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Getting There & Away

Air Travel Realities

Airfield Access

Commercial air travel to the United States Minor Outlying Islands is unavailable. These islands do not possess commercial airports or supporting infrastructure.

Operational Airfields

  • Midway Atoll (PMDY): Runway accommodates larger aircraft, strictly controlled access.
  • Wake Island (PGTW): Active airfield administered by U.S. Air Force, restricted military access.
  • Johnston Atoll (PLPA): Airstrip mainly for official government use related to wildlife refuge status.

Flight Operations

No commercial airlines operate here. Travel occurs via chartered aircraft or U.S. Government flights.

Non-Commercial Flights

  • Flights scheduled by mission needs, not seasonal demand.
  • Originate from military or government airfields, typically Hawaii or Guam.
  • Prices are exceptionally high, absorbed by the sponsoring organization.

No Commercial Facilities

Where airfields exist, facilities are basic and serve operational purposes, not passenger comfort. No passenger terminals, baggage claim, restaurants, or shops.

On-Island Transfers

No cities or commercial accommodations. Transfers on the island are typically on foot, via utility vehicles, or small boats for inter-islet movements.

Driving Irrelevance

No rental vehicles or driving requirements for visitors. Vehicle operation is for authorized personnel with specific training.

Land Travel Impossibility

No Land Borders

  • No international land borders to cross.
  • No railways on any of these islands.
  • No bus services or public transportation networks.
  • No vehicles for rent; self-driving is impossible.

On-Island Vehicle Use

  • On islands with roads, vehicle use restricted to official personnel.
  • Internal base regulations dictate driving laws, not public traffic.
  • Road conditions are maintained for operational utility.
  • An international driving permit holds no relevance.

Sea Arrival Processes

No Commercial Cruises

No commercial ferry services or cruise ships routinely call here. Islands lack deep-water ports, passenger terminals.

Immigration Absence

No public seaports. Procedures for personnel part of overall permitting and security clearance.

Biosecurity Checks

Vessel clearance by managing U.S. Agency before departure from last port. Biosecurity checks are stringent.

Departure Protocol

Departure Essentials

Departure mirrors arrival in strict adherence to operational protocols and environmental protection.

Environmental Compliance

  • Strict adherence to biosecurity protocols for all gear and items.
  • All waste generated must be collected and removed from the island.
  • Equipment dismantled, packed, and inventoried.

Logistical Coordination

Departure timing follows mission requirements, logistical schedules, and prevailing weather.

Operational Departure

  • Flexibility required due to unpredictable remote operations.
  • Airport/station facilities are minimal, serving operational needs.
  • No duty-free shops, restaurants, or waiting lounges.

Final Stewardship Act

Departure from the USMOI is a final act of stewardship, confirming the islands remain as pristine as possible for future conservation and research. It is a controlled exit, not a casual farewell.