Air Niugini has received an International Airline Licence from the Department of Transport today (Monday, 9 November), clearing the way for the airline’s return to New Zealand after 26 years.
Department of Transport Secretary Mr Mathew Wowoni formally presented International Airline Licence No. 29 to Air Niugini Chief Executive Officer Mr Alan Milne at the Department’s headquarters at 7 Mile, Port Moresby.
The licence authorises Air Niugini to operate scheduled international services between Papua New Guinea and Auckland, New Zealand, subject to all regulatory and operational requirements.
An International Airline Licence is an official approval issued by the State that allows an airline to operate air services between countries. It confirms that the carrier has satisfied all relevant regulatory, safety, operational and financial requirements necessary to conduct international passenger operations.
Mr Wowoni described the occasion as a significant milestone for both Air Niugini and Papua New Guinea.
“The presentation of this licence represents a significant milestone for Air Niugini and Papua New Guinea as the national airline prepares to recommence services to New Zealand after 26 years. It is an important step in strengthening air connectivity, trade, tourism and people-to-people links between the two countries.”
Mr Wowoni noted that Air Niugini currently serves most Pacific Island countries and Australia and the addition of New Zealand to its network further strengthens Papua New Guinea’s connections throughout the region.
“Air Niugini already flies to almost all Pacific Island countries. With the commencement of Auckland services, we look forward to welcoming more
of our Kiwi friends to Papua New Guinea while also providing PNG travellers with greater access to New Zealand.”
Air Niugini Chief Executive Officer Mr Alan Milne thanked the Government for its support and acknowledged the extensive preparation required to launch a new international service.
“Launching an international route requires significant planning and coordination across many areas of the business, including ground handling, catering, logistics, regulatory approvals and bilateral arrangements. State approval is a critical component of that process and we are grateful for the support received.”
Mr Milne said the Auckland route aligns with the airline’s long-term growth strategy and strengthens its regional network.
“New Zealand is an excellent addition to our network and complements Air Niugini’s hub-and-spoke strategy through Port Moresby. The service will strengthen links between Auckland, Papua New Guinea, Australia’s east coast, and destinations throughout the Pacific and Asia, offering greater travel options for both business and leisure customers.”
Air Niugini will recommence direct flights between Port Moresby and Auckland on Tuesday, 17 November 2026, marking its return to the New Zealand market after more than two decades.
The airline will operate three services per week, departing Port Moresby every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Flight PX 31 will leave Port Moresby at 9:30am and arrive in Auckland at 6:30pm local time.
Return services will operate every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, departing Auckland at 9:00am and arriving in Port Moresby at 12:00pm. Flight time between Port Moresby and Auckland is approximately 5 hours and 40 minutes.
Operations will initially be conducted using Air Niugini’s Boeing 737-800 aircraft before transitioning to the airline’s newest fleet type, the Airbus A220-300.
The Auckland route forms part of Air Niugini’s broader network expansion program and reinforces the airline’s commitment to strengthening Papua New Guinea’s connectivity with key markets across the Pacific region.