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NHV · medium airport

Nuku Hiva Airport

Nuku Hiva, French Polynesia

Airports
NHVmedium airport

Nuku Hiva Airport

Nuku Hiva, French Polynesia
Explore Nuku Hiva city guide Navigate to this airport
4
Routes out
4
Destinations
NTMD
ICAO
220 ft
Elevation
TravelerPulse profile

Gateway to the remote Marquesas Islands of French Polynesia.

Location
Nuku Hiva, French Polynesia
Nuku Hiva Airport (IATA: NHV, ICAO: NTMD) serves the island of Nuku Hiva, the largest of the Marquesas Islands in French Polynesia. Situated in a remote part of the South Pacific, the airport is the primary air gateway to the northern Marquesas archipelago and plays a vital role in connecting the island to Tahiti and other parts of French Polynesia. The airport handles limited scheduled and charter flights, primarily serving inter-island traffic within French Polynesia. Air Tahiti operates regular services linking Nuku Hiva to Papeete (Faa'a International Airport) and occasionally to other Marquesas islands. The runway is capable of handling turboprop aircraft used on these regional routes. Due to the island's rugged volcanic terrain, the airport's approach and operations present unique challenges for pilots. Despite its modest infrastructure, the airport is essential for residents, tourists, and cargo supply to this isolated island community.
Terminals
The airport has a small, single terminal building suited to its low passenger volumes.
Getting to & from
Ground transport from the airport to the main town of Taiohae typically involves rental vehicles or taxi services, as public transport is limited.
Airlines here
Air Tahiti is the primary carrier operating scheduled services to and from Nuku Hiva Airport.
Notable facts
  • ›Nuku Hiva is the largest island in the Marquesas archipelago and among the most remote in French Polynesia.
  • ›The airport serves as a key logistics hub for cargo and supplies to the island.
  • ›The surrounding mountainous terrain makes approaches challenging for pilots.
  • ›Air Tahiti ATR turboprop aircraft are commonly used on routes serving the airport.
  • ›The Marquesas Islands lie approximately 1,500 km northeast of Tahiti.
Wikipedia
This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.
Gateway to the rugged heart of the Marquesas Islands

Nuku Hiva Airport, also known as Terre Déserte Airport, serves the largest island of the Marquesas archipelago in French Polynesia. It functions as the primary air access point for this remote, dramatic island of volcanic peaks and deep valleys, connecting travellers to Papeete and other Polynesian destinations. The airport plays a vital role in sustaining the island's tourism and local economy given the absence of practical sea links.

Terminals
  • Main Terminal — A single, compact terminal building handling all passenger arrivals, departures, and limited ground services.
Ground Transport
  • Taxi services available outside the terminal
  • Pre-arranged hotel transfers from most island accommodations
  • Car rental available locally through small operators
Nearby Hotels
  • Keikahanui Nuku Hiva Pearl Lodge
  • Pension Moana Nui
  • Pension Mave Mai
Dining

Dining options within the terminal itself are extremely limited, with little more than basic refreshments available. The nearby town of Taiohae, roughly 14 kilometres away, offers small local restaurants and snack bars serving traditional Marquesan and French Polynesian cuisine. Visitors are advised to eat before departure or arrange meals through their accommodation.

Traveller Tips
  • Book ground transfers with your hotel in advance as taxis may not always be readily available on arrival.
  • The road to Taiohae from the airport is winding and scenic but can take 30–40 minutes by vehicle.
  • Air Tahiti operates most flights to Nuku Hiva; confirm schedules in advance as services can be limited.
  • Carry some French Pacific Franc (XPF) cash, as card payment facilities on the island are scarce.

AI-assisted overview, verified against public sources.

Route map (4 destinations)

Leaflet © OpenStreetMap © CARTO

Airlines serving this airport

Air Tahiti
VT

Routes

NHV → AUQVT · ATR DHT
NHV → PPTVT · ATR
NHV → UAHVT · DHT
NHV → UAPVT · DHT
Hotels near NHV

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City & Place Guide

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Passport, Visa & Immigration

Flying internationally via NHV? Check entry, transit and customs requirements for French Polynesia from official government sources.

French Polynesia visa & entry information →Embassy & consulate finder →
Encyclopaedia

Nuku Hiva Airport is an airport on Nuku Hiva in the Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia. The airport is located 19 km (12 mi) northwest of the main village of Taiohae. It is also known as Nuku A Taha. The drive to Taiohae is over dirt roads and takes 90 minutes.

Read full article on Wikipedia