Coral runway and palm-lined apron at Aranuka Airport in Kiribati, with turquoise lagoon water and a small turboprop in morning light

Airport

Aranuka Airport (AAK)

Aranuka Airport is a small domestic airstrip serving Buariki village on Aranuka Atoll in the Gilbert Islands of Kiribati. It is the main gateway to the atoll, with onward travel from the airstrip to Buariki and nearby settlements by foot, motorbike, or local truck.

Passengers

Luggage

About Aranuka Airport

Aranuka Airport is a small domestic airstrip serving Aranuka Atoll in the Gilbert Islands of Kiribati. It is located on Buariki, the largest island of the atoll, about one kilometre north of the centre of Buariki village.

The airport is used by Air Kiribati, which operates a limited domestic schedule, typically twice a week. Flights usually connect through Kuria Airport and continue to Bonriki International Airport on Tarawa, linking the atoll with the national capital and onward connections.

The airstrip has a single unpaved runway of roughly 900 metres and no formal terminal building; passengers gather in a simple open-air shelter known as a kia kia. Check-in and baggage handling are carried out manually by local airline staff.

Facilities are minimal, with no shops, cafés, lounges, or Wi-Fi, so visitors should plan to be self-sufficient. Onward travel from the airport to Buariki village is usually by foot, motorbike, or locally arranged truck.

Coral-gravel airstrip and palm-fringed islet of Aranuka Airport in Kiribati, seen from above beside turquoise lagoon water

Terminal Overview

Travelers walking beneath terminal signs inside an airport

Terminals

Aranuka Airport has no formal passenger terminal building. Passengers use a simple open-air shelter, locally known as a kia kia, which serves both arrivals and departures on the atoll's single domestic airstrip.

Ground Transportation Services to and from Aranuka Airport

Transfers

Book local transfers from Aranuka Airport to Buariki village, guesthouses, and other areas of Aranuka Atoll after your flight arrives.

Hourly Chauffeur

Arrange a local driver by the hour for flexible travel from Aranuka Airport around Buariki and nearby parts of the atoll.

Car Rental

Car rental is not available at Aranuka Airport; independent travel is typically arranged through local motorbike or truck hire in Buariki.

Bus & Group Transfers

Organize local truck or boat transfers for groups travelling between Aranuka Airport, Buariki, and other settlements on the atoll.

Frequently Asked Questions