Tahiti Faa'a International Airport

History

Tahiti Faa'a International Airport was inaugurated on October 16, 1961. Built on Motu Tahiri (the islet where a light breeze blows), it is, like the port of Papeete, a vital artery for the transport of freight and passengers. Its runway, over 3420 meters long, even welcomed the Concorde. That was on September 13, 1985. But unfortunately, it is the date of July 22, 1973, that will remain sadly etched in our memories. On that day, a Boeing 707 crashed into the sea just after takeoff, killing 78 of the 79 people on board.

Tahiti Faa'a International Airport seen from the rise of the Cité de l'Air. — Tahiti Faa'a Airport

Local services…

Since French Polynesia has an area equivalent to that of Europe, it is obviously essential to shorten distances by offering everyone the possibility of reaching the 5 archipelagos relatively quickly. For example, the Marquesas Islands are only 3 hours 20 minutes from the capital, while it takes 14 days by boat. Air Tahiti and Air Moana therefore connect the pearl of the Pacific to its sister island, Moorea, the Leeward Islands (Huahine, Raiatea, Bora Bora), the Tuamotu Islands, the Gambier Islands, the Austral Islands, and, as mentioned above, the Marquesas Islands.

People who read this article literally jumped on: The legend of the pierced mountain of Moorea

…And international

The west and north of Tahiti are served internationally by various airlines. For example, you can reach the Cook Islands, Fiji, New Caledonia, and the Caribbean.Edonie and New Zealand. Hawaii and Japan are also accessible non-stop, while Los Angeles and San Francisco are classic gateways to the metropolis. Seattle in the USA is also a possible destination.

Flower and shell necklaces

Local tradition dictates that anyone arriving in Tahiti is greeted with a flower necklace. Often made of tiare, the symbolic flower of Tahiti gives off an intoxicating scent that those arriving will never forget. It is said that smell is the sense that most marks memory. It is therefore quite normal that this scent was so familiar to me when I landed at the airport in November 2020, even 18 years after leaving! As for the people who leave the fenua, it is with shell necklaces that they will leave paradise. We easily recognize the most appreciated ones since they leave bent under the weight of several kilos of shells on their shoulders! This necklace is a symbol of protection, love and respect towards a person we want to see return.

The fare Hei

And to get these famous necklaces, just cross the airport access road. You will quickly reach the fare hei (house of crowns) where Tahitian women in multi-colored dresses will offer you their famous handcrafted necklaces. Their smiles and good humor are also an excellent way to see that the quality of Polynesian hospitality is anything but a legend.