Airport Overview

Yap International Airport is at the southern end of the Yap Islands, also called Wa'ab, a group of four continental islands connected by a single reef. The airport receives regular commercial flights from Guam and Palau. Pacific Missionary Aviation makes periodic trips to Palau and the outer island airfields of Ulithi , Fais & Woleai. (Woleai Airfield is currently scheduled for runway rehabilitation repairs. It is often temporarily closed due to standing rainwater after a rainfall).

Yap International airport falls under the National Department of Transport Communications and Infrastructure Civil Aviation Division who are responsible for regulation compliance and policy for all FSM airport and airfield operations. As such the Yap airport complies with FFA standards and regulations in its operation.

The airport has a passenger terminal with customs immigration and quarantine services. The terminal itself has no freight storage facilities that can be used on a general daily basis

The terminal building is currently under renovation to improve the baggage handling and departure lounge.

Airport Picture

 

• • Terminal Building
    • Customs
    • Immigration
    • United Airlines Office
  • Emergency Services
  • Fuel Depot
  • Hard Stand
  • (Potential) MSU Site
  • Pacific Missionary Aviation (PMA) hangar

Description and Contacts of Key Companies

Yap Airport is operated by the Department Public Works & Transportation. Airport operations are run directly by airport administration.

Ground handling for passenger aircraft is handled by United Airlines.

Pacific Missionary Aviation (PMA) and Caroline Islands Air (currently out of service) operate out of Yap airport.

Fuel services to the airport are handled by FSM Petroleum Company who have a fuel depot located on the eastern side of the terminal.

PMA also provide fuel service to commuter aircrafts (JET A1 and AVGAS) located on the western side of the terminal.

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 service Yap 1 times per month and 2 flights beginning November (following pandemic close down). The flight route also acts as the FSM domestic flight route from and to Weno Chuuk, Kosrae, Pohnpei and Guam for connecting flights to Yap. United airlines use a Boeing 737-800 but arrival passenger traffic maybe as little as 10-20/day. PMA services the Yap outer island and weekly flight to Palau.

CIA was tasked to fly from Yap to Palau since United Airlines withdrew its service on this route however it is not currently in service pending arrival of a new aircraft.

The airports cargo carrying capacity is minimal. Incoming freight movements are currently scheduled on Thursdays with one APA cargo flight per week as with the other states.

Inbound general freight weights are usually on average 8,000kg including postal mail averaging 500kg per flight. There is however no storage space available at the airport other than the PMA warehouse with limited use, however a warehouse of 500m² of floor space is scheduled to be built.

CTSI Logistics have one FMC-Cargo loader stationed at the airport and operated by Micronesian Forwarder. This equipment is for loading and off-loading LD-7 size pallets and larger containers.

There are now two projects underway at the airport, Evault and Runway Rehabilitation Projects scheduled to be complete within 24months time. There are also US Military plans to extend the runway to 10,000ft. and include aircraft hangers and support facilities

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 future use. 

Helicopter Pad(s)

There are no dedicated helicopter pads and any arrivals are required to use the hard stand area in front of the terminal.

Airport Infrastructure Details

The airport consist of a single main terminal and hanger for PMA to the west of the terminal. Handling Equipment is well maintained including ramps elevators and fuel supply equipment. Emergency equipment is well maintained, used and inspected daily.

Airport Operating Details

Customs Guidance

 As will 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 to 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 prioritized in an emergency provided correct documentation is complete.

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

Storage Facilities

There are no storage facilities available for general cargo. Temporary storage may be available at PMA hanger pending their agreement.

There is a potential MSU site identified by the DCO that would be available in case of emergency. This site is located to the eastern side of the Apron.

 

Airfield Costs

Navigation Charges

Yap Airport is operated by the Sates Department of Transport and Public works and is responsible for all aircraft charges.

Fuel Services Charges

All fuel is provided via Vital / FSM Petroleum Company and is supplied via a single ground port from a small bunker/tank at the airport. Recent airport improvements did not include an upgrade to the single point ground refueling and it is expected that a tanker service will provide for direct refueling in the future.

All charges for the service are applied directly by FSM PC at the time of refueling. Any new customers without an account will be required to prearrange any fuel supplies 48hrs in advance.

FSM Petroleum fuel depot

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. United also provide ground services to APA the twice weekly air freight service providing mail and parcel freight.

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

Air-bridge Charges

There are no air bridges used in Yap.

Security

The security of the airport falls under the responsibility of the Department of Transport Communications and Infrastructure. As part of meeting FAA 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 staff are escorted by security.