PNG and China has a long relationship with China. Some of the early foreign settlers were of Chinese descent. These Chinese were industrious and started businesses in almost all the provincial towns in the country. Most of them established trade stores and business in all the major towns in the country. This is evident in many provincial towns where they have a certain spot called “CHINA TOWN”. During colonial days, the Chinese have always wanted to maintain their identify from the prominent Western White people that have settled in PNG those days.
PNG’s long historical ties with Chinese People.
This relationship continues to this day and Chinese presence in terms of business, trade, diplomatic relations and etc is huge in Port Moresby and the country as a whole. However, there has bee one missing link, that has been the direct flights to Chinese cities in and out of Port Moresby as the capital. In the past, Air Niugini, the Papua New Guinea state owned National Airline has serviced the Chinese routes through Singapore City, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur and Manila. There were no direct flights to and from any of the cities in mainland China, despite a lot of Chinese people travel between Port Moresby and mainland China for various reasons. Now, direct flights to mainland Chinese city of Guangzhou is possible, thanks to recent announcement of direct flights by China Southern Airlines.
Southern China Airlines direct flight to Port Moresby to Guangzhou .
The inaugural flight by Southern China into Port Moresby Jacksons International Airport which is located right in the heart of Port Moresby was on 29th of April 2025. It is a strategic move that will elevate Papua New Guinea’s relationship with China as the country prepares to celebrate 50 years of independence in 2025 as well.
The direct flight from Port Moresby also extend to Vanuatu’s capital city of Port Vila, connecting it to rest of mainland China as well. Both Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu strong diplomatic relationships with China. And having China Southern Airlines (one of the big airlines in China) with it’s vast connection of international and domestic routes operating this route will bring much needed boost to passenger travels as well as movement of cargoes between these three countries.
Travel between Port Vila and Port Moresby
This routine is also expected to bring much relieve to people travelling between Port Moresby and Vanuatu. Recently, Air Vanuatu collapsed and went into voluntary liquidation which affected all international travel in and out of Vanuatu. Mainly to Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Solomon Islands. Air Niugini continues to service this route through Honiara in Solomon Islands on a weekly basis.
Plans are also underway for other Chinese Airlines to operate in and out of Port Moresby and also connecting the Lae, the second largest city which as a recently upgraded Nadzab Tomodachi International airport funded by Japanese Government Aid.
Port Moresby has Sister City Relationships with Shenzhen City in China.
Port Moresby city has a Sister City Relationship with Shenzhen City in China and this flight route will be welcome news for people travelling between Shenzhen city to Port Moresby.
Airlines that fly into Port Moresby
Foreign Currency Exchangers in Port Moresby
