Overview
Papua New Guinea is one of the last great frontiers of travel — a country of rainforested mountains, coral seas and more than 800 languages, lying just north of Australia. There are no direct flights from the UK, so every trip involves at least one connection, usually through Asia or an Australian city. This guide covers how UK travellers reach Papua New Guinea, when to go and how to keep the airfare sensible.
Best time to fly to Papua New Guinea
The drier months from May to October are the most comfortable for trekking, highland travel and the famous cultural shows, with the Mount Hagen Show in August and the Goroka Show in September drawing the biggest crowds and the highest fares. The wet season from November to April brings heavier afternoon downpours, though diving in spots such as Kimbe Bay and Tufi stays excellent year-round. The highlands are cool whenever you visit, so pack layers. Check the When to book chart above to see how prices move across the year.
Main gateway cities & airports
Almost all international arrivals land at Port Moresby's Jacksons International Airport (POM), the country's main hub and the connecting point for domestic flights to Mount Hagen, Rabaul (Tokua), Madang, Alotau and Tari. Jacksons sits about 8 km from central Port Moresby, a 15–20 minute drive. A few services also reach Mount Hagen and Lae, but for UK travellers Port Moresby is effectively the single gateway.
Airlines and routes
There are no non-stop flights from London to Papua New Guinea. The most common routings for flights from London to Papua New Guinea run via Singapore (Singapore Airlines or British Airways, then Air Niugini to Port Moresby), via Hong Kong with Cathay Pacific, or via Manila with Philippine Airlines. Alternatively you can fly to Brisbane, Sydney or Cairns with Qantas or its partners and connect onward with Air Niugini or Qantas. Expect a total journey of roughly 24–30 hours from London, and a little longer from Manchester as you first connect to a long-haul hub. Air Niugini is the national carrier and operates most of the regional links.
Popular places to visit in Papua New Guinea
- Kokoda Track: a demanding multi-day trek along a Second World War supply route through jungle-clad ranges.
- Tari and the Southern Highlands: home of the Huli wigmen and superb birdlife, including birds of paradise.
- Kimbe Bay, New Britain: world-class diving and snorkelling over reefs teeming with fish.
- Sepik River: slow river journeys past stilt villages known for their carved spirit houses.
- Rabaul and Kokopo: a dramatic volcanic landscape paired with poignant wartime history.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Papua New Guinea
- Compare Asian and Australian routings side by side — the cheapest way into Port Moresby shifts with your travel dates.
- Travel in the shoulder weeks either side of the August–September show season, when demand on Air Niugini eases.
- Book internal PNG flights early, as domestic seats are limited and sell out around festival dates.
- Use the price charts on this page to spot the cheaper months before you fix your dates.
Travel essentials
Most UK passport holders need a tourist visa for Papua New Guinea; many travellers obtain one on arrival at Port Moresby or apply online in advance, but confirm the current rules and fees before you book. The currency is the Papua New Guinean kina (PGK); carry some cash, as card acceptance is patchy outside major hotels. Malaria precautions are advised for lowland areas, so see your GP or a travel clinic six to eight weeks ahead. For the best fares, book a few months out and let the When to book chart above guide your timing.
