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AHE → XMH
Which side of the plane to sit from Ahe Airport (Ahe) to Manihi Airport (Manihi)?
Right Side of the Plane
As the flight heads south-east from Ahe to Manihi, the right side provides an unparalleled view of the lagoon interiors, the main village, and the stunning Tairapa Pass.
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Ahe Central Lagoon
A sweeping view of the inner lagoon’s varying depths, creating a mosaic of blue and green hues.
Tairapa Pass
The spectacular natural channel where the ocean surges into the Manihi lagoon, visible just before landing.
Turipaoa Village
The picturesque main settlement of Manihi, featuring colorful roofs and colonial-style architecture.
Lagoon Landing
A low-altitude approach directly over the turquoise waters of the southern Manihi rim.
This is one of the world's shortest commercial flights (approx. 15 minutes), so have your camera ready immediately upon takeoff. The right side is essential for seeing the village and the pass. Since Air Tahiti often uses open seating, board early to secure a window seat away from the engine.
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Ahe Northern Rim
The plane departs over the intricate, white-sand coral boundaries of the northern Ahe atoll.
Oceanic Drop-off
Observation of the dramatic color shift from turquoise reef to the deep indigo of the Pacific trench.
Northern Manihi Motus
A chain of remote, uninhabited islets that form the northern protective barrier of Manihi's lagoon.
Pearl Farm Grids
Small structures and buoy lines indicating the famous black pearl farms in the northern lagoon waters.
Sit toward the back of the aircraft (usually an ATR 42 or 72) to ensure the high-wing design doesn't block your view of the coral formations. Morning flights provide the best light for the northern reefs without harsh glare.
Get eSIMs for French Polynesia
Get eSIMs for French PolynesiaDistance: 20 km (12 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 2 min
Departure: AHE (-14.428099632263184, -146.2570037841797)
Arrival: XMH (-14.436800003051758, -146.07000732421875)
Route Type: Domestic
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