Southwest Bay Airport travel guide background
SWJNVSXSmall Airport

Southwest Bay Airport

Malekula Island, Vanuatu68 ft elevation

IATA

SWJ

Three-letter passenger code.

ICAO

NVSX

Operational aviation identifier.

Elevation

68 ft

The elevation is typical for the region.

Coordinates

-16.49, 167.45

Malekula Island map position.

Airport scale

Small Airport

The airport is easier to read than the largest hubs, but schedules can cluster around regional arrival and departure waves.

Southwest Bay Airport overview

Southwest Bay Airport (SWJ) serves Malekula Island, Vanuatu. It is listed as a small airport, so this guide focuses on practical location context, airport identifiers, nearby alternates, and the details travelers can verify before planning a route through SWJ.

The airport sits at 68 feet above sea level. Its coordinates are -16.4864, 167.4472, which helps travelers compare the airport with city access points and other airports in Vanuatu.

Nearby alternatives include Lamap Airport (LPM) and Norsup Airport (NUS). Compare those pages when checking backup airports, local access, or regional routing across Oceania.

SWJ planning callout

Oceania trips often involve long sectors, so protect rest, baggage, and onward domestic connection buffers. For this page, compare SWJ with nearby airport links and the Vanuatu country guide before finalizing route choices.

Southwest Bay Airport unique facts

SWJ fact 1

Southwest Bay Airport uses IATA code SWJ and ICAO code NVSX.

SWJ fact 2

SWJ serves Malekula Island in Vanuatu.

SWJ fact 3

In this directory, it ranks #21 by estimated passenger scale among listed Vanuatu airports.

SWJ fact 4

Across Oceania, this airport ranks #1047 in the current featured airport set.

SWJ fact 5

Southwest Bay Airport is classified as a small airport, based on airport type and available passenger estimates.

SWJ fact 6

SWJ sits 68 feet above sea level.

Southwest Bay Airport facilities

Southwest Bay Airport restaurants

At SWJ, check whether dining is concentrated landside or airside before settling near the gate.

SWJ lounges

For Southwest Bay Airport, lounge access usually depends on airline, alliance status, cabin, or paid-entry rules.

SWJ WiFi

Use airport WiFi for maps, airline alerts, and transport bookings before leaving Southwest Bay Airport.

Malekula Island airport parking

For departures from Malekula Island, compare terminal-adjacent parking with long-stay lots and shuttle timing.

SWJ accessibility

Request mobility assistance with your airline before traveling through Southwest Bay Airport; same-day help can be slower at peak times.

SWJ ATMs

ATMs are most useful for small arrival cash needs in Vanuatu; compare fees before withdrawing large amounts.

SWJ currency exchange

Currency desks at Southwest Bay Airport are convenient after arrival, but city rates may be better for larger exchanges.

SWJ car rental

Save SWJ as your return point and follow airport rental-car signs rather than only city directions.

Southwest Bay Airport airport hotels

Airport hotels near Southwest Bay Airport are useful for early departures, long layovers, and weather-sensitive connections.

SWJ medical help

For urgent health needs at SWJ, ask airport staff for first aid or the nearest medical room.

SWJ charging

At Southwest Bay Airport, charge devices before boarding if you rely on mobile boarding passes, maps, or rideshare pickup.

SWJ business travel

Southwest Bay Airport business travelers should verify lounge, workspace, and fast-track options before peak departure waves.

SWJ family travel

Families using SWJ should confirm stroller rules, family rooms, and walking distances before security.

Southwest Bay Airport transportation

SWJ taxi and rideshare

Taxi or rideshare is the simplest choice at SWJ when arriving late or carrying luggage into Malekula Island.

SWJ train or metro

If rail is available at Southwest Bay Airport, compare it against traffic-sensitive road transfers before choosing a taxi.

SWJ bus and coaches

Bus service is usually the best-value option for Malekula Island, but confirm stop location and operating hours for early departures from SWJ.

SWJ driving and car rental

For rental cars, save the airport code SWJ in navigation and follow terminal-specific return signs rather than only city-center directions.

Southwest Bay Airport location

SWJ

Southwest Bay Airport

-16.4864, 167.4472

Southwest Bay Airport traveler tips

SWJ tip 1

Check the departure board before settling in; smaller schedules can cluster around a few busy waves.

SWJ tip 2

Weather delays are usually more tied to regional systems than airport elevation.

SWJ tip 3

Confirm ground transport availability for late arrivals, especially outside the main city center.

SWJ tip 4

For photos and window views, note the field orientation around -16.49 latitude and 167.45 longitude.

SWJ tip 5

If flying general aviation or charter, verify operating hours, handling, and fuel availability before departure.

SWJ tip 6

Oceania trips often involve long sectors, so protect rest, baggage, and onward domestic connection buffers.

Southwest Bay Airport FAQ

Where is Southwest Bay Airport located?

Southwest Bay Airport (SWJ) is located in Malekula Island, Vanuatu, at coordinates -16.4864, 167.4472.

What is the IATA code for Southwest Bay Airport?

The IATA code for Southwest Bay Airport is SWJ. Its ICAO code is NVSX.

Is Southwest Bay Airport a large airport?

Southwest Bay Airport is classified as a small airport in the OurAirports dataset and reads as a small airport in this guide. The airport is easier to read than the largest hubs, but schedules can cluster around regional arrival and departure waves.

How early should I arrive at SWJ?

For Southwest Bay Airport, arrive earlier during morning and evening departure banks. International travelers should generally plan more buffer than domestic travelers, especially if bags or document checks are involved.

What elevation is Southwest Bay Airport?

Southwest Bay Airport is 68 feet above sea level; The elevation is typical for the region..

Does Southwest Bay Airport have scheduled airline service?

Southwest Bay Airport is marked as not having scheduled service in the current airport dataset.

What city does SWJ serve?

SWJ primarily serves Malekula Island and the surrounding region.

Are there nearby airports to SWJ?

Nearby comparison airports include Lamap Airport (LPM) and Norsup Airport (NUS).

What transport should I check first at SWJ?

Oceania trips often involve long sectors, so protect rest, baggage, and onward domestic connection buffers. For Southwest Bay Airport, compare fixed-link transit, official taxis, rideshare pickup, and hotel transfer options before arrival.

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