Air Niugini Restores Direct Tokyo Service After Six-Year Hiatus

BY JOSHUA SWARBRICK

PORT MORESBY,  — Air Niugini has officially resumed direct flights between Port Moresby and Tokyo, restoring a vital international air link after a six-year hiatus and paving the way for stronger trade, tourism and investment between Papua New Guinea and Japan.

The airline’s inaugural flight, PX054, departed Jacksons International Airport at approximately 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, 18th July,2026, with more than 70 per cent of seats occupied. The service will now operate twice weekly, every Wednesday and Saturday, providing a direct connection to Tokyo’s Narita International Airport.

Air Niugini Chief Executive Officer Alan Milne said the reinstated route strengthens Papua New Guinea’s role as a regional aviation gateway, allowing passengers from Australia, New Zealand and Pacific Island nations to connect through Port Moresby to Japan.

Japanese Ambassador to Papua New Guinea Hisanobu Mochizuki welcomed the return of the service, saying it would strengthen the more than 50-year diplomatic relationship between the two countries while creating new opportunities for tourism, trade and investment. He noted that Japanese businesses continue to show growing interest in Papua New Guinea’s expanding economy.

Vice Minister for State Enterprises Raphael Tonpi, who officiated the inaugural service, said the flight represented more than the restoration of an air route. He described it as the beginning of a new chapter in bilateral relations that will deepen economic cooperation, boost tourism and strengthen people-to-people ties.

The resumption of the Tokyo service fulfils a commitment by both governments to restore direct air connectivity and is expected to further position Papua New Guinea as a strategic gateway between Asia, Australia and the Pacific.

About the Author:

Christina Kewa- Swarbrick

Publisher- Christina Kewa-Swarbrick has over 20 years experience in the Media Industry and over 10 Years in Prophetic Engineering. She's a Holistic Life Solutions Coach, who combines her lived knowledge and experiences and her professional industry knowldege to help others. She's the founder of VISION4040 (PNG) and DBUM Bible Technology, a spiritual mapping system unlocking destiny blueprints . To engage her professional services go to this link: cks.vision4040.com