Port Moresby will soon be a key regional transit hub linking Asia and the Pacific following the recent inaugural flight of China Southern Airlines from the capital city of Papua New Guinea on 29th April 2025, government officials said.
National Capital District Governor Hon. Powes Parkop welcomed the Marape-Rosso Government’s support for the launch of China Southern’s new route connecting its home hub of Guangzhou to Port Moresby and Port Vila in Vanuatu.
Parkop commended Prime Minister James Marape for his leadership and commitment to formalising Fifth Freedom Rights, which enable smooth transit for passengers traveling between PNG and Vanuatu.
The flight follows years of negotiations that began in 2019 between PNG and Vanuatu.
To celebrate the launch, a delegation from Vanuatu, including its former Prime Minister and current Leader of Government Business Charlot Salwai, visited Port Moresby.
During their visit, the delegation met with Prime Minister Marape and his officials to discuss efforts to strengthen this new partnership with China Southern Airlines.
Governor Parkop emphasized the importance of the Framework Agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation signed in 2024, which reinforces collaboration between PNG and Vanuatu across multiple sectors.
It also follows the signing last year of the sister city agreement between Port Moresby and Port Vila.
“This is a proud and strategic moment for Port Moresby. It fully aligns with our vision to make Port Moresby a tourist hub and gateway. It also reflects our capital’s growing role in fostering regional connectivity and opens new doors for trade, and investment apart from tourism,” Parkop said.
“This airline route strengthens our historical ties and economic partnerships and enhance the sister city relationship between Port Moresby and Port Vila.”
“Port Moresby is rising to meet its potential as the true gateway to Asia and the Pacific,” he said.
Governor Parkop also announced that he has already commenced discussions with China Eastern Airlines for flights to PNG either from Nanjing or Shanghai.
He expressed optimism that this connection could provide more opportunities between PNG, the Pacific, and China, by linking to major cities such as Shanghai, Nanjing, and other urban centers in Eastern China.
