Review: Tuvalu – More Than Just a Sinking Island?

• Airline: Fiji Airways
• Class: Business & Economy
• Aircraft: ATR 72-600
• Route: Nadi (NAD) via Funafuti (FUN)

I just wrapped up an incredible trip to Tuvalu, the tiny Pacific nation often branded as the “least visited country on Earth” and the first to disappear due to climate change. As an aviation YouTuber, my focus was squarely on the tarmac, and trust me, Tuvalu’s airport is unlike anything you’ve ever seen.

The most unique aspect of Tuvalu is the airport. The runway pretty much occupies half the land! When a Fiji Airways ATR-72 isn’t landing or taking off (which is only a few times a week), the runway immediately transforms into the island’s central social space.

People play rugby, volleyball, and motorbikes cross it constantly until the siren blares to clear everyone off for a flight. For an AvGeek, running my morning jog on an active runway? That was a dream come true!

Tuvalu is not the least visited country anymore. The claim is a brilliant marketing slogan that has successfully attracted international attention (and funding). I did the math: with five flights a week, the visitor count is likely in the tens of thousands, not the 3,000 they claim.

The title now belongs to Somalia. While the branding is a cash cow, it’s certainly effective at bringing people here.
 

The island is small, easily crossed in minutes, and is making steps towards modernization (they just installed ATMs!). I even got a quick ride across the country on a borrowed police scooter!

I also saw a private Learjet picking up the Prime Minister, provided by the US government, a fascinating sight on this remote island.

However, I have to be honest: while I understand the concerns about rising sea levels, the litter and rubbish scattered everywhere across the island made me question the sincerity of the community’s environmental concerns. It’s a controversial point, but one I felt needed sharing.

Tuvalu is special, primarily because of its unique aviation operations and the experience of seeing a runway double as a public park. The people are lovely and welcoming. But if you’re ranking the beautiful Pacific islands purely on overall experience, I’d rate Christmas Island higher.

Aviation-wise? It’s a must-see. The runway and the operations are truly one-of-a-kind.

This is it guys, wherever you’re off to, have a safe trip!