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Vanuatu's northern gateway serving Espiritu Santo island.
Opened
1942
Location
Luganville, Vanuatu
Santo Pekoa International Airport (IATA: SON, ICAO: NVSS) is located near Luganville on Espiritu Santo, Vanuatu's largest island. It serves as the primary air access point for the northern islands of Vanuatu, handling both domestic and limited international traffic.
The airport was developed on land that was historically significant during World War II, when Espiritu Santo served as a major Allied military base in the Pacific. The airfield's origins trace back to wartime construction by American forces.
Today, the airport connects Luganville to Port Vila and select regional destinations, supporting tourism, commerce, and inter-island connectivity in this remote Pacific archipelago.
Terminals
The airport has a single, modest terminal building handling both domestic and international arrivals and departures.
Getting to & from
Taxis and rental vehicles are the main means of ground transport between the airport and Luganville town, located a short distance away.
Airlines here
Air Vanuatu is the primary carrier operating services at Santo Pekoa, connecting Luganville to Port Vila and other regional destinations.
Notable facts
- ›Built during World War II as a major Allied military airbase on Espiritu Santo.
- ›Espiritu Santo served as one of the largest US military bases in the South Pacific during WWII.
- ›The airport is named after the Pekoa area where it is situated.
- ›It is the second busiest airport in Vanuatu after Bauerfield International Airport in Port Vila.
- ›Espiritu Santo is Vanuatu's largest island and a significant diving and tourism destination.
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 Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.
