PNG, New Zealand reconnected as Air Niugini revives direct Auckland flights after 26 years

Papua New Guinea will once again have a direct air connection with New Zealand when Air Niugini resumes non-stop flights between Port Moresby and Auckland later this year, ending a break of more than 26 years.

The national airline announced that services will restart on November 17, 2026, with three return flights each week, providing passengers and freight with a faster option by removing the need to transit through Australia or other regional airports.

 PNG, New Zealand reconnected as Air Niugini revives direct Auckland flights after 26 years/Photo suplied

The service will initially be operated using Air Niugini's Boeing 737-800 aircraft before transitioning to the airline's new Airbus A220 fleet as additional aircraft arrive next year.

According to the airline, the new route forms part of its international expansion plans and follows the introduction of the Airbus A220 fleet, which has strengthened operations across both domestic and overseas services.

Air Niugini said more PNG destinations are also expected to receive A220 services as the National Airports Commission continues upgrading airport runways and terminal facilities around the country.

The Auckland schedule has been planned to connect with Air Niugini's international flights to Hong Kong, Singapore, Manila and Tokyo, allowing passengers to travel more easily between Asia, the Pacific and Papua New Guinea.

Air Niugini previously served Auckland through a joint service with Cathay Pacific and Air New Zealand between 1982 and 1985 before operating its own direct flights until 1998, when the route was withdrawn during the Asian financial crisis.

The airline expects the restored service to strengthen trade, tourism, education, cultural exchanges and seasonal worker travel between PNG and New Zealand. Visitors arriving from New Zealand will also be able to connect through Port Moresby to destinations across Air Niugini's domestic network.

Tickets for the Auckland service are now available through Air Niugini sales offices, travel agents and the airline's online booking platform.

Air Niugini Chief Executive Officer Alan Milne welcomed the return of the route.

"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."