List of airports in United States minor islands
# Airports in United States Minor Islands: A Comprehensive Guide*
Explore the aviation connections that bring travelers to the most remote U.S. territories.*
Introduction
The United States owns over 300 islands scattered across the Pacific and Caribbean, many of which fall under the category of minor islands or minor outlying territories. While some of these islands—such as Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands—offer bustling international airports, others are accessible only by charter or military flights. Understanding which airports exist on these islands is essential for travelers, aviation enthusiasts, and logistics professionals alike.
Why Minor Island Airports Matter
- Gateway to Remote Communities – Small airports provide the primary link between isolated islands and the mainland, enabling essential supplies and medical evacuations.
- Economic Development – Air travel can boost tourism, support local businesses, and create jobs, especially on islands with limited road transport.
- Strategic Military Presence – Many minor islands host U.S. military airfields that are crucial for national security and rapid deployment.
- Research & Environmental Monitoring – Scientific missions to remote atolls rely on airstrips for equipment and personnel transport.
Table: List of Airports in United States Minor Islands
| Island / Territory | Airport Name | FAA Code | IATA Code | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wake Island | Wake Island Airfield | WAK | WAK | Military airfield, limited civilian access. |
| Palmyra Atoll | Palmyra Atoll Airport | PKX | — | No scheduled service; used for scientific missions. |
| Midway Atoll | Midway Atoll Airport | MID | MID | Historically active; currently restricted to U.S. Navy and research. |
| Johnston Atoll | Johnston Airport (defunct) | — | — | Airport closed in 1998; atoll no longer receives regular flights. |
| Baker Island | — | — | — | No airport; only accessible by sea or helicopter via adjacent islands. |
| Howland Island | — | — | — | No airport; accessed by sea or via nearby Baker Island. |
| Jarvis Island | — | — | — | No airport; no scheduled passenger service. |
| Kingman Reef | — | — | — | No airport; only accessible to scientific teams. |
| Guam | Agana International Airport | GUM | GUM | Main international gateway; nonstop flights to Asia, the West Coast, and regional hubs. |
| Saipan | Saipan International Airport | SPN | SPN | Major hub in the Northern Mariana Islands; domestic and international flights. |
| Pago Pago, American Samoa | Pago Pago International Airport | PPG | PPG | Connects Samoa to Honolulu and Fiji; primarily regional traffic. |
| St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands | Cyril E. King Airport | STT | STT | International hub with nonstop flights to North America and the Caribbean. |
| St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands | Henry E. Rohlsen Airport | STX | STX | Serves domestic U.S. flights; limited international service. |
| St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands | — | — | — | No airport; visitors arrive by ferry from St. Thomas. |
Key:
- FAA Code – Federal Aviation Administration location identifier.
- IATA Code – International Air Transport Association code used for ticketing.
Featured Airports Explained
Wake Island Airfield (WAK)**
- Location: Mid‑Pacific, ~3,200 miles southeast of Honolulu.
- Operations: Primarily military; some cargo and military transport flights.
- Access: Private charter or military transport; no commercial passenger flights.
Saipan International (SPN)**
- Runways: 16,200‑ft asphalt, supporting wide‑body jets.
- Destinations: Honolulu, Los Angeles, Taipei, Tokyo, and regional islands.
- Facilities: Customs & border‑control, duty‑free retail, and a small duty‑free airport zone.
Cyril E. King Airport (STT)**
- Runway: 3,301‑ft runway (Pave).
- Passenger throughput: ~1.5 million passengers annually (2023).
- Highlights: Seaplane access to nearby smaller islands; serves as the main entry point to the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Travel Tips to Minor Island Airports
| Tip | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Check seasonal schedules | Flights to some minor islands (e.g., Palmyra, Midway) may operate only in summer or during research cycles. |
| Plan for delays | Remote airports often have limited ground support; expect potential delays for refueling or maintenance. |
| Pre‑book cargo or medical flights | For non‑commercial travel (e.g., medical evacuation), coordinate directly with the island’s aviation authority. |
| Understand customs requirements | Many minor islands have U.S. customs facilities only at the main airports (e.g., Cyril E. King). |
| Be prepared for limited amenities | Small airports may lack full‑service restaurants or Wi‑Fi; bring snacks and entertainment. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which U.S. minor islands have scheduled commercial flights?
Answer: The U.S. Virgin Islands (St. Thomas, St. Croix), Guam, Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and American Samoa (Pago Pago) offer regular commercial service.
Is it possible to fly directly to Wake Island from the mainland?
Answer: No. Wake Island is a military airfield; civilian flights are only available through special permission or charter operators.
Does Palmyra Atoll have any commercial service?
Answer: No. Palmyra’s airport is used exclusively for scientific and occasional emergency flights.
Which airport serves the U.S. Minor Outlying Islands most often?
Answer: Historically, Midway Atoll had the most activity, but currently its airport is restricted to U.S. Navy and research operations.
- Are there any airports on Baker, Howland, or Jarvis Islands?
Answer: No. These islands have no airstrips; they are accessed by sea or via the nearby islands with airports.
Resources & Further Reading
- FAA – Aviation Directory – https://www.faa.gov
- Airline Routes to U.S. Territories – Wikipedia
- Minor Outlying Islands – U.S. Navy – https://www.navy.mil
- Travel Guide for U.S. Virgin Islands – https://www.visitthevirginislands.com
- American Samoa Official Tourism Site – https://www.americansamoa.com
Takeaway – While many of the United States’ minor islands are remote and sparsely populated, a handful of strategically important airports ensure connectivity for commerce, defense, and scientific endeavors. Whether you’re planning a tropical getaway, a research expedition, or a military deployment, understanding these aviation hubs is the first step to a successful journey.
