Tokua Airport Upgrade: NAC Opens A220 Operations and Night Flights for PNG Festive Peak

Effective December 16, 2025, Tokua Airport has been cleared to accommodate the Airbus A220 on a temporary concession basis. For the people of Kokopo and Rabaul, this is more than just a new plane on the tarmac—it is a massive leap in capacity.

The A220-300, recently dubbed “The People’s Balus,” is the cornerstone of Air Niugini’s fleet modernization. Compared to the aging Fokker fleet, the A220 offers:

• Increased Capacity: More seats per flight to handle the Christmas rush.
• Fuel Efficiency: Lower emissions and better range.
• Modern Comfort: Larger windows, quieter cabins, and a smoother ride through PNG’s challenging terrain.

Dominic Kaumu, Acting Managing Director and CEO of NAC, noted that this concession is a direct response to the surge in demand. By allowing the A220 into Tokua, NAC is providing airlines with the heavy-lifting tools needed to clear passenger backlogs.

The Night Sky Opens Up: Extending Operational Hours

In a rare move, the NAC has also agreed to facilitate temporary night flight operations at a selection of vital airports:

Nadzab Tomodachi International Airport (Lae)

Wewak Airport

Momote Airport (Manus)

Kavieng Airport

Usually, regional airports in PNG operate on a strict daytime schedule. However, to combat the holiday congestion, NAC is extending these hours. This allows airlines to run “late-night shuttles,” effectively doubling the utility of their aircraft.

“While night operations fall outside our standard hours and require significant extra resources and staffing, we recognize the necessity of these steps to improve passenger movement,” Kaumu stated.

Why This Matters: Humanizing the Holiday Rush

Behind every flight schedule is a human story. It’s the student in Port Moresby trying to get home to Wewak, the grandmother in Kavieng waiting for her family to arrive from Lae, and the small business owner in Kokopo relying on air freight for festive supplies.

In previous years, limited capacity meant that many travelers were left stranded or forced to pay exorbitant last-minute fares. By introducing the A220 to Tokua and opening night slots elsewhere, the NAC is actively reducing the “travel anxiety” that often overshadows the joy of the holidays.

Collaboration for Safety: A “Team Effort” Approach

The NAC has been clear that while they are opening the doors, safety remains the non-negotiable priority. Carriers wishing to utilize the new night slots must provide advance notice to ensure that ground crews, rescue and firefighting services, and security personnel are fully briefed and in place.

Furthermore, the introduction of the A220 at Tokua requires careful management. Because the A220 is significantly heavier than the Fokkers (70 tonnes vs 44 tonnes), NAC is monitoring runway integrity closely. This “concession” is a calculated move to balance immediate public need with long-term infrastructure health.

Looking Forward: A Blueprint for PNG Aviation

While these measures are currently “temporary” for the 2025 festive season, they serve as a pilot program for the future of PNG aviation. The success of A220 operations at Tokua and night flights at regional hubs could lead to more permanent upgrades under the Civil Aviation Development Investment Program (CADIP).

NAC and Air Niugini are working in lockstep to prove that Papua New Guinea’s skies are ready for the next generation of travel—one that is on-time, efficient, and capable of connecting even the most remote corners of the nation.

Conclusion: A Season of Smoother Skies

The National Airports Corporation deserves credit for its agility. By listening to the traveling public and working closely with airline partners, they have turned a potential logistical crisis into an opportunity for growth.

As the second A220 (P2-PGB) begins its service and the night flights start their engines, Papua New Guineans can look forward to a holiday season where “going home” is finally as easy as it should be.

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