AIR Niugini will resume direct flights between Port Moresby and Auckland, New Zealand, from 17 November 2026, reconnecting Papua New Guinea and New Zealand with the first non-stop air service between the two countries in more than 26 years.
The airline will operate three return services each week, halving travel times between Papua New Guinea and New Zealand by eliminating the need for passengers and freight to transit through Australia or other regional hubs.
The new route will initially be operated by Air Niugini's Boeing 737-800 aircraft, transitioning next year to new Airbus A220 aircraft as the airline receives more of these latest technology aircraft from the factory. Both aircraft types offer passengers a reliable and comfortable travel experience with complimentary meals and drinks, and in-flight entertainment.
The resumption of direct services to New Zealand marks a significant milestone in Air Niugini's network expansion strategy and reflects the airline's ongoing fleet renewal programme. The introduction of the Airbus A220 fleet has strengthened Air Niugini's operational capability, allowing the airline to boost domestic capacity and restore key international routes, while meeting growing demand for travel across the Pacific. More domestic routes will start to experience our A220 services as the National Airports Commission (NAC) continues to roll out its runway and terminal upgrade programme.
Air Niugini Chief Executive Officer, Mr Alan Milne, said the return to Auckland represents an important step in building the airline's international network and strengthening ties between Papua New Guinea and New Zealand.
"The resumption of direct services to Auckland is a significant milestone for Air Niugini and for the people of Papua New Guinea and New Zealand. We are delighted to once again provide a direct link between our two countries, making travel faster, more convenient and more accessible for business travellers, tourists, students and families.
The Auckland flights are timed to connect perfectly with existing Air Niugini services to and from Hong Kong, Singapore, Manila and Tokyo, further cementing Papua New Guinea’s position as a “Pacific Connector” between the Pacific and Asia."
Auckland has long been an important destination for Air Niugini, and we are proud to restore this direct connection after more than two decades."
Air Niugini has a long history of serving the New Zealand market. Between 1982 and 1985, the airline participated in a unique weekly tripartite service with Cathay Pacific and Air New Zealand, with each airline taking turns to operate flights on the Auckland–Port Moresby–Hong Kong route.
The airline later operated its own direct services to Auckland until 1998, when operations ceased as a result of economic pressures arising from the Asian financial crisis.
The return of direct flights reflects renewed confidence in regional travel demand and the strengthening economic, trade, tourism and people-to-people links between Papua New Guinea and New Zealand.
The new service is also expected to support tourism growth, facilitate business opportunities, enhance educational and cultural exchanges, seasonal worker travel to New Zealand, and generally improve connectivity for travelers between both countries.
Passengers travelling from New Zealand will also benefit from convenient onward connections through Port Moresby to Air Niugini's extensive domestic network throughout Papua New Guinea.
Tickets for the new Auckland services will go on sale today through Air Niugini sales offices, travel agents and the airline's online booking platform.
Source: Air Niugini