Tubuai - Mataura Airport, located in Tubuai, French Polynesia, is a small regional airport serving the Tubuai and Mataura Islands. The airport is situated on Tubuai Island, which is part of the Austral Islands archipelago in French Polynesia. The airport is an important transportation hub for the local population, serving as a vital link between Tubuai Island, the rest of French Polynesia, and other international destinations.

Tubuai - Mataura Airport has a single asphalt runway designated 09/27, measuring 1,200 meters in length. The airport primarily serves domestic flights to and from other islands in French Polynesia, such as Tahiti, Raiatea, Bora Bora, and Rurutu. These flights are operated by Air Tahiti, the national carrier of French Polynesia, using small turboprop aircraft such as the ATR 42 and ATR 72.

Despite its relatively small size and limited infrastructure, Tubuai - Mataura Airport plays a crucial role in connecting the remote Austral Islands with the rest of French Polynesia. The airport provides essential air transportation services for the local population, including residents, businesses, and tourists visiting the region. It serves as a lifeline for the communities on Tubuai Island, facilitating travel, trade, and tourism between the islands and mainland French Polynesia.

In addition to domestic flights, Tubuai - Mataura Airport also has the capability to handle emergency medical evacuation flights, providing critical support for residents in need of urgent medical care. The airport's strategic location in the Austral Islands makes it a vital resource for responding to medical emergencies and ensuring timely access to healthcare services for the local population.

Despite its importance as a regional transportation hub, Tubuai - Mataura Airport faces several challenges and limitations. The airport's runway is relatively short and narrow, restricting the size and type of aircraft that can operate at the facility. This limits the airport's capacity and ability to accommodate larger aircraft for potential future expansion of air services to and from Tubuai Island.

Furthermore, Tubuai - Mataura Airport lacks modern amenities and facilities commonly found at larger international airports, such as passenger terminals, lounges, restaurants, and retail shops. The airport's infrastructure is basic and functional, designed to meet the essential needs of travelers and airlines operating in the region.

Despite these challenges, Tubuai - Mataura Airport remains a vital asset for the communities of Tubuai and Mataura Islands, providing essential air transportation services and connectivity to the rest of French Polynesia. The airport's role in facilitating domestic flights, emergency medical evacuations, and supporting the local economy underscores its importance as a critical lifeline for the remote Austral Islands.

In conclusion, Tubuai - Mataura Airport plays a crucial role in connecting the communities of Tubuai and Mataura Islands with the rest of French Polynesia. Despite its limitations and challenges, the airport serves as a vital transportation hub, providing essential air services for residents, businesses, and visitors in the region. Its strategic location and role in supporting domestic flights and emergency medical evacuations highlight the airport's significance as a lifeline for the remote Austral Islands.