Transitive automorphism groups of maximal curves

Abstract

Let $q$ be an odd prime power and let $X$ be a maximal curve of genus at least two over $\F_{q^2}$. We prove that the automorphism group of $X$ acts transitively on its rational points if and only if $X$ is the Hermitian curve, or $q=5$ and $X$ is the unique $\F_{25}$-maximal curve of genus $3$, namely the maximal Klein quartic. Together with the result of Giulietti and Korchm\'aros in characteristic two, this gives the classification for every prime power $q$. In particular, the Hermitian curve is the only maximal curve of genus at least two whose automorphism group is doubly transitive on its rational points.