airport transfer companies provide ground transport from the airport to Port Vila city centre. The private transport options are buses and luxury mini coaches with air-conditioning. Your hotel or resort will generally organise transfers from the airport to your accommodation. There is no public transport with a direct route to the airport, however, while more expensive than buses, taxis are also available day and night from the taxi stand outside the terminal and have a set fare between the airport and the city centre. For the most flexibility in your Vanuatu travel arrangements, car hire is offered at Bauerfield International Airport. Vehicle rental is available from Avis, Budget, Hertz and Europcar.
Parking
Short Stay Parking
Bauerfield International Airport has 60 free short-term secure parking spaces available across the international and domestic areas of the terminal.
Facilities/ Lounges
Check-in
The eight check-in counters at Bauerfield Airport are located near the entrance of the terminal. It is recommended that passengers arrive at check-in three hours before an international flight and two hours prior to departure for domestic flights. Ensure you have your plane tickets, passport, the relevant visa and baggage ready for handling on arrival.
Baggage
If you need to store your luggage at the airport for a few hours or days, proceed to the Arrivals Hall on the ground floor of the terminal for baggage services. The fee for luggage storage is charged per item.
Money Exchange
Money can be exchanged at two National Bank of Vanuatu outlets. One is located in the Arrivals Hall of the international area, which is open for all arrivals and departures, and the Bureau de Exchange facility can be found in the general public area of the terminal. There is also an ANZ ATM located at the airport. Vanuatu Vatu can be pre-purchased before you depart Australia from Travel Money Oz. Australian Dollars are also widely used as currency in Port Vila but not outside of the capital or Luganville on Espiritu Santo.
Internet Access/ Wi-Fi
Moorings Hotel in Port Vila operates an internet connection desk in the check-in area of the terminal for passenger use. Unity Airlines, a Vanuatu-based charter and tour operator, provides Wi-Fi access in the Domestic area of the terminal.
Family Services
Travelling with children? Bauerfield Airport has no dedicated entertainment options for little ones. There are two restaurants (Flight Café and Spirit Café in the international and domestic areas respectively) and a few shops within the terminal but with limited internet and Wi-Fi services, families on a layover should be prepared with their own electronic devices and toys to entertain the kids. Toilets, including baby change facilities, are available throughout the terminal. Children under 12 are admitted free to the onsite VIP lounge.
Airport Lounges
Harry Bauer’s Airport Club Lounge
The petite air-conditioned lounge at Bauerfield International Airport is located within the Departures Hall of the international area of the passenger terminal after passport control. Seating just 15, facilities within the lounge include internet access, free Wi-Fi, alcoholic and hot and cold beverages, snacks, TV, magazines and newspapers as part of the entry fee. Business Class passengers are issued an invitation to the lounge on check-in.
Harry Bauer’s Club Lounge is generally open 05:00 to 21:00 on Mondays, 06:00 to 17:00 on Tuesdays, 05:00 to 17:00 from Wednesday to Thursday, Fridays from 05:00 to 20:00, 05:00 to 16:00 on Saturdays and 05:00 to 18:30 on Sundays, however access times may vary according to flight schedules.
The following airlines reach Port Vila Bauerfield International Airport. Don't see the airline you are looking for? Talk to a consultant to book your Port Vila flights with your preferred airline.
The following airlines reach Port Vila. Don't see the airline you are looking for? Talk to a consultant to book your Port Vila flights with your preferred airline.
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Air New Zealand | NZ |
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Air Vanuatu | NF |
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Virgin Australia - International | VA |
Arriving into Port Vila on a late flight or in transit? As it stands, there is currently no onsite airport hotel at Bauerfield International Airport, however there are some hotels and motels located near nearby. Options range from budget accommodation to apartments and hotels, most of which will offer complimentary shuttle services. The closest budget options are Airlines Business Hotel and Pacific Paradise Motel, while the 4-star Chantilly’s on the Bay offers a more luxurious stay that is also close to the Port Vila town centre. To book your Bauerfield International Airport accommodation, search below or view more accommodation options.
