Airport History
Opened in 1974, Rarotonga International Airport transformed travel to the Cook Islands, replacing the original grass airstrip with a modern facility capable of international flights. Strategically located on Rarotonga’s north coast, it has since become a vital gateway, connecting the islands to the world and supporting tourism and economic growth
1942
US Army built Penrhyn airstrip
1943
US Army built Aitutaki airstrip
1944 – 1945
- The New Zealand National Airways Corporation take over the regular fortnight service from NZ to Rarotonga with DC3 aircraft
- January 1951 – The first DC4 to land on the Rarotonga airstrip was the Trans-Ocean Airlines called the ‘Kansas City Kitty
- Also provided service via Norfolk Island, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa
1947 – 1952
- The New Zealand National Airways Corporation take over the regular fortnight service from NZ to Rarotonga with DC3 aircraft
- January 1951 – The first DC4 to land on the Rarotonga airstrip was the Trans-Ocean Airlines called the ‘Kansas City Kitty
- Also provided service via Norfolk Island, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa
1951 – 1960
- TEAL (Tasman Empire Airways) provided Flying Boat service via Laucala, Satapuala, Aitutaki, Bora Bora and Tahiti.
- Solent Fly Boats replace New Zealand National Airways Corporation, also operated by Tasman Empire Airlines to Aitutaki.
- November – TEAL (Air New Zealand) began the world-famous ‘Coral Route’ using the Aitutaki Lagoon
1963 – 1966
Polynesian Airlines and TEAL agreement. TEAL purchased all seats between Apia and Rarotonga to enable a service to be provided to Rarotonga
Polynesian Airlines and TEAL operating the NZ – Apia – Rarotonga route
Polynesian Airlines and TEAL agreement. TEAL purchased all seats between Apia and Rarotonga to enable a service to be provided to Rarotonga
Polynesian Airlines and TEAL operating the NZ – Apia – Rarotonga route
1966
The Royal New Zealand Air Force was again required to provide a service to the Cooks.
1969 - 07 February
Aviation Agreement signed between New Zealand and the Cook Islands
1970 - 11 June
Work on the new international airport started
1973 - 05 September
The first jet aircraft to land at Rarotonga on the completed strip was an Air Pacific BAC 1-11 series 475
1974 - 29 January
Official opening of the Rarotonga International Airport by Queen Elizabeth II
1982 - 5 November
First Boeing 747 service Auckland to Rarotonga
1986 - June
Airport Authority was formed
1991
Changes to the terminal
1994
- Pacific Region Conference of the Airports International Council held in Rarotonga
- Publication of “Coming in on a Jet Plane” by Colin Hall – A Pictorial History of the Cook Islands International Airport, Rarotonga,
1996 – 1997
Aitutaki Terminal construction started and later opened in 1997
2003 – 2004
Sealing Aitutaki runway started
Sealing Aitutaki runway started
2006
Rarotonga Domestic and Check-in area extended
Rarotonga Domestic and Check-in area extended
2009
Upgrade of Rarotonga International Airport Terminals (Arrivals and Departures) started
Upgrade of Rarotonga International Airport Terminals (Arrivals and Departures) started
2010
Upgraded Terminals opened
Upgraded Terminals opened
2017
Rarotonga Car Park upgraded to computerized 24 hour ticketed parking
Rarotonga Car Park upgraded to computerized 24 hour ticketed parking
2018
Upgraded Instrument Landing System
Upgraded Instrument Landing System
2019
Airport Authority two young women become the first females to join the Airport Rescue Fire Service
Airport Authority two young women become the first females to join the Airport Rescue Fire Service
