The Government of Japan, Narita International Airport authorities and the Japanese aviation community have welcomed Air Niugini’s return to Tokyo, marking the resumption of the airline’s non-stop services between Port Moresby and Narita after a six-year hiatus.
According to Air Niugini the return of the Bird of Paradise to Japan represents more than the restoration of an air service. It reinforces the longstanding friendship between Papua New Guinea and Japan and reflects the shared commitment of both countries to strengthening tourism, trade, investment, business and people-to-people links.
Air Niugini’s inaugural non-stop flight, PX54, arrived at Narita International Airport on Saturday, 18 July, where it received an official welcome from Japanese government representatives and airport authorities. Officials described the service as a significant milestone, restoring the only scheduled direct passenger air link between Papua New Guinea and Japan.
A commemorative ribbon-cutting ceremony was held before the departure of the return service, PX55. The event was attended by Vice Minister for State Owned Enterprises, Raphael Tonpi, representatives from the Government of Japan,
The resumed service comes at a significant time as PNG and Japan celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations. In addition to improving connectivity, the direct flights are expected to support tourism, business, trade, investment and cultural exchange between the two countries. Senior Executive Vice President of Narita International Airport Corporation, Mr
Yasuhiko Tamaki, said the airport was delighted to welcome Air Niugini back after six years. “I extend our heartfelt congratulations to Air Niugini on the launch of its Narita–Port Moresby service. This is the only scheduled passenger service connecting Japan and Papua New Guinea, and we are pleased to welcome it back to Narita Airport’s international network.
The route significantly improves travel convenience, particularly for passengers connecting through Port Moresby to Australia and the Pacific.
We wish Air Niugini every success and look forward to seeing the service grow.” Air Niugini Regional Manager Japan, Mr Kenzo Shimada, said the strong support received from Japanese government agencies, airport authorities and business partners highlighted the importance of reconnecting the two countries. “After six years, the Bird of Paradise has returned to the skies over Narita, and we are proud to celebrate this milestone with our partners in Japan.
We sincerely thank everyone who contributed to the return of this important service, particularly the Embassy of Papua New Guinea in Japan. Air Niugini is honoured to once again connect our people, businesses and visitors through this direct link, and we look forward to welcoming passengers travelling to Papua
New Guinea, Australia and destinations across the Pacific.”Vice Minister for State Owned Enterprises, Hon. Raphael Tonpi, who travelled on the inaugural flight, said the resumed service represented a new era in Papua New Guinea-Japan relations.
“This non-stop service strengthens our longstanding partnership while creating new opportunities for tourism, trade, investment and cultural exchange.”
Minister and Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Papua New Guinea in Japan, Ms Magdalene Moihe, said the return of direct flights was especially meaningful as both nations commemorate 50 years of diplomatic relations.
“The resumption of direct flights reflects the strength of our partnership and our shared vision for the future. We warmly invite Japanese visitors to experience Papua New Guinea’s spectacular landscapes, rich cultures and unique history.”
IATA Japan Country Manager, Mr Yuji Fujiwara, also congratulated Air Niugini, saying the resumed service would further strengthen connectivity and cooperation between Japan and Papua New Guinea.
The non-stop service reduces travel time between Port Moresby and Tokyo from more than 14 hours on connecting services to approximately six and a half hours, providing faster and more convenient travel for business and leisure passengers.
Air Niugini now operates the Port Moresby-Narita service twice weekly, every Wednesday and Saturday, reaffirming its commitment to expanding international connectivity and supporting stronger economic, tourism and cultural ties between Papua New Guinea, Japan and the wider Asia-Pacific region.
