SWJ - Southwest Bay Airport
Malekula Island, Vanuatu
IATA Code: SWJ · Malekula Island, Vanuatu
The airport code SWJ is the IATA identifier for Southwest Bay Airport. You may also find it referred to as Malekula Island Airport (SWJ).
Southwest Bay Airport (SWJ) serves Malekula Island, Vanuatu, in the Asia Pacific fuel pricing region. It provides essential air connectivity for travelers in the area.
SWJ is the IATA airport code for Southwest Bay Airport, located in Malekula Island, Vanuatu. The airport is situated at coordinates 16.4864°S, 167.4472°E. The current jet fuel price in the Asia Pacific region is $5.15/gallon as of 2026-05-16.
Current Jet Fuel Price (Asia Pacific)
$5.15/gallon
⚠️ Global Fuel Price Surge 2026: Prices affected by 108%
Airport Information
- IATA Code
- SWJ
- City
- Malekula Island
- Country
- Vanuatu
- Timezone
- Pacific/Efate
- Latitude
- -16.4864°
- Longitude
- 167.4472°
- Type
- airport
- Fuel Region
- Asia Pacific
Flight Distances & Estimated Fuel Costs from SWJ
Estimated fuel costs based on current jet fuel prices and standard narrowbody aircraft consumption.
| Destination | Distance | Est. Fuel Cost | Fuel Surcharge* |
|---|---|---|---|
| LPM - Lamap | 41 km | $591 | $1/passenger |
| NUS - Norsup | 45 km | $649 | $1/passenger |
| CCV - Craig Cove | 57 km | $822 | $2/passenger |
| LNB - Lamen Bay | 77 km | $1,110 | $2/passenger |
| VLS - Valesdir | 85 km | $1,226 | $2/passenger |
| PBJ - Paama Island | 87 km | $1,255 | $3/passenger |
| ULB - Ambryn Island | 93 km | $1,341 | $3/passenger |
| LNE - Lonorore | 104 km | $1,500 | $3/passenger |
| SON - Santo | 112 km | $1,615 | $3/passenger |
| EAE - Sangafa | 117 km | $1,687 | $3/passenger |
| RCL - Redcliffe | 120 km | $1,730 | $3/passenger |
| WLH - Walaha | 122 km | $1,759 | $4/passenger |
| TGH - Tongoa Island | 126 km | $1,817 | $4/passenger |
| SSR - Pentecost Island | 136 km | $1,961 | $4/passenger |
| LOD - Longana | 142 km | $2,048 | $4/passenger |
| VLI - Port-vila | 164 km | $2,365 | $5/passenger |
| MWF - Maewo Island | 179 km | $2,581 | $5/passenger |
| OLJ - Olpoi | 202 km | $2,913 | $6/passenger |
| ZGU - Gaua Island | 253 km | $3,648 | $7/passenger |
| SLH - Sola | 293 km | $4,225 | $8/passenger |
| DLY - Dillon'''s Bay | 303 km | $4,369 | $9/passenger |
| MTV - Ablow | 315 km | $4,542 | $9/passenger |
| IPA - Ipota | 328 km | $4,730 | $9/passenger |
| TOH - Loh/Linua | 362 km | $5,220 | $10/passenger |
| TAH - Tanna | 380 km | $5,480 | $11/passenger |
| AWD - Aniwa | 381 km | $5,494 | $11/passenger |
| FTA - Futuna Island | 447 km | $6,446 | $13/passenger |
| UVE - Ouvea | 471 km | $6,792 | $14/passenger |
| LIF - Lifou | 477 km | $6,878 | $14/passenger |
| AUY - Anelghowhat | 485 km | $6,994 | $14/passenger |
| TGJ - Tiga | 514 km | $7,412 | $15/passenger |
| TOU - Touho | 531 km | $7,657 | $15/passenger |
| BMY - Waala | 538 km | $7,758 | $16/passenger |
| MEE - Mare | 559 km | $8,061 | $16/passenger |
| KOC - Koumac | 563 km | $8,118 | $16/passenger |
| KNQ - Kone | 577 km | $8,320 | $17/passenger |
| NOU - Noumea | 628 km | $9,056 | $18/passenger |
| GEA - Noumea | 650 km | $9,373 | $19/passenger |
| SCZ - Santa Cruz/Graciosa Bay/Luova | 666 km | $9,604 | $19/passenger |
| ILP - Île des Pins | 679 km | $9,791 | $20/passenger |
| NNB - Santa Ana | 827 km | $11,925 | $24/passenger |
| IRA - Kirakira | 900 km | $12,978 | $26/passenger |
| RNA - Ulawa | 945 km | $13,627 | $27/passenger |
| RNL - Rennell Island | 968 km | $13,959 | $28/passenger |
| RUS - Marau | 1,028 km | $14,824 | $30/passenger |
| MNF - Mana Island | 1,034 km | $14,910 | $30/passenger |
| PTF - Malolo Lailai Island | 1,046 km | $15,083 | $30/passenger |
| TTL - Turtle Island | 1,058 km | $15,256 | $31/passenger |
| NAN - Nandi | 1,071 km | $15,444 | $31/passenger |
| AFT - Afutara | 1,074 km | $15,487 | $31/passenger |
* Estimated fuel surcharge per passenger. Actual surcharges vary by airline and booking class.
How Jet Fuel Prices Affect Your SWJ Flights
Jet fuel typically accounts for 25-35% of airline operating costs. When fuel prices rise due to global events like conflicts or supply disruptions, airlines pass these costs to passengers through fuel surcharges.
Currently, the Asia Pacific region has jet fuel priced at $5.15/gallon. This is approximately 108% higher than normal due to Brent crude elevated. EIA Gulf Coast jet fuel at $5.21/gal (2026-05-16). Airlines implementing surcharges globally. IATA reports $175/barrel global average.
Tips to Save on Flights from SWJ
- Book during periods of lower fuel prices (typically Q1)
- Choose airlines with fuel-efficient aircraft (787, A350)
- Consider nearby alternative airports
- Book direct flights to avoid multiple fuel surcharges
Climate & Weather at Malekula Island
Malekula Island has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, typically ranging from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F). Travelers should expect humidity and potential monsoon or rainy seasons depending on the time of year. Lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended, and staying hydrated is essential when navigating the airport and surrounding area.
Traveler Guide: Flying Through SWJ
Located in the Oceania region, SWJ serves travelers across the Pacific Islands. Given the geographic isolation of many Pacific destinations, flight frequency may be limited, and fuel costs can be higher due to supply logistics. Booking well in advance is recommended for peak travel seasons.
Planning Your Trip via SWJ
- Arrival time: Arrive 2 hours early for domestic flights, 3 hours for international flights at Southwest Bay Airport
- Ground transportation: Check current gasoline costs for driving to/from SWJ
- Fuel impact awareness: The Asia Pacific region currently prices jet fuel at $5.15/gallon — compare this with other regions to understand route pricing
- Alternative airports: The nearest airports to SWJ are LPM, NUS, CCV — consider these for potentially lower fares