PNG Air Niugini Restarts Direct Port Moresby–Tokyo Flights After Six-Year Break

Papua New Guinea's national airline will once again connect PNG directly with Japan, with Air Niugini confirming that nonstop services between Port Moresby and Tokyo will resume from July 18, 2026. The return of the route restores a key international link that has been absent since 2020 and is expected to benefit business travellers, tourists and exporters.

 PNG Air Niugini Restarts Direct Port Moresby–Tokyo Flights After Six-Year Break

The airline will operate two return flights each week on Wednesdays and Saturdays, reducing travel time to Japan to just under seven hours. The new schedule is also expected to strengthen Papua New Guinea's position as a regional aviation hub linking Japan with Australia and the Pacific.

Flight PX54 will depart Port Moresby at 2.10pm and arrive at Tokyo's Narita International Airport at 8pm after a journey of approximately six hours and 50 minutes. The return service will leave Narita at 9.40pm and arrive back in Port Moresby at 5.30am the following day.

The restoration of the route forms part of Air Niugini's ongoing expansion of its international network, aimed at improving trade, tourism and commercial links while providing passengers with more convenient travel options.

The direct service will also provide travellers from Japan with easier connections to destinations across Papua New Guinea, Australia, Solomon Islands, Fiji, Vanuatu and other Pacific locations served by Air Niugini and its airline partners. Likewise, travellers from Papua New Guinea and neighbouring Pacific nations will enjoy faster access to Japan for business, education, tourism and medical appointments.

Air Niugini will operate the service using Boeing 767-300ER and Boeing 737-800 aircraft. International passengers will continue to receive complimentary meals, beverages, in-flight entertainment and a 30-kilogram checked baggage allowance, while Business Class travellers and Kumul Club members will have access to additional benefits.

To mark the return of the route, the airline has introduced promotional fares, with tickets available through Air Niugini sales offices, travel agents and online booking platforms.

Air Niugini Chief Executive Officer Alan Milne said the airline was pleased to reconnect Papua New Guinea directly with Japan.

"We are delighted to bring back this vital route, which is a key milestone in our efforts to expand and strengthen our international network, while further positioning Papua New Guinea as an important connecting gateway between Japan, Australia, and the Pacific Island countries."

"Port Moresby is strategically positioned to serve as a transit hub for travellers moving between Japan, Australia, and the Pacific, and this service will enhance those regional connections through Air Niugini's growing network."

"The direct Narita service not only improves connectivity and convenience for our passengers, but also opens greater opportunities for tourism, trade, investment, and cultural exchange between Papua New Guinea and Japan. Papua New Guinea exporters also stand to benefit from the direct flights with faster to market cargo shipments of coffee, vanilla beans, seafood and other products expected."