In the far reaches of the South Pacific Ocean lies an airport that holds a unique and intriguing distinction. Mataveri International Airport (IATA: IPC), located on Easter Island, is often regarded as the world's most remote airport, situated 1,617 miles (2,603 km) from the closest airport in Mangareva, the Gambier Islands (French Polynesia).
A jewel in the Pacific
Easter Island, known as Rapa Nui by its indigenous inhabitants, is a Chilean territory located over 2,000 miles (3218 km) off the coast of South America. The island's closest inhabited neighbor is Pitcairn Island, some 1,200 miles (1,931 km) away.
IPC is the only gateway to this isolated paradise, connecting it to the rest of the world. The airport's remote location has made it an enigma, attracting 100,000 adventurous visitors yearly, eager to explore the island's unique blend of natural beauty and ancient history.
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Traveling to IPC
Despite its remote location, IPC is equipped to handle modern air travel needs. The airport was once designated as an abort site for the US Space Shuttle, and as such, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) undertook an extension project of IPC’s single asphalt runway in the 1980s.
While the launch activity was canceled, the airport today reaps the benefits of a runway that stretches 10,885 feet (3,318 meters), capable of handling commercial airliners, including wide-bodied jets. Apart from several charter flights that fly to IPC, LATAM operates six weekly direct flights linking the island to Santiago, the capital of Chile (2,336 miles / 3,759 km away). A weekly flight to Tahiti (2,643 miles / 4,254 km away) connects IPC to its only international destination.
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The airport experience
IPC is a small airport, packed with practical services. Complimentary parking is available for vehicles, and just in front of the terminal stands a modest structure housing multiple stalls vending souvenirs.
Upon arrival, passengers are often welcomed with a necklace of local flowers – and when you depart the island, a farewell gift of a seashell necklace is offered. It's worth noting that visitors are prohibited from bringing in food, including fruits and vegetables, without declaration. Similarly, stones and other native materials cannot be removed from the island without permission.
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A journey to remember
IPC stands as a testament to humanity's ability to connect the most remote corners of the world. It offers intrepid travelers a rare opportunity to experience the fusion of ancient history and modern convenience, all set against the backdrop of a stunning South Pacific landscape.
As you step off the plane onto the tarmac of Mataveri, you embark on a journey that transcends distance and time, revealing the extraordinary tales of Easter Island and the enduring spirit of exploration. This captivating destination offers a glimpse into a world where isolation meets the extraordinary, leaving travelers with an unforgettable experience.
Source: Imagina Rapa Nui