Air Niugini operated its first non-stop flight between Port Moresby and Tokyo, Japan on18 July 2026, marking the official resumption of scheduled services between the two countries after a six-year absence.
Flight PX54 departed Jacksons International Airport at 2:10pm for Narita International Airport, restoring an important international air link that will now operate twice weekly, every Wednesday and Saturday.
The return of the Tokyo service represents a significant milestone in Air Niugini's international network expansion, providing faster and more convenient travel between Papua New Guinea and Japan while strengthening trade, tourism, investment, educational cooperation and cultural exchanges between the two nations.
The inaugural departure ceremony was attended by Vice Minister for State Owned Enterprises Hon. Raphael Tonpi, Japanese Ambassador to Papua New Guinea His Excellency Hisanobu Mochizuki, NCD Governor Hon. Powes Parkop, Air Niugini Board Chairman Karl Yalo, Chief Executive Officer Alan Milne, members of the Air Niugini Board, government officials, invited guests and passengers travelling on the historic flight.
The inaugural service was operated by Air Niugini's Boeing 767-300ER aircraft. The route will also be served by the airline's Boeing 737-800 aircraft, providing customers with greater travel flexibility.
Passengers enjoyed complimentary meals and beverages, in-flight entertainment and generous baggage allowances while experiencing Air Niugini's renowned Papua New Guinean hospitality.
They were also introduced to the airline's refreshed onboard dining concept, featuring premium Papua New Guinean ingredients infused with Japanese-inspired flavours to celebrate the renewed connection between the two countries.
Speaking at the departure ceremony, Vice Minister for State Owned Enterprises Hon. Raphael Tonpi said the resumption of the service symbolised far more than the return of a commercial air route.
"Today's inaugural flight signifies the strengthening of the long-standing friendship between Papua New Guinea and Japan and opens a new chapter in our economic, tourism and people-to-people relationship. It demonstrates our confidence in the future of that partnership while creating new opportunities for business, education, tourism and investment."
The Vice Minister said the restored direct air link would also create significant opportunities for Papua New Guinea exporters by providing faster access to one of Asia's largest markets for premium products such as coffee, vanilla, seafood and fresh produce.
Air Niugini Board Chairman Karl Yalo described the return of the Tokyo route as a key milestone in the airline's transformation programme and its commitment to reconnecting Papua New Guinea with important international markets.
"Today is a proud day for Air Niugini. This is more than the return of a route. It represents our determination to reconnect Papua New Guinea with key international markets while supporting our country's economic growth and development."
Mr Yalo said Air Niugini's investment in fleet renewal was positioning the airline for sustainable long-term growth.
"Our fleet renewal programme is giving Air Niugini the capability to serve our customers better than ever before. Our Boeing aircraft continue to provide reliable long-haul international services, while our new Airbus A220 fleet is transforming domestic and regional travel. Together, these aircraft position the airline for sustainable growth well into the future."
Japanese Ambassador to Papua New Guinea His Excellency Hisanobu Mochizuki welcomed the resumption of the non-stop flights, describing it as an important achievement that reflects the strong and enduring friendship between Japan and Papua New Guinea.
The Ambassador thanked the governments of Papua New Guinea and Japan, together with Air Niugini and all stakeholders, for their commitment to restoring the direct service, saying the renewed air link would further deepen bilateral cooperation and create new opportunities for both countries.
He said Papua New Guinea possesses abundant natural resources and produces world-class agricultural and seafood products that are highly valued in Japan.
"Papua New Guinea has tremendous potential. We look forward to seeing more Papua New Guinean exports, including coffee, seafood, vanilla and other quality products, reaching Japanese markets. Improved air connectivity will support stronger trade and encourage greater investment between our two countries."
His Excellency said the restored service would also encourage more Japanese visitors to experience Papua New Guinea's unique culture, pristine environment and growing tourism industry while making it easier for Papua New Guineans to travel to Japan for business, education and leisure.
NCD Governor Hon. Powes Parkop also welcomed the return of the non-stop service, describing it as an important step in strengthening Papua New Guinea's international connectivity and creating new opportunities for tourism, commerce and cultural exchange.
Air Niugini Chief Executive Officer Alan Milne said the airline was delighted to welcome passengers on board the inaugural flight and looked forward to rebuilding the Japan market.
"The resumption of our Tokyo service is another important step in Air Niugini's transformation and international growth. It strengthens Port Moresby's position as a gateway between Japan, Australia and the Pacific while giving our customers a faster, more convenient travel option and improved access to our extensive domestic and regional network."
The non-stop service reduces journey time between Port Moresby and Tokyo to approximately six hours, making Japan more accessible for Papua New Guineans while providing Japanese visitors with seamless connections through Port Moresby to destinations across Papua New Guinea, Australia and the Pacific via Air Niugini's expanding domestic, regional and international network.
The return of the Tokyo service forms part of Air Niugini's broader strategy to modernise its operations, expand its international network and support Papua New Guinea's economic growth through improved global connectivity.
Air Niugini is currently offering special introductory fares on the Port Moresby–Tokyo route, with tickets available through Air Niugini sales offices, travel agents and online booking platforms.
The airline remains committed to providing safe, reliable and convenient air services while strengthening Papua New Guinea's links with key international destinations.
