If you want to see the best of Papua New Guinea, put yourself in the best hands and come fly with us in the “Land of Adventure and Excitement.”

Air Niugini Limited is the national airline of Papua New Guinea, based in Port Moresby. It operates a domestic network from Port Moresby and Lae, as well as international services in Asia, Oceania, and Australia. Its main base is Jacksons International Airport, Port Moresby. Niugini is the Tok Pisin word for New Guinea.

Our Beautiful Country

Papua New Guinea is a country of adventure where you can enjoy experiences found at no other place on earth. While only 5.5 million people call Papua New Guinea home, there’s more than 850 different tribes and more than 800 languages to be found in this island nation. Truly incredible discoveries await and with so many different journeys to be had, you’re sure to find one you’ll never forget.

For Airline staff Interline I.D. rebated tickets with Air Niugini please contact your airline employer internal staff travel department. Please do not approach Air Niugini directly. 

For Travel Agency/Tour operator A.D. rebated tickets please contact the Papua New Guinea Staff Travel Interline department directly in Papua New Guinea. 

Don’t just say you’ve been to Papua New Guinea…

Papua New Guinea will never cease to impress even the most intrepid traveller. Offering a multitude of ideal experiences, visitors will find a country rich in culture, ethnic diversity and pristine landscapes. Some of the world’s best-kept secrets are here: whether it is diving, cruising, trekking, fishing, surfing, bird-watching, war history or a land abundant with natural fauna and flora in a setting framed by mountains, rivers and active volcanoes.

For more details about PNG attractions and up to date information on upcoming events, we recommend you visit the Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority website.

Humble Beginnings

In the early 70s Air Niugini made its first steps. The beginning of could hardly have been less auspicious. It was September 1972, less than 18 months before Papua New Guinea was granted self-government and agreement in principle had already been reached regarding the formation of a new national airline. Then came the fall of the Australian liberal coalition and the election of the first Labor government to gain power in Australia in 20 years. Overnight the whole project was thrown in doubt. Disagreement turned into acrimony as the various parties and government fought for bigger stakes in the company, whilst concerned TAA and Ansett pilots expressed concern over their uncertain future.

It took several months of concerted discussions and strong pressure by opposition members in the Australian parliament before an agreement was finally reached at the end of May. Under that historical agreement a single national airline was to be formed which would take over Papua New Guinea’s domestic services and would also compete on the Australia to Port Moresby flights route.

The airline was to be named “Air Niugini” which is the accepted Pidgin English spelling of New Guinea. Initially the Papua New Guinea government took a 60% stake with TAA and Qantas taking a 12% stake each and the remaining 16% being accepted by Ansett. Qantas provided top management with the new airline absorbing all Ansett and TAA staff who requested employment. Air Niugini was then born, the airline that has developed into one of Papua New Guinea’s largest and most respected corporations.

Air Niugini Today

Since its inception in the 1973 as the National Airline of Papua New Guinea, Air Niugini has made it possible to experience the best that Papua New guinea has to offer. We can show you the spectacular Highlands regions, take you down the mighty Sepik River and into the coastal villages that remain virtually unexplored.

Like the pioneers of a century ago, Air Niugini is opening up this magnificent country, sharing its ancient traditions and the unspoiled landscapes with visitors from around the world. Each year we endeavour to introduce new and exciting holiday opportunities to exhibit our country like no-one else can.

If you want to see the best of Papua New Guinea, put yourself in the best hands and come fly with us in the “Land of Adventure and Excitement.” Our modern fleet of aircraft comprises a Boeing jet for international routes and Fokker F-100, F-28 jets and Dash 8 aircraft that suit the requirements of flying within the unique and challenging Papua New guinea terrain. Fokker F100 also flies daily to Cairns in Australia.

The Air Niugini Fleet

Growing fast and quickly going places, our fleet consists of:

• B767-33AER
• F100
• Q400 NextGen
• Q400
• DASH 8-Q315
• DHC-8-202