Jacksons International Airport

Jacksons International Airport is the main air gateway to Papua New Guinea, opening the path for travellers to the unique culture and pristine nature of Oceania. Named in honour of the flying ace John Jackson, the air harbour is situated at the foot of picturesque green hills, just a few minutes' drive from the capital. As the country's largest transport hub, the airport connects Port Moresby with key cities in Australia and Asia, and serves as the starting point for flights to the most remote corners of the region. A true adventure begins here, immersing guests in the tropical atmosphere immediately upon landing.

Features and Infrastructure

Jacksons International Airport plays a critically important role in the life of the island, as aviation is often the only way to reach many regions of the country. The complex offers passengers a set of services necessary for a comfortable journey.

• Terminals: The airport complex consists of two terminals — International and Domestic. They are connected by a covered pedestrian walkway, allowing for easy movement during transit. The Domestic terminal is particularly busy, serving flights throughout the country.
• Base Hub: The airport serves as the home base and main connecting hub for the national carrier Air Niugini, as well as for the airline PNG Air, ensuring a wide route network.
• Services and Amenities: In the international sector, travellers can visit Duty Free shops, purchase unique local souvenirs, and utilise currency exchange points and ATMs. Cafés and VIP lounges are provided for relaxation.
• Development: The airport's infrastructure has been significantly modernised in recent years, including for major international events, allowing it to accommodate modern wide-body liners and enhance the level of safety and passenger comfort.

To obtain current information regarding flights, services, and regulations at Jacksons International Airport (POM), you may use the following contact details:

• Official Website: www.nac.com.pg (website of the National Airports Corporation, which manages the airport).
• Help Desk Phone: +675 324 4400
• Address: Jacksons Parade, Port Moresby, National Capital District 111, Papua New Guinea
• Email: info@nac.com.pg
• Social Media: News and updates are frequently posted on the official pages of the National Airports Corporation PNG on social networks, such as Facebook.
• Lost Luggage Information: In the event of lost or damaged luggage, please contact your airline's support service directly at the airport.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general enquiries and support, the main help desk phone number or email address may be used.

Jacksons International Airport (POM) is located approximately 8-10 kilometres northeast of the city centre of Port Moresby. You can get to or from the airport in several ways; however, the choice of a suitable option largely depends on your budget and requirements for comfort and safety. On average, the journey from the city centre to the airport takes from 15 to 30 minutes depending on traffic conditions.

Taxis and Hotel Transfers. For most tourists, this is the safest and recommended method of transport. Many hotels in Port Moresby offer transfer services to their guests. It is best to book this service in advance, clarifying the cost — it may be fixed or even included in the accommodation price. Additionally, official taxis are always available at the terminal. It is strongly recommended to agree on the price with the driver before starting the journey. The estimated cost of a trip to the city centre is 50–80 Kina (PGK). A taxi or transfer is the most convenient and reliable option, especially if you are travelling with luggage.

Public Transport (PMV). The main mode of public transport in Papua New Guinea is minibuses, known as PMVs (Public Motor Vehicles). This is undoubtedly the cheapest way to travel. However, it is worth noting that PMVs are often overcrowded, and they lack a clear schedule and fixed stops. For safety and comfort reasons, this type of transport is usually not recommended for international tourists, especially those visiting the country for the first time.

Car Rental and Parking. Offices of several international and local car rental companies operate at Jacksons Airport. Renting a car provides maximum freedom of movement but is suitable mainly for experienced drivers prepared for local traffic peculiarities and safety issues. For those arriving at the airport in their own or a rented vehicle, both short-term and long-term parking are provided on the premises.

Jacksons International Airport (POM) in Port Moresby is the main air gateway of Papua New Guinea and features a simple and clear structure consisting of two main terminals: International and Domestic. They are located in separate but adjacent buildings, making navigation between them quite convenient.

International Terminal serves all flights outside the country. Here you will find check-in counters for international airlines, passport control zones, and customs. In the departure zone, after passing security checks, passengers will find duty-free shops, several cafés, and waiting lounges. The arrival zone includes immigration control, baggage claim belts, and customs inspection.

Domestic Terminal is designed for flights within Papua New Guinea operated by local airlines such as Air Niugini and PNG Air. It is arranged more simply than the international one but has everything necessary: check-in counters, a screening zone, a waiting hall, and baggage claim points. This terminal is a key hub for travel across the country's numerous islands and regions.

Transfer between terminals is done on foot and takes just a few minutes — the buildings are located in immediate proximity to each other. No special shuttles or crossings are required, which significantly simplifies transit. Signs in the airport are quite clear, but it is always useful to verify in advance from which terminal your flight departs.

For international flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 2.5–3 hours before departure to check in, drop off luggage, and complete all formalities without haste. For domestic flights, arriving 1.5–2 hours in advance is usually sufficient. The airport is not overly large, so queues for screening and passport control are rarely long, although it is better to have spare time during peak hours.

The history of Jacksons International Airport (POM) is inextricably linked with the dramatic events of the 20th century. Its predecessor, the airstrip known as the "7 Mile Drome," was built even before the Second World War. However, it acquired its strategic significance precisely during the war years, becoming a key airbase for Allied forces during the New Guinea campaign. The airfield was actively used by the Royal Australian Air Force and the United States Army Air Forces for the defence of Port Moresby and conducting operations in the region.

After the war ended, the airfield was transformed into the country's main civil airport. In the 1950s, it received its current name in honour of John Jackson, an Australian fighter ace who died heroically defending the skies over Port Moresby in 1942. This step immortalised the memory of the pilots who played an important role in the region's history. Since then, the airport has become the main air gateway of the independent state of Papua New Guinea.

Over the decades, Jacksons Airport has been repeatedly modernised to meet growing needs and international standards. Significant work was carried out to extend the runway to accommodate larger jet aircraft, and new terminals were built. One of the most large-scale reconstructions was conducted ahead of the APEC summit in 2018, which significantly improved the airport's infrastructure and capacity. Today, it is a modern transport hub continuing a history that began with a small wartime airstrip.

Jacksons International Airport (POM), located in the capital Port Moresby, is the main air hub of Papua New Guinea and offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Cafés and restaurants are located in the airport terminals, where one can have a snack or a full meal, enjoying both local and international cuisine. For those wishing to shop, Duty-Free stores are available, offering a wide range of perfumes, tobacco products, and souvenirs.

For a more comfortable wait, passengers can utilise the services of VIP lounges, such as the Air Niugini Paradise Lounge. Here, snacks, beverages, fresh press, and a quiet atmosphere away from the main bustle of the terminal are offered. Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, allowing you to stay in touch with loved ones or handle business matters. Special charging stations are provided for recharging electronic devices.

Financial services at the airport include banking branches and currency exchange points, where money can be exchanged for the local currency — the Kina. ATMs for cash withdrawals are also installed throughout the terminal. In case of feeling unwell or the need for first aid, passengers may contact the medical centre.

Jacksons Airport cares for the convenience of all categories of passengers. For travellers with reduced mobility, ramps, special restrooms, and the option to request assistance from an airline representative are provided. Families with small children can use mother and child rooms to care for infants in a calm and private environment.

Hotels are located in the immediate vicinity of the airport, for example, the well-known Airways Hotel, offering high-class accommodation. For business travellers, conference rooms and business centres are available in nearby hotels, which is convenient for holding meetings and business events directly upon arrival or before departure.

At Jacksons International Airport (POM), the main aviation hub of Papua New Guinea, passengers will find several options for a snack or a full meal. Catering establishments are located in both the international and domestic terminals, offering convenient solutions for those awaiting their flight.

The majority of cafés and restaurants are concentrated in the International Terminal, predominantly in the airside zone (after passing passport control and screening). Here, travellers can find a café offering both a full lunch and light snacks. The menu usually features international dishes such as sandwiches, salads, pasta, as well as hot beverages and pastries. This is the best place to sit quietly before departure.

In the Domestic Terminal, the selection is generally more modest and oriented towards a quick snack. Usually, one or two cafés operate here, where you can buy coffee, refreshing drinks, sandwiches, and local snacks. Small food outlets are also available in the public zone (landside) before check-in, which is convenient for those seeing off or meeting passengers.

Although specialised local cuisine restaurants are absent at the airport, dishes using local ingredients, for example, sweet potato (kau-kau) snacks or fresh tropical fruits, can be found on the menus of some cafés. We recommend trying the famous local coffee grown in the country's highlands. Regarding special dietary needs, vegetarian options are generally available; however, the selection for vegan, as well as gluten-free or Halal meals may be extremely limited. Passengers with strict dietary requirements are advised to clarify ingredients on-site or carry necessary snacks with them.

Prices for food and drinks at Port Moresby airport are significantly higher than in the city. Opening hours of establishments are usually tied to the flight schedule: they open early in the morning and close after the departure of the last evening flight. It is recommended to have a snack before proceeding to the boarding gates, as the selection at the gates themselves may be limited or non-existent.

To ensure your journey through Jacksons International Airport goes as smoothly as possible, take advantage of our tips. A thoughtful approach will help save time, money, and stress, leaving only pleasant impressions of your trip to Papua New Guinea.

Arrival Time and Check-in. For international flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure, and for domestic ones — 2 hours. This will give you enough time to complete all formalities without haste. If possible, complete online check-in in advance to save time in queues. Keep your passport, visa, and tickets close at hand for quick verification.

Hand Luggage and Customs. Standard security rules apply here: liquids in containers up to 100 ml must be packed in a transparent bag, and sharp objects are prohibited. Pay special attention to customs control: Papua New Guinea has very strict bio-security rules. It is strictly prohibited to import fresh food, plants, seeds, and products of animal origin without a special permit. Fill out the customs declaration honestly and carefully.

Seat Selection and Transfers. If you wish to enjoy the views during takeoff or landing in Port Moresby, choose a window seat. An aisle seat is more convenient if you need to stand up during the flight. Passengers with transfers should clarify in advance whether luggage needs to be collected and re-checked. Ensure you have enough time between flights, especially if you are flying with different airlines.

Economy and Flight Delays. Prices for food and drinks at the airport can be high, so bring an empty water bottle (it can be filled after screening) and light snacks. To avoid excess baggage fees, weigh your luggage at home. In the event of a flight delay, first contact your airline representative for information and instructions. Having travel insurance may cover expenses for meals or accommodation in case of long waits.