Gateway to Aitutaki's stunning lagoon and outer islands.
Opened
1944
Location
Aitutaki, Cook Islands
Aitutaki Airport (IATA: AIT, ICAO: NCAI) is a small domestic and international airport serving the island of Aitutaki in the Cook Islands. It is the second busiest airport in the Cook Islands after Rarotonga International Airport and serves as the primary entry point for visitors to Aitutaki's world-famous lagoon.
The airport handles scheduled services primarily from Rarotonga, with Air Rarotonga operating the main inter-island link. Occasional international charter flights have also used the airport, historically including services from New Zealand.
Given Aitutaki's small population and tourism-driven economy, the airport plays a vital role in connecting the island to the rest of the Cook Islands and supporting the local hospitality industry.
Terminals
The airport has a single small terminal building adequate for the low-volume inter-island and occasional international traffic it handles.
Getting to & from
Ground transport to the main village and resorts is available via taxi and resort transfers, as the island is small and distances are short.
Airlines here
Air Rarotonga is the primary airline serving Aitutaki Airport, operating scheduled inter-island flights from Rarotonga.
Notable facts
- ›The runway was originally built by the United States military during World War II in 1944.
- ›Aitutaki Airport has historically received direct international charter flights from New Zealand.
- ›The airport is situated on a narrow strip of land close to the famous Aitutaki lagoon.
- ›The airport's ICAO code is NCAI, with NC indicating the Cook Islands.
- ›Aitutaki is one of the most visited outer islands in the Cook Islands, largely due to its turquoise lagoon.
This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.
