Airport Overview

Pohnpei International Airport (PNI) is located on Deketik, a small lagoon islet connected to Pohnpei Island by a mile-long causeway. The airport receives regular commercial flights from Guam (via Chuuk) and Honolulu (via the Marshall Islands and Kosrae). The facilities are also equipped to handle direct flights from the Asia, the U.S. mainland and island groups in the region. United Airlines provided the main passenger service to Pohnpei and Asia Pacific Air (APA) provide airfreight services twice weekly.

Caroline Islands Air (CIA) has previously made periodic flights from Pohnpei to civil airfields on the atolls of Mwoakilloa, Pingelap, and Sapwuahfik, however their aircraft is currently out of service. They are expecting a new Islander Aircraft to arrive soon to recommence services The airport has a passenger terminal but has no freight storage facilities but complies with FFA standards and regulations in its operation.

Airport Picture

 

•  Pohnpei Port Authority (PPA) offices
• Terminal Building
• United Airlines (UA) cargo ground handling shed
• Hard Stand
• Emergency Services, ground services equipment (GSE) shed
• Customs and Immigration
• PPA Hangar
• Vital FSM Petroleum fuel farm

Description and Contacts of Key Companies

Pohnpei International Airport is owned and operated by the Pohnpei Port Authority (PPA) located adjacent to the Airport Terminal. Airport operations are run directly by PPA with several contracted services being provided by private companies.

Ground handling for passenger aircraft is handled by United Airlines and air freight services provided by APA. Freight is handled by CTSI a freight and logistics company.

Fuel services to the airport are handled by FSM Petroleum Company located adjacent to the airport.

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

Information on some aviation service providers can be found at: http://www.azfreight.com/

Passenger and Cargo Performance Indicator

International passenger flights are mainly by way of United Airlines who services Pohnpei daily. The flight route also acts as a domestic flight route from and to Weno, Kosrae and Guam for connecting flights to Yap. United airlines use Boeing 737-800 but arrival passenger traffic may be as little as 20-40/day.

Nauru Airlines commenced service effective 16th October 2022, flying Brisbane - Nauru - Tarawa - Majuro -Pohnpei. Direct flights from Brisbane through to these North Pacific destinations.

Cargo handling capacity could be expanded in case of surge demand resulting from a disaster response using additional equipment from the adjacent port facilities if necessary. Storage would be the limiting factor and additional requirements would potentially require MSU(s)

Runways

Runways and hardstand are in good condition. All surfaces are asphalt and daily inspections are undertaken. There are no apparent issues which could affect the future use. 

Helicopter Pad(s)

There are no dedicated helicopter pads, and any arrivals are required to use the hardstands area for fuelling and Northwest corner of the apron for flight maintenance and engine run-up.

Airport Infrastructure Details

The airport consists of a single main terminal and small ground handling shed. Handling Equipment is well maintained including ramps elevators and fuel supply equipment. Emergency equipment is well maintained and used and inspected daily.

Airport Operating Details

Customs Guidance

As with all states in the FSM Customs is nationally controlled and regulated through the Department of Finance and Tax Administration. DFTA Customs officers are based in each state capital and attend the airport upon the arrival of each aircraft. Attendance at the airport is dependent on the schedule otherwise customs is located at their field offices between 8am-5pm Monday – Friday

Standard shipment documentation is required to clear customs and is processed at the airport at state level. For tax and duty exemption the procedure is to obtain the exemption letter for humanitarian goods through DECEM and the Dept of Transport and Infrastructure in Palikir and for such an exemption letter to be provided with the clearance documentation at the port level ideally prior to the arrival of the shipment. 

Clearance time for consignment is 24-48 hours and humanitarian goods will be prioritised in an emergency provided correct documentation is complete.

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

Storage Facilities

There are no storage facilities available inside the airport perimeter. However there are a small number of small warehouses outside the airport including one belonging to the State Government While it would need to be confirmed, there is a potential MSU site located to the north of the ground handling equipment shed that may be available in case of emergency.   

 

Airfield Costs

Navigation Charges

All charges are the responsibility of the carrier and can be paid at the Airport manager’s office in the terminal building unless other arrangements have been made.

Fuel Services Charges

All fuel is provided via Vital / FSM Petroleum and they are responsible for fuelling aircraft using tanker trucks.

Cargo Terminal Charges

There is no regular general freight handling provider. United Airlines as the main carrier have dedicated ground crew for loading and loading passenger aircraft. CTSI Logistics provide ground services to APA for the twice weekly air freight service providing mail and parcel freight.

It was indicated by DECEM that in the event of a state of emergency, fees and charges would be waived for humanitarian aircrafts.

Air-bridge Charges

NA

Security

The security of the airport falls under the responsibility of the Department of Transport Communications and Infrastructure. As part of meeting FFA compliance for airport operations security is structured and effective.

The airport is fully fenced, and access can only be gained with photo ID through a security gate. Non airport staffs are escorted by security.