The Woleai Airport was re-opened on Monday, February 9, after an extensive upgrade of its facilities and the construction of a new airport terminal. The airport had been closed for many years, with the only previous access to Woleai Atoll and its surrounding islands by an overnight journey on inter-island shipping from Yap’s Capital Colonia.
The new airport now has regular air services provided by Pacific Mission Aviation (PMA) flying out of Palau and Yap Proper. This not only provides access to increased medical, social and economic services, but opens up new tourism opportunities for the atoll and its unique culture.
Now, visitors to Yap can fly to three of Yap State’s major outer islands Ulithi, Fais and Woleai Atolls to experience traditional Pacific Island life and explore their pristine marine ecosystems. In January 2026, PMA connected these island communities with a total of seven flights that hopped between Ulithi and Fais, then back to Yap, five flights to Ulithi, eight flights to Koror, Palau, and two flights to Woleai.
The President of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), His Excellency Wesley W. Simina, and Madame First Lady Honorable Ancelly Simina officiated at the ceremony, accompanied by Governor Francis Itimai, Senator Peter Christian, a member of the Council of Pilung, Chief Francis Fithingmow, Chairman of the Council of Tamol, Paul Marlul, Congressmen Andrew Yatilman, and Andy P. Choor, Secretary of the Department of Transportation, Communications and Infrastructure, Carl Apis, Special Assistant Jack Harris, members of the Yap State Legislature, and contractors from the Shandong Hengyue Municipal Engineering Co., Ltd.
Master of the Ceremony, Mr. Tino Halishlur, formally introduced the distinguished guests and paid tribute to Woleai’s traditional leaders. Governor Francis Itimai then gave his opening remarks, addressing his gratitude to the Congress and the National Government for their continuous support towards the Woleai Airport project. He also underscored the importance of the airport and the benefits it would bring to the people of Woleai. He emphasized in his speech that the airport would open doors for education and healthcare for the people of Woleai, and strengthen unity across all the island states of the Federated States of Micronesia.
He was followed by His Excellency Wesley W. Simina, who emphasised that “our outer islands matter, that connectivity matters, and that development must reach every corner of our nation—no matter how remote”, underscoring the national importance of this investment. His Excellency expressed his appreciation to the Federated States of Micronesia Congress for funding this project and paid his respects to the late Senator Joseph J. Urusemal, proposing that the Woleai Airport be dedicated in his name as a form of recognising his strong leadership and contribution towards its initiative.
The ceremony culminated with Madame First Lady, joined by Governor Francis Itimai, Chairman Paul Marlul and a representative from Woleai cutting the ribbon to officially hand over Woleai Airport to the Yap State Government and the people of Woleai.
This was then celebrated with traditional Yapese dances and Island songs performed by the women of Falalop and Woleai.
For more information about visiting all the islands of Yap, Micronesia, go to
www.visityap.com.
