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

Direct flight routes to Papua New Guinea

There are currently no non-stop flights from North America to Papua New Guinea.

Layover/stopover options

Singapore (SIN) – Singapore Airlines hub offering connections to Port Moresby via Brisbane or Manila. Known for efficient transfers (minimum 3 hours) and excellent terminal facilities. Shopping paradise during longer layovers.

Brisbane (BNE) – Air Niugini’s primary international hub for Pacific routes. Minimum connection time of 2 hours. Easy immigration process and good overnight accommodation options near airport for longer layovers.

Manila (MNL) – Philippine Airlines hub connecting to Port Moresby. Minimum 4-hour connection time recommended. Terminal transfers can be time-consuming, but competitive pricing on routes.

Sydney (SYD) – Qantas and Air Niugini connections available. Minimum 3-hour connection time. Excellent domestic links and city accessibility during extended layovers.

Time vs Money

Multi-stop routes through Asia typically offer lower fares but require 30-40 hours of total travel time. Routes via Australia tend to be more expensive but provide more reliable connections and shorter total journey times.

Tips and recommendations

• Book separate tickets through Brisbane or Sydney to access better flight availability and potentially lower fares.


• Consider overnight layovers in Singapore or Brisbane to break up the journey and reduce travel fatigue.


• Flights connecting through Brisbane often offer more reliable connections during PNG’s wet season (December-March).


• Book trips 4-6 months in advance for best pricing, especially when routing through Australia.


• Many travelers find better deals by flying to Brisbane on a separate ticket, spending 1-2 days there, then continuing to PNG.

• Air Niugini’s codeshare with United Airlines offers the most straightforward routing from North America to Port Moresby via Manila or Singapore. These flights typically operate on Boeing 767-300s with 32-inch pitch in economy, providing better legroom than regional competitors operating narrowbody aircraft on similar routes. Average fares from Los Angeles or San Francisco via Manila run 15-20% lower than alternative routings through Australia.
• Routing through Brisbane or Cairns with Qantas provides reliable connections and typically costs 5-10% more than Air Niugini options, but offers superior inflight service and more modern aircraft. Qantas operates daily flights from Dallas and Los Angeles to Brisbane, connecting to Port Moresby on QantasLink’s Dash 8-400 aircraft. The Brisbane stopover allows for breaking up the long journey with a rest stop in Australia.
• Flying through Singapore on Singapore Airlines offers excellent value when booking through their Changi hub to Port Moresby in partnership with Air Niugini. Singapore Airlines’ new A350-900 aircraft from Seattle, San Francisco, and Vancouver feature enhanced Premium Economy seats with 38-inch pitch, making the long-haul segment notably comfortable.
• Budget-conscious travelers should consider Philippine Airlines’ routes via Manila, which often price 25-30% below market average. While the connection times in Manila can be longer, the significant cost savings and relatively new A321neo aircraft on the Manila-Port Moresby leg make this a compelling option.
• For travelers from eastern North America, routing through Tokyo-Narita with ANA provides an efficient option with good connection times to Air Niugini’s Port Moresby service. ANA’s competitive fares from New York, Chicago, and Toronto, combined with their excellent service standards and modern Boeing 787-9 fleet, make this routing particularly attractive during northern winter months when weather delays are less likely in Tokyo than in Manila or Singapore.

1. Booking unrealistic connections Many travelers underestimate the time needed for layovers in major Asian hubs like Brisbane, Singapore, or Manila when flying to Port Moresby, leading to missed connections and significant travel disruptions.
2. Ignoring Air Niugini’s direct routes from Asia Travelers often book complicated multi-airline itineraries through Australia when Air Niugini offers more straightforward connections from Asian hubs like Manila, Singapore, and Tokyo.
3. Flying during wet season Booking flights between December and March can result in weather-related delays or cancellations, particularly for domestic connections within Papua New Guinea.
4. Missing visa requirements check Travelers frequently assume they can get a visa on arrival at Port Moresby International Airport (POM), when in fact they need to arrange their visa before departure from North America.
5. Booking early morning departures from POM Planning early morning departure flights from Port Moresby can be risky due to limited reliable transportation options and security concerns during pre-dawn hours.

Qantas Airways

Best for: Most reliable connections and extensive codeshare network from North America to Papua New Guinea.

Operating from 8 US/Canadian cities (mainly Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Vancouver) to Port Moresby via Brisbane or Sydney. Offers well-coordinated connections with total journey times averaging 22-24 hours. Economy class features comfortable 32-inch pitch seats, acclaimed Australian wines, and highly rated meals. Maintains a solid 4.1/5 passenger rating for trans-Pacific routes.

Air Niugini

Best for: Only airline offering single-stop flights from North America to multiple PNG destinations.

Serves 3 North American cities (Los Angeles, Vancouver, San Francisco) through partnerships with Asian carriers. Provides direct access to not just Port Moresby but also Lae and Madang. Economy class offers traditional PNG hospitality, locally-inspired meals, and 31-inch seat pitch. Passenger rating averages 3.8/5, with particular praise for cultural authenticity.

Singapore Airlines

Best for: Superior comfort and service quality on long-haul segments.

Operates from 6 North American cities (mainly New York JFK, Los Angeles, and San Francisco) to Port Moresby via Singapore. Though requiring longer travel time (26-30 hours), offers industry-leading 32-inch pitch in economy, exceptional dining options, and award-winning service. Maintains consistent 4.5/5 passenger ratings across routes.

Japan Airlines

Best for: Most generous economy class legroom on trans-Pacific routes.

Connects 5 North American cities (primarily Los Angeles, Vancouver, and Chicago) to Port Moresby via Tokyo. Offers industry-leading 33-34 inch seat pitch in economy, high-quality Japanese cuisine, and well-timed connections. Average journey time of 24-26 hours, with a strong 4.2/5 passenger satisfaction rating.

Using APAC regional carriers for cheaper Papua New Guinea flights

When planning travel from North America to Papua New Guinea, breaking up your journey using regional Asian carriers can save significant money compared to booking a single itinerary through major airlines.

The key strategy involves booking separate tickets: one long-haul flight to a major Asian hub, then connecting to Papua New Guinea via regional carriers. Here are the most cost-effective routes:

1. Book a main flight to Singapore, Manila, or Brisbane – these cities offer frequent connections to Port Moresby
2. Use regional carriers like Air Niugini, Philippines Airlines, or Virgin Australia for the final leg
3. Consider multiple-stop options through Jakarta or Kuala Lumpur using carriers like AirAsia or Lion Air

Key money-saving tips for this strategy:

1. Allow at least 4 hours between flights when booking separate tickets
2. Book the long-haul portion during off-peak seasons
3. Sign up for regional carriers’ newsletters to catch sale fares
4. Check budget airline websites directly rather than using flight aggregators

While this approach requires more planning, savings can exceed $500 compared to traditional routings.