list of airports in Papua New Guinea

Exploring the Skies: A Guide to Airports in Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea (PNG), a nation of incredible biodiversity and rugged terrain, relies heavily on air travel to connect its remote communities. With over 600 islands and limited road infrastructure, airports are vital lifelines for both locals and visitors. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the airports in Papua New Guinea, covering major hubs, regional airstrips, and what you need to know about flying in and around this fascinating country.

Major International & Domestic Airports

PNG boasts a handful of airports equipped to handle international flights and serve as major connection points for domestic travel. These airports generally offer more amenities and frequent services.

Jacksons International Airport (POM), Port Moresby: The primary international gateway to PNG, Jackson’s Airport handles the vast majority of international arrivals and departures. It’s also the hub for Air Niugini and PNG Air, offering extensive domestic connections. Expect a bustling environment and be prepared for security checks.

Nadzab Airport (ANZ), Lae: Serving the industrial center of Lae, Nadzab Airport is the second busiest in PNG. It’s a crucial airport for freight and also offers regular domestic passenger services, primarily to Port Moresby.

Kagamuga International Airport (HGU), Mount Hagen: Located in the Highlands region, Kagamuga is a key airport for tourism and access to popular destinations like the PNG Highlands Trek. It handles both international and domestic flights, though international services are limited.

Wewak International Airport (WWK), Wewak: Serving the Sepik region, Wewak Airport provides international connections, mainly to and from Australia and other Pacific Islands, alongside domestic routes.

Tokua Airport (TKU), Rabaul: Situated on the island of New Britain, Tokua Airport is important for access to the Rabaul caldera and surrounding areas. It primarily handles domestic flights.

Regional Airports & Airstrips: Connecting Remote Communities

Beyond the major hubs, PNG is dotted with numerous regional airports and even more remote airstrips. These are often smaller, serving specific towns or villages, and are essential for delivering goods, providing medical assistance, and enabling travel for local populations. Many are operated by Missionary Aviation Fellowship (MAF) and other organizations dedicated to serving remote areas.

These airports typically have limited facilities. Flights are often on smaller aircraft, and schedules can be subject to change due to weather conditions. Some notable regional airports include:

Goroka Airport (GKA): Serving the Eastern Highlands Province.

Popondetta Airport (PPN): Accessing the Oro Province, known for its beautiful coastline.

Vanimo Airport (VAM): Located in West Sepik Province, near the Indonesian border.

Alotau Airport (ATU): Serving Milne Bay Province, a popular diving destination.

Kiunga Airport (KIU): Providing access to the Fly River region.

A Complete List of Airports in Papua New Guinea

Here’s a table listing many of the airports and airstrips in Papua New Guinea. Note that this list is not exhaustive, as new airstrips are sometimes established and others fall into disuse. Airport codes (ICAO/IATA) are included where available.

Airport Name	City/Region	ICAO	IATA	Surface
Jacksons International	Port Moresby	PJIA	POM	Asphalt
Nadzab	Lae	PNLK	ANZ	Asphalt
Kagamuga International	Mount Hagen	PHIU	HGU	Asphalt
Wewak International	Wewak	WWKW	WWK	Asphalt
Tokua	Rabaul	PVRB	TKU	Asphalt
Goroka	Goroka	PHGOR	GKA	Gravel/Dirt
Popondetta	Popondetta	POP	PPN	Gravel/Dirt
Vanimo	Vanimo	VVM	VAM	Gravel/Dirt
Alotau	Alotau	AYQT	ATU	Asphalt
Kiunga	Kiunga	PKIU	KIU	Gravel/Dirt
Madang	Madang	MDG	DAG	Asphalt
Mount Hagen Kagamuga	Mount Hagen	PHIU	HGU	Asphalt
Hoskins	Kimbe	PHHS	HKN	Asphalt
Mendi	Mendi	PMMD	MZK	Gravel/Dirt
Tari	Tari	PMTI	TRI	Gravel/Dirt
Kundiawa	Kundiawa	PHKU	KWA	Gravel/Dirt
Wabag	Wabag	PWAG	WBG	Gravel/Dirt
Wapenamanda	Wapenamanda	PWPD	WPN	Gravel/Dirt
Kerema	Kerema	PKRA	KRM	Gravel/Dirt
Daru	Daru	PDD	DRU	Asphalt
Buka	Buka	PBUA	BUA	Asphalt
Gurney (Alor Island)	Alor Island	PAGU	GUR	Gravel/Dirt
Lihir	Lihir Island	PLSM	LHR	Asphalt
Misima	Misima Island	PMIM	ISM	Asphalt
Tabubil	Tabubil	PTBV	TBV	Gravel/Dirt
Telefomin	Telefomin	PTFN	TFM	Gravel/Dirt
Obo	Obo	POBO	OBO	Gravel/Dirt
Komo	Komo	PKMO	KMO	Gravel/Dirt
Moro	Moro	PMRO	MOR	Gravel/Dirt
Irian Jaya (Sentani)	Jayapura (Indonesia)	WAJJ	JAP	Asphalt

Note: Surface types can vary and may not be consistently maintained.

Tips for Flying in Papua New Guinea

Book in Advance: Especially during peak season, securing flights well in advance is highly recommended.

Be Flexible: Schedules can change, particularly for flights to remote airstrips. Allow for potential delays.

Pack Light: Many smaller aircraft have strict baggage weight limits.

Check Luggage Allowance: Confirm baggage allowances with your airline before travel.

Security Awareness: Be aware of your surroundings and follow security instructions at all airports.

Weather Conditions: PNG’s weather can be unpredictable. Flights may be cancelled or delayed due to adverse conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the main international airport in Papua New Guinea?
Jacksons International Airport (POM) in Port Moresby is the primary international gateway.

2. Is it easy to travel between cities in PNG by air?
While air travel is the most efficient way to travel between cities, it can be expensive and subject to schedule changes.

3. Are there many unpaved airstrips in PNG?
Yes, a significant number of airstrips in PNG are gravel or dirt, serving remote communities.

4. What airlines operate in Papua New Guinea?
The main airlines are Air Niugini, PNG Air, and several smaller regional operators.

5. Is flying safe in Papua New Guinea?
PNG has a developing aviation infrastructure. While generally safe, it’s important to choose reputable airlines and be aware of potential challenges related to weather and maintenance.