Bonriki International Airport
South Tarawa, Kiribati

Bonriki International Airport
Kiribati's main international gateway on South Tarawa Atoll.
- ›The airport's runway was originally constructed by U.S. forces during World War II.
- ›Bonriki sits at extremely low elevation, making it highly vulnerable to rising sea levels and storm surges.
- ›The airport serves as the main hub for Air Kiribati's inter-island domestic services.
- ›IATA code TRW reflects the historical name Tarawa.
- ›Kiribati spans three time zones, making Bonriki one of the more logistically complex Pacific airport hubs to schedule.
Bonriki International Airport serves South Tarawa, the capital atoll of Kiribati, one of the most remote island nations on Earth. Established during World War II when the Tarawa atoll was the site of fierce fighting, the airport has grown into the country's primary international gateway. It plays a critical lifeline role, connecting this scattered archipelago nation to regional hubs in Fiji, Nauru, and the Marshall Islands.
- Main Terminal — A single modest terminal handling both international and domestic arrivals and departures with basic passenger facilities.
- Taxis available outside the terminal, fares negotiated directly with drivers
- Minibuses (local shared transport) operate along the main road toward Bairiki and Betio
- Private vehicle pickup arranged through hotels or guesthouses
- Car hire available through limited local operators, best arranged in advance
- Otintaai Hotel
- Captain Cook Hotel
- Utirerei Motel
- Mary's Motel
Food options inside the terminal are very limited, with a small café offering basic snacks and beverages. Visitors are advised to eat before arriving or carry food for longer waits. South Tarawa town offers local eateries serving fresh fish, rice dishes, and coconut-based meals.
- Confirm flight schedules well in advance as services to Bonriki are infrequent and subject to change
- Carry sufficient local currency (Australian dollars are used) as ATM availability is limited
- Arrive early as the terminal can become congested on international departure days
- Pack insect repellent and sunscreen as the equatorial heat and humidity are intense year-round
AI-assisted overview, verified against public sources.
Route map (3 destinations)








Airlines serving this airport
Routes
Aircraft operating here
Pick what matters for your layover or early flight, then compare on your favorite booking site.
IndianAirports may receive compensation when you book or purchase through some of the links on this page, at no additional cost to you. Prices and availability are set by the booking provider and may change. We never share your private trip details with partners — only the destination, dates and party size you searched.
City & Place Guide
No guide exists for this place yet — Click to generate a Traveler Pulse guide.
Passport, Visa & Immigration
Flying internationally via TRW? Check entry, transit and customs requirements for Kiribati from official government sources.
Bonriki International Airport is an international airport in Kiribati, serving as the main gateway to the country. It is located in its capital, South Tarawa, which is a group of islets in the atoll of Tarawa in the Gilbert Islands, precisely on Bonriki.
Read full article on Wikipedia
Translate