Of the world's 17 non-self-governing territories, two have no airport within their boundaries: Tokelau and the Pitcairn Islands. Both are remote island groups, so a fairly long boat trip is the only way to get there. Tokelau does not have an airport, so boats are the only means of travel and transport.

There are several inhabited islands around the world that have no airport, with St. Helena being one of the most famous historical examples (though it finally opened an airport in 2016). In 2026, notable islands without an airport include Pitcairn Island in the South Pacific, which is one of the most remote inhabited places on Earth and is accessible only by a long sea voyage from Mangareva. Another famous example is the island of Tristan da Cunha, the most remote inhabited archipelago in the world, which requires a multi-day ship journey from Cape Town. Even some closer to home, like the island of Sark in the Channel Islands, have no airport and even ban motorized vehicles, relying entirely on ferry connections. Many islands in the Galápagos or the atolls of Kiribati also lack runways, requiring travelers to use inter-island boats. In these locations, the absence of an airport is often a deliberate choice to preserve the island's tranquility and unique environment, making the journey there an integral part of the adventure.