Tokua Airport

Tokua Airport (RAB) is not merely a transport hub, but a true symbol of the region's resilience, emerging amidst coconut plantations after the dramatic eruption of 1994 forever changed the landscape of East New Britain. This air gateway serves as the main portal to the "Ring of Fire," connecting the modern rhythm of Kokopo and the mysterious atmosphere of the abandoned old Rabaul with the rest of the country. Even during descent, passengers are treated to a breathtaking panorama: the smoking summit of Mount Tavurvur, the turquoise waters of Blanche Bay, and the lush tropical greenery, promising the start of an unforgettable adventure.

Airport Features and Highlights:

• Scenic Approach: The flight into Tokua is considered one of the most beautiful routes in the region. Aircraft often fly in close proximity to active volcanoes, allowing tourists to capture unique photos even before landing.
• Tropical Atmosphere: The airport terminal features simple, "open" architecture characteristic of island nations. There are no glass walls or the air-conditioned chill of metropolises here—instead, you will be greeted by a warm ocean breeze and the leisurely rhythm of local life.
• Convenient Location: The airport is located just a 15-minute drive from the city of Kokopo, where the majority of the province's modern hotels, resorts, and restaurants are concentrated, making transfers quick and tireless.
• Handmade Souvenirs: Small stalls run by local artisans often operate in the waiting area, where you can purchase famous woven "bilum" bags and shell jewelry in the final minutes before departure.

• Official Website: Currently, Tokua Airport (RAB) does not have its own dedicated official website. The airport is managed by the National Airports Corporation of Papua New Guinea (NAC). Up-to-date information can be found on their corporate portal: www.nac.com.pg.
• Help Desk Phone: For information regarding flights and airport services, you may call: +675 982 8569. Please note that the line may be busy, especially during peak hours.
• Airport Address: Tokua Airport, Kokopo Highway, Tokua, East New Britain Province, Papua New Guinea. The airport serves the city of Rabaul and its surroundings.
• Email: For general inquiries, you can use the contact e-mail of the managing company NAC: info@nac.com.pg. It is recommended to indicate the airport code (RAB) in the subject line for faster processing.
• Social Media: The airport does not have separate social media pages. News and updates are occasionally published on the pages of the National Airports Corporation (NAC) or airlines operating flights to Rabaul.
• Lost Luggage Information: For issues regarding lost or damaged luggage, please contact your airline's representative directly at the airport. Airport staff do not handle luggage tracing.
• Customer Support Contacts: The primary channel for communication is the airport help desk phone. For specific questions (ticket changes, special services on board), it is necessary to contact your airline.

There are several ways to get to Tokua Airport (RAB), which serves the city of Rabaul and its surroundings. The airport is located near the city of Kokopo, which became the administrative center following the volcanic eruption in 1994. The journey from the center of Kokopo to the airport usually takes about 20-30 minutes. The main modes of transport for tourists are taxis and pre-booked transfers.

Public Transport in Papua New Guinea consists mainly of minibuses known as PMVs (Public Motor Vehicles). This is the most budget-friendly way to travel, allowing you to immerse yourself in local life. However, PMVs do not have a fixed schedule; they depart as they fill up, and the level of comfort may be modest. This option is suitable for experienced and unpretentious travelers who have ample time.

The most convenient and safe way to reach the airport is by taxi or a pre-booked transfer. Most hotels and guesthouses in Kokopo and Rabaul will happily organize a transfer for you. You can also arrange a ride with a local taxi driver. It is highly recommended to agree on the fare in advance, as taximeters are rarely used. This is the most reliable way to be at the airport on time, especially if you have an early flight.

Car Rental is another option offering maximum freedom of movement. Several local companies offer rental services, but it is worth remembering that road conditions can vary, and the local driving style may be unfamiliar. Tokua Airport has a parking area, which is a simple open lot where you can leave your car during departure or when meeting arrivals. This option is best suited for confident drivers planning to actively explore the region.

In general, for most tourists, the optimal choice in terms of price, comfort, and reliability is a transfer organized by the hotel. If you are looking for adventure and wish to save money, you can try catching a PMV, but be sure to allocate extra time for the journey.

Tokua Airport (RAB) is a small regional airport, so its structure is extremely simple and understandable for any traveler. There is no complex system of terminals here, making navigation quick and easy.

Number and Purpose of Terminals

The airport consists of one small terminal. This single building handles all flights without exception: both arrivals and departures. There is no separation into domestic and international sections, as the airport is primarily focused on domestic transport.

Layout and Navigation

The terminal is a compact single-story building. All functional zones are located within walking distance of each other. Upon entering, you immediately find yourself in the general hall where airline check-in counters are located. After checking in, passengers proceed to security screening, followed by a small waiting lounge with a boarding gate. The arrivals area and baggage claim belt are also located in the same building and are easily accessible. It is practically impossible to get lost here.

Procedures and Time

Thanks to the airport's small size and low passenger traffic, all pre-flight formalities are completed very quickly. Check-in and security screening rarely take much time. As a rule, arriving at the airport 60–90 minutes before a domestic flight is more than sufficient to check luggage and proceed to the boarding gate without rushing.

Navigation Recommendations

You will not need a complex map to orient yourself at Tokua Airport. The entire path from the entrance to the boarding gate is intuitive and takes just a few minutes. Simply follow other passengers or the few signs available. Since everything is located in one hall, you will easily find the check-in counter, the arrivals area, and the exit to the airfield.

The history of Tokua Airport is inextricably linked with the dramatic natural events that changed the face of the city of Rabaul. The modern airport was not built on an empty site, but as a replacement for the old one destroyed by the elements. Its history is a symbol of the region's rebirth and adaptation to the forces of nature.

Originally, Rabaul's main airport, known as Lakunai Airfield, was located at the foot of Mount Tavurvur. It played a significant role during World War II as a key airbase. However, in September 1994, a massive eruption of two volcanoes occurred simultaneously—Tavurvur and Vulcan. The city and its infrastructure, including the old airport, were buried under a thick layer of volcanic ash. This event made the continued use of the runway and terminals impossible.

After the disaster, a decision was made to build a new airport in a safer location. A site in Tokua was chosen, approximately 50 kilometers southeast of the destroyed city, on the coast. Tokua Airport (RAB) was built and opened in 1998. Its primary task became restoring transport connections with the East New Britain province and supporting the new administrative center, the city of Kokopo, where government bodies relocated from Rabaul.

Since its opening, Tokua Airport has become the main air gateway for the entire Gazelle Peninsula. It serves domestic flights, linking the region with the capital of Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby, and other key islands. In subsequent years, the airport infrastructure has been periodically modernized to meet modern standards and the growing passenger flow, which includes both locals and tourists coming to see the unique volcanic landscapes and the region's rich heritage.

Tokua Airport (RAB), serving the city of Rabaul and its surroundings in Papua New Guinea, offers passengers a set of basic services for a comfortable journey. Before departure, you can grab a bite at a local café serving light snacks and beverages, or purchase unique souvenirs and handmade items in small shops within the terminal.

For passengers preferring enhanced comfort, Air Niugini provides access to its Paradise Lounge. Other travelers can settle in the general waiting hall. Wi-Fi access at the airport may be limited, so having alternative ways to access the internet is recommended. There are power outlets in the terminal for charging gadgets, but their number is small, so a portable power bank will be a useful companion on your trip.

Basic financial services are available at the airport: here you will find an ATM and a currency exchange point. There is also a medical station on the premises where first aid can be provided. Passengers with children and travelers with disabilities are provided with necessary amenities, including accessible toilets. For special assistance, such as a wheelchair or escort to the aircraft, we advise you to contact your airline representatives in advance.

There are no hotels, conference halls, or business centers directly within the terminal building. The nearest hotels, guesthouses, and business services can be found in neighboring towns such as Kokopo, which is easily accessible by taxi or pre-arranged transfer. There, travelers can find suitable options for rest and work.

When planning a departure from Tokua Airport (RAB), it is important to remember that this is a small regional airport, and dining choices here are quite limited. Unlike major international hubs, there are no extensive food courts or fine dining restaurants. Snack options are mainly concentrated in the main and only terminal.

The primary place to eat is a small café or kiosk, located typically in the public area before security control (landside). Here, passengers and well-wishers can buy beverages such as coffee, tea, bottled water, and soda, as well as light snacks. The assortment usually includes sandwiches, pastries, chips, and chocolate. Sometimes you can find packaged local delicacies, such as taro chips, which can be an interesting gastronomic experience before your flight.

For a full lunch or dinner, it is highly recommended to eat at one of the establishments in the city of Rabaul before traveling to the airport. The airport café is best suited for a quick snack or buying a drink for the road. Prices for food and drinks here, as in most airports worldwide, will be higher than in the city. After passing through security (airside), the selection will likely be even more limited or non-existent.

Passengers with specific dietary needs (vegetarians, vegans, as well as those looking for gluten-free or Halal meals) should note that finding suitable options at Tokua Airport will be extremely difficult. In this case, the most reliable option is to bring food with you. The opening hours of the local café are directly linked to the flight schedule—it opens shortly before the first departure and closes after the last aircraft of the day has left.

Traveling through Tokua Airport, the gateway to the amazing Rabaul, requires a little preparation. To ensure your adventure in Papua New Guinea begins and ends smoothly, take advantage of these tips.

Arrival Time and Check-in. Tokua Airport is a small regional hub, yet one should not arrive at the last minute. It is recommended to arrive at least 1.5–2 hours before a domestic flight departure. Queues for check-in and security can arise unexpectedly, and processes sometimes move at a leisurely pace. Keep your passport, visa, and ticket ready to speed up the procedure.

Seat Selection and Hand Luggage. If possible, try to book a window seat. During takeoff and landing at Tokua Airport, breathtaking views of active volcanoes, the bay, and the coast open up—this is a spectacle you definitely do not want to miss! Regarding hand luggage, standard international rules apply: liquids in containers up to 100 ml must be packed in a transparent bag, and sharp objects are prohibited. When taking out local souvenirs made of wood, shells, or plants, be sure to check customs regulations to avoid issues with biosecurity control.

Customs Control and Transfers. Upon arrival in the country, be prepared for strict customs and quarantine control. Declare all food products, plants, and goods of animal origin. If you have a connecting flight, especially in Port Moresby, allow sufficient time between flights (at least 2-3 hours). This gives you a buffer in case of minor delays and allows you to complete all formalities calmly.

Saving Time and Money. It is better to buy flight tickets to and from Rabaul in advance, as the number of flights is limited, and prices rise closer to the departure date. At the airport itself, the selection of food and drinks may be modest and expensive, so bring a light snack and an empty water bottle that can be filled after security. Have some local currency (Kina) with you for small expenses.

Flight Delays. Flight delays or cancellations in this region are not uncommon, often caused by weather conditions or volcanic activity. In the event of a delay, first contact your airline representative for information. Given that the infrastructure in the waiting hall is basic, it is useful to carry a charged power bank, a book, or downloaded movies. Maintain calm and patience—this is part of traveling to exotic destinations.