Airport Overview

Kosrae International Airport (KSA) is located on the fringing reef adjacent to the Okat district of Kosrae Island. The airport receives regular commercial flights from Guam (via Pohnpei) and Honolulu (via the Marshall Islands). United Airlines provide the main passenger service to Kosrae and Asia Pacific Air (APA) provide airfreight services twice weekly dropping off and picking up mail and parcel freight.

Caroline Islands Air also makes periodic flights from Kosrae to Pohnpei International Airport in the FSM and Enewetak Atoll in the Marshall Islands (note service temporarily suspended awaiting arrival of new aircraft at time of writing).

The airport has a passenger terminal but has no freight storage facilities. It complies with FAA standards and regulations in its operation.

The airport is operated by the Kosrae Port Authority under the authority of the state government

 

Airport Picture

• Hard Stand
• United Cargo
• Security Gate
• Kosrae Port Authority offices
• Terminal Building

  - Customs

              - Immigration

• Emergency Services
• Fuel Depot
• Potential MSU Site

Description and Contacts of Key Companies

Kosrae Airport is operated by the Kosrae Port Authority (KPA) who are located in the Airport Terminal. Airport operations are run directly by KPA with several contracted services being provided by private companies. Ground handling for passenger aircraft is handled by United Airlines staff who also provide handling for air freight services provided by APA.

Fuel services to the airport are handled by FSM Petroleum Corporation 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 service Kosrae 6 times a week daily. The flight route also acts as a domestic flight route to and from Weno, Kosrae and Guam for connecting flights to Yap and on to the Marshall Islands. United Airlines use Boeing 737-800 but arrival passenger traffic maybe as little as 20-40/day.

The airport’s cargo carrying capacity is minimal but efficient with good working equipment. Incoming freight movements are currently two cargo flights per week and goods are usually less than that carried on a single pallet. There is a serviceable forklift available for unloading and freight movement capacity will only be restricted by this. There is a small storage warehouse belonging to United Airlines that would be available in emergencies.

There are no known measures planned to make further improvements to the airport.

Runways

Runways and hardstand have recently been upgraded in the last 5 years and as such 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 hard stand area in front of the terminal.

Airport Infrastructure Details

The airport terminal area consists of a single main terminal and adjacent United cargo area. The Emergency Services building is beside the United cargo bay and house 3 x tankers. Handling equipment is well maintained including elevator belt, forklift 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 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 is a small storage facility available at the airport belonging to United Airlines which is approximately 100m² of floor space. While this is used for daily operations it is also available for use in emergencies. 

 

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 Corporation and is supplied direct from Vital to a single point refuelling.  

Cargo Terminal Charges

There is no regular general freight handling provider. United Airlines as the main carrier has dedicated ground crew for loading and loading passenger aircraft who 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.

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.