Airport Overview 

Faleolo International Airport (IATA: APW, ICAO: NSFA) is an airport located 40 kilometres (25 mi) west of Apia, the capital of Samoa. Until 1984, Faleolo could not accommodate jets larger than a Boeing 737. Services to the United States, Australia, or New Zealand, could only land at Pago Pago International Airport in American Samoa. Since the airport's expansion, most international traffic now uses Faleolo. 

Airport Picture 

1. Samoa Airways Hangar 2. Tower 3. Terminal Building 4. Cargo and Customs  

5. Fuel Services 6. Apron 7. Fire and Rescue Services. 

Description and Contacts of Key Companies 

Since its establishment in 1986, the management and operation of all airports in Samoa had been the responsibility of the Authority under its 1984 enabling Act. With the coming into effect of the new Airport Authority Act 2012, other airport operators can now operate airports in Samoa once certified by the Ministry of Works, Transport & Infrastructure (MWTI). The Authority is governed by a five (5) member Board of Directors chaired by a Cabinet selected Chairman. 

The Authority has 200 plus employees providing services for the daily operation and maintenance of Faleolo, Maota and Asau airports. Faleolo Airport operates on a 24hr basis with most jet aircraft movement operating at night or early hours of the morning. Four Divisions operate on 24 shift works, Air Traffic Controller personnel, Rescue Fire Service, Aviation Security and Cleaners for the Terminal building. The successful implementation of the 2017-2020 Corporate Plan and its deliverables will require recruitment of additional personnel with the skill sets and capabilities outlined in the following sections. 

Funding of airport operations and activities is the responsibility of the Samoa Airport Authority. 

For more information on airport contacts, please see the following link:  4.5 Airport Companies Contact List 

Information on some aviation service providers can be found at: https://www.samoaairports.com/  

Passenger and Cargo Performance Indicator 

Cargo capacity operates approximately 80 of capacity. In previous disaster situations it has operated at twice current operating levels.  

Runways 

Runway is in a good condition. 

The Pavement Classification Number for the runway is 058FBXT.  

Helicopter Pad(s) 

There are no specific helicopter pads present, however, there are ample areas adjacent to runways for landing helicopters to any size. 

Airport Infrastructure Details 

The  

Airport Operating Details 

Customs Guidance 

A customs office is located within the airport and customs officials are present at the airport for all arrivals and departures. Clearance is generally quick and efficient, and officials are not obstructing. If extra-large bulk consignments are being imported, it may be advisable to give 24 hours’ notice, to allow extra staff to be assigned to the airport.   

For more information on customs in SAMOA, please see the following link: 1.3 Customs Information  

Storage Facilities 

Secure, covered storage facilities at the airport are currently limited to 120m2. However, there is space adjacent to the runway and inside the perimeter security fence that would be suitable for erecting temporary storage (MSU’s) if required. 

Airfield Costs 

NAVIGATION CHARGES 

The Samoa Airport Authority prescribes the charges for the landing and parking of aircraft. These charges are detailed in Table GEN 4.1 - 1.  

Landing charges in accordance with the following scale per one tonne (1,000kg) weight shall be charged and payable in respect of each landing at an aerodrome by an aircraft engaged in the carriage of passengers, cargo or mail. 

(Source: https://www.airportdata.com/portals/0/docs/Aviation_Charges/Samoa_Gen4.1.pdf ) 

FUEL SERVICES CHARGES 

Security 

The Samoa Airways staff provide the ground handling equipment and security at the Faleolo International Airport in Apia, Samoa.