Palau’s Roman Tmetuchl International Airport (ROR/PTRO) is the main airport of Palau. It handles aircraft up to the size of a B757. Movements are infrequent with regular flights on China Airlines to Taipeh and on United Airlines to various destinations. Philippine Airlines also recently added Palau to its network. Charter flights to mainland China exist on various airlines like Greater Bay Airlines or Cambodia Airways bringing rather exotic airlines to the island nation. Qantas and Nauru Airlines both operate one flight per week to Palau. There is one cargo flight a week of Asia Pacific Airlines too. Smile Air and Pacific Mission Aviation operate flights to remoter islands and a lot of sightseeing flights as well. Apart from them, it is rather quiet at the airport with some rare general aviation movements.

Written by Sebastian Arndt. Last Update: 2026

Rating
Movements
Airline Variety
Photo Locations
Weather
Airport Information
Runways
09/27	2195m
Terminals
T1	There is one terminal in the southwest handling all flights.
Spotting Information
Ladder	Helpful at all spots to clear the fence, but you can also work through the mesh.
Car/Public Transport	Public transportation is infrequent. A car is recommended.
Drinks/Food	No food options near the airport. Toilets can be found in the terminal.
Hotels	No specific spotter hotels around.
Season	No real on/off season.
Security	Spotting is no issue here.
Runway Usage
General Info	Runway usage depends on the wind conditions, if possible taxiing time is reduced.

	Spot #1 – Ramp – 09/27 Movements + Ramp
WHERE	On the main road just outside the terminal building, there is a crash gate with apron view. You can wander along the fence for additional viewpoints of aircraft taxiing into position. Once you cross the road, you are elevated and can spot over the fence. From there, you can also spot arriving traffic for runway 09.
WHAT	From here you can see the ramp in front plus the runway movements behind.
TIME	Noon to sunset.
MISC.	Heat haze it a problem. The terminal is just around the corner. Beware of traffic on the road.
FOCAL LENGTH	18-400mm B733 landing = 240mm / A319 on ramp = 30mm

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	Spot #2 – Pacific Mission Aviation/Smile Air – Ramp
WHERE	Follow the main road from spot 1 and enter the narrow road up towards the hangars. Depending on the subjects, position yourself along the fence or ask kindly for ramp access.
WHAT	Aircraft parked on the remote apron. You may be invited to take photos inside the hangar of PMA.
TIME	Depending on the angle, mostly afternoon is better.
MISC.	This spot is only accessible during business hours of the two airlines. You can shoot over the fence with live view or through the mesh.
FOCAL LENGTH	18-150mm roughly

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	Spot #3 – Crash Gate – Ramp
WHERE	Follow the main road from spot 2 around the remote apron and walk up the small road towards the crash gate.
WHAT	Aircraft parked on the remote apron. Nauru Airlines usually stops overnight for crew rest and they reposition the aircraft from the main apron over here. Cargo aircraft are using this apron too.
TIME	Sunrise to noon.
MISC.	Do not hang around here for too long and do not park your car on the small side road as this is used by emergency vehicles during an emergency.
FOCAL LENGTH	18-250mm Global 7500 = 65mm

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