Maota Airport Reopens After 26 Years

By Jeannie Penehuro/

Apia, SAMOA – 8 October 2026 – Flights to Maota Airport reopened this morning after 26 years restoring crucial air connection between Upolu and Savaii and opportunities for commercial development, tourism and emergency medical access.

Flights to Maota Airport ceased in 2000 and has reopened with refurbished check in facilities, security screening, departure waiting area and VIP room and arrival area. The tarmac will also be upgraded using U.S. standard asphalt tar and lights for 24 access.

Prime Minister and Minister for the Samoa Airport Authority, La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Polataivao Fosi Schmidt, said as a Savaiian himself, he understood the impact the loss of regular flights had had on the people of Savai‘i.

He said the restoring the air services was about creating greater opportunities for Savai‘i and ensuring the island benefited from infrastructure and services available elsewhere in Samoa.

Refurbished facilities for passengers at Maota Airport.

He thanked everyone involved in making the reopening possible, including the Board of Directors of the Samoa Airport Authority, the Board of Directors and management of Samoa Airways.

The Prime Minister also called on the business community to work together to help revive tourism and business development in Savai‘i.

The reopening will also provide a faster option for patients who need emergency transfer for medical treatment in Upolu.

La’auli said air travel would take about 10 minutes and cheaper, compared to transporting patients by ferry that takes an hour by sea and cost around $20,000.

Maota Airport Security for outgoing passengers.

He also urged residents living around Maota Airport to take responsibility for protecting the facility.

He reminded the community that the airport is a government asset and should be cared for by everyone.

La’auli reaffirms that the reopening also reflected the Government’s commitment to giving equal attention to development in constituencies across Upolu and Savai‘i.

While the airport has now reopened, further improvements are planned.

The runway is expected to be tar-sealed using U.S. tar asphalt, and lighting installed for the runway to allow for 24 hours access.

Prime Minister La’auli also suggested that airport management consider using solar energy to support the facility.

Samoa Airways announces promotional fares
The inaugural flight left Fagali‘i Airport for Maota at 10:30am, arriving and welcomed by guests who applauded and sang “Ua Faafetai” as the first passengers led by the Miss Samoa, the CEO of Samoa Airways, the Attorney General, the CEO of the Samoa Tourism Authority.

Samoa Airways Chief Executive Officer Fauo’o Fatu Tielu told Talamua before he boarded the first flight to Savai‘i said, the return of flights would support the development of Savai‘i and give residents more options when urgent travel is required.

He also confirmed a promotional fare of $120 one way or $240 return.

Samoa Airways aircraft 5W-FAW will operate two flights a day between Upolu and Savai‘i from Monday to Saturday, with morning and afternoon services and one flight on Sundays.

Samoa Airways currently has two aircrafts, with one operating services to Tutuila and the other serving Savai‘i.

The airline’s Twin Otter, FW-FAY, is currently in Canada for repair following the recent accident in American Samoa shortly after the aircraft returned from a major overhaul.

The reopening ceremony at Maota Airport this morning marked the official return of scheduled domestic air services to Savai‘i after 26 years.