The National Airports Corporation (NAC) will temporarily open Tokua Airport in East New Britain Province to Airbus A220 aircraft operations and facilitate night flights at selected airports to ease congestion and support passenger movement during the peak festive travel period.
The measures are part of NAC’s strategy to boost air travel capacity during the busy season, with Tokua Airport now cleared to handle A220 jets on a concession basis starting December 16, 2025, to help airlines manage higher passenger demand.
In addition to Tokua, NAC has agreed to facilitate temporary night flight operations at Nadzab, Wewak, Momote and Kavieng airports, subject to advance coordination with airline operators. While night operations lie outside standard operating hours and require extra staffing and resources, NAC said the steps are necessary to reduce travel delays and improve passenger movement.
NAC acknowledged the inconvenience experienced by travellers and thanked airlines, airport partners, and the public for their patience and cooperation during the peak period, offering apologies to those affected.
NAC Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Dominic Kaumu, ML OBE, said the temporary adjustments aim to support both carriers and passengers during the holiday rush while maintaining safety and service standards. The expanded capacity at Tokua and additional flight windows are expected to ease pressure on conventional daytime slots.
The temporary night flight arrangements mark a rare extension of NAC’s operational hours, reflecting the high demand for domestic air travel during the festive season. Carriers interested in utilising night slots must provide advance notice to ensure proper staff scheduling and compliance with safety procedures.
The Nadzab Tomodachi International Airport, which serves Lae and the Morobe region, has been increasingly important to PNG’s aviation landscape since its inauguration in 2023, when it was redeveloped with international-standard facilities capable of handling expanded services.
Beyond peak-season measures, NAC continues to modernise its network of 22 national airports, aiming to deliver safe, efficient and integrated civil aviation services that support socioeconomic development across Papua New Guinea.
