Airport
Moruroa Airport (UOA)
Moruroa Airport is a small, restricted airfield on Moruroa Atoll in the Tuamotu Archipelago of French Polynesia, known mainly for its role in French nuclear testing. Travelers continue onward by air to Papeete, Tahiti and nearby atolls, as the atoll has no public road access or regular commercial services.
Passengers
Luggage
About Moruroa Airport
Moruroa Airport is a small, restricted airfield on Moruroa Atoll, part of the Tuamotu Archipelago in French Polynesia. Located about 1,250 km southeast of Tahiti, it mainly supports official, scientific and controlled-access flights rather than regular commercial passenger services.
The atoll is best known as a former French nuclear test site, with testing carried out between 1966 and 1996. The airfield developed as part of that program and continues to serve environmental monitoring, research and occasional official visits, with access strictly controlled by French authorities.
The airport has a single asphalt runway, 08/26, measuring about 2,319 metres, and a small terminal facility. Travel to and from the atoll is by air, with Faa'a International Airport on Tahiti as the main connecting point, often via intermediate atolls such as Hao.
Because Moruroa Atoll has no public access and limited passenger infrastructure, visitors should not expect conventional airport services. Journeys are generally arranged in advance and require official authorization, with onward connections to Tahiti and other parts of French Polynesia by authorized aircraft.
Terminal Overview
Terminals
Moruroa Airport operates through a single small terminal facility serving its one runway. The airfield mainly supports official, scientific and controlled-access flights, so conventional passenger terminal infrastructure is limited.
Ground Transportation Services to and from Moruroa Airport
Transfers
Private transfers at Moruroa Airport are limited by the atoll's restricted status. Authorized travelers can arrange pre-approved ground transport between the airfield and permitted sites, while onward travel to Tahiti is by air.
Hourly Chauffeur
Hourly chauffeur services are not generally available to the public at Moruroa Airport. Authorized visitors may arrange official vehicles in advance for movement between the airfield and permitted locations on the atoll.
Car Rental
Public car rental is not available at Moruroa Airport, and independent driving on the atoll is not permitted. Authorized movements use official vehicles arranged in advance.
Bus & Group Transfers
Public bus and group transfer services do not operate at Moruroa Airport. Organized groups with official authorization may arrange pre-approved transport on the atoll, with onward connections to Tahiti by air.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Destinations
View all
Papeete
Papeete, French Polynesia's capital on Tahiti's northwest coast, blends a busy harbour and market scene with French and Polynesian culture, serving as the gateway to the Windward Islands.
Tuamotu-Gambier
Tuamotu-Gambier, a vast archipelago in French Polynesia, is known for its coral atolls, turquoise lagoons and remote island way of life.
Marquesas Islands
The Marquesas Islands, a remote archipelago in French Polynesia, are known for dramatic volcanic landscapes, rich Polynesian culture and archaeological sites.
Uturoa
Uturoa, the main town of Raiatea and administrative center of French Polynesia's Leeward Islands, sits on a sheltered harbor with views toward Tahaa and a relaxed Polynesian pace. Its waterfront market, lagoon views, and surrounding vanilla farms and archaeological sites reflect the island's deep Polynesian heritage.