Superdeals: 40–80% off flights from Europe to Papua New Guinea

Direct flight routes to Papua New Guinea

Currently there are no direct flights between any European city and Papua New Guinea.

Layover/stopover options

Singapore (SIN): Main hub for Singapore Airlines with connections to Port Moresby via Brisbane or Manila. Average connection time 3-4 hours. Modern airport with excellent shopping and free city tours for longer layovers.

Jakarta (CGK): Garuda Indonesia’s hub offering connections to Port Moresby. Average connection time 4-5 hours. Less expensive option but longer waiting times.

Hong Kong (HKG): Cathay Pacific’s base with links to Port Moresby through Manila or Brisbane. Average connection time 2-3 hours. Efficient transit processes and excellent lounge facilities.

Brisbane (BNE): Air Niugini’s main Australian connection point. Average connection time 3 hours. Visa-free transit for most European passengers.

Time vs money

Multi-stop routes through Asia typically offer better value than routes via Australia. Booking separate tickets can reduce costs but increases risk with connections.

Tips and recommendations

• Book flights arriving in Port Moresby during daylight hours for better onward domestic connections.


• Consider overnight layovers in Singapore or Hong Kong to break up the journey and explore these cities.


• Prices are typically lowest when booking 4-6 months in advance.


• Air Niugini codeshare flights often cost less than booking with partner airlines.


• Flights via Asian hubs generally offer better baggage allowances than Australian connections.

• Singapore Airlines via Singapore offers the most reliable connection to Port Moresby, with economy fares averaging 15% below market rates when departing from Frankfurt or Amsterdam. The route utilizes A350-900 aircraft with 32-inch pitch in economy, connecting through Singapore with typically 4-hour layovers. Booking 6-8 months ahead regularly yields fares around €1,100 return.
• Flying via Manila with Philippine Airlines provides an alternative budget route, with twice-weekly connections to Port Moresby and fares often 25% below major carriers. Their A320neo aircraft feature new slimline seats with 31-inch pitch, though layovers in Manila can stretch to 12 hours. Departures from Rome and Paris typically offer the best deals.
• Qantas’ European partnerships enable seamless connections through Singapore or Brisbane to Port Moresby, with full-service benefits and baggage transfer. The final leg operates on newer Boeing 737-800s with upgraded cabin interiors and 30-inch pitch. London and Frankfurt departures feature the most competitive rates, especially during shoulder season (April-June).
• Using Air Niugini’s partnerships with Emirates allows routing through Dubai and Singapore, offering superior comfort on long-haul segments. The carrier’s recently refurbished Boeing 767-300ER operates the Singapore-Port Moresby leg with generous 32-inch pitch. This routing works particularly well from Eastern European cities, where Emirates offers competitive rates.
• Budget-conscious travelers should consider mixed-carrier itineraries combining low-cost airlines to Southeast Asia with full-service carriers for the final legs. Scoot to Singapore or AirAsia to Kuala Lumpur, followed by connections on Singapore Airlines or Air Niugini, can reduce total fare by up to 30%. Best deals are typically found departing from secondary airports like Milan Malpensa or Brussels.

1. Ignoring Port Moresby’s limited international connections Many travelers waste time and money by not realizing that most efficient routes to Papua New Guinea from Europe are via Singapore, Manila, or Brisbane/Cairns in Australia.
2. Booking separate tickets without sufficient layover time Due to PNG’s remote location and frequent domestic flight delays, passengers should allow at least 4 hours connection time when self-connecting through major Asian hubs.
3. Flying during wet season without buffer days Booking flights to PNG between December and March without extra days for potential weather delays can lead to missed connections due to the country’s tropical storm patterns.
4. Not checking visa requirements for transit countries Travelers often get stuck at connection points like Singapore or Australia because they haven’t arranged necessary transit visas in advance.
5. Assuming Port Moresby Airport has 24/7 facilities Jacksons International Airport has limited operating hours and basic facilities, so passengers shouldn’t plan to stay overnight or expect extensive services during long layovers.

Singapore Airlines

Best for: Superior service quality and most comfortable Economy seats to Papua New Guinea.

Operates from 12 European cities to Port Moresby (main hubs: London Heathrow, Frankfurt, and Paris CDG) with one stop in Singapore. Economy Class features 32-inch seat pitch, acclaimed Singapore Girl service, and award-winning cuisine. Most flights connect through Singapore with layovers under 4 hours. Passenger rating consistently above 4.5/5, particularly for cleanliness and in-flight entertainment.

Qantas

Best for: Most reliable connections and shortest overall journey times from Europe.

Serves 8 European destinations to Port Moresby (main hubs: London Heathrow, Frankfurt, and Rome) via Singapore or Brisbane. Economy passengers enjoy ergonomic seats with 30-inch pitch and Australian-inspired meals. Partnership with Air Niugini ensures smooth connections in Brisbane. Average passenger rating 4.3/5, with high scores for punctuality and baggage handling.

Air Niugini

Best for: Most extensive network within Papua New Guinea and direct connections to Asian hubs.

Connects from 6 European cities (main hubs: London Heathrow, Paris CDG, and Amsterdam) through Singapore or Manila. While requiring two stops from Europe, offers unmatched domestic connectivity within Papua New Guinea. Economy Class provides 31-inch seat pitch and traditional PNG hospitality. Passenger rating averages 3.9/5, with praise for friendly service.

Malaysia Airlines

Best for: Most affordable fares and generous baggage allowance (30kg in Economy).

Flies from 7 European destinations (main hubs: London Heathrow, Amsterdam, and Istanbul) to Port Moresby via Kuala Lumpur. Economy Class offers 30-inch seat pitch and Malaysian-inspired cuisine. While layovers in Kuala Lumpur can be longer (6-8 hours), significantly lower fares compensate for this. Passenger rating averages 4.0/5, with high marks for value for money.

Smart routing to Papua New Guinea using Asian carriers

Getting to Papua New Guinea from Europe can be more affordable by leveraging regional APAC airlines instead of booking through major carriers. This strategy requires breaking down the journey into strategic segments.

Key money-saving steps

1. Book main flight to a major Asian hub (Singapore, Manila, or Jakarta) using regular carriers like Emirates, Qatar Airways, or Turkish Airlines
2. From these hubs, utilize regional carriers like Air Niugini, Philippines Airlines, or Singapore Airlines for the final leg to Port Moresby
3. Consider building in a 24-48 hour stopover, which often reduces overall fare cost while allowing time for connections

Best regional airline options

Philippines Airlines and Air Niugini typically offer the most competitive rates into Port Moresby. Flying through Manila can save up to 30% compared to traditional routings through Australia. Singapore Airlines, while slightly more expensive, provides reliable connections through Singapore with codeshare agreements on Air Niugini.

For optimal savings, book the Asia-PNG leg at least 3 months in advance, as regional routes have limited capacity and prices increase significantly closer to departure dates.