About Jacksons International Airport
Jacksons International Airport is commonly referred to as Port Moresby Airport and can be found in the 6-Mile/Saraga suburb.
It will take no more than 15 minutes from city-side Port Moresby by car. It is very conveniently located and quite rare to encounter traffic jams. There are two main routes to get there – over the new Flyover Pass from Waigani Drive or via 6 Mile.
Jacksons International Airport has two terminals, domestic on the left, and international on the right. It’s an easy 2 minute walk between each terminal.
Free trolleys are available to load your luggage if you are transferring from an international flight to a domestic flight or vice-versa.
Airlines are distributed between each terminal as follows:
International Terminal = Air Niugini, Qantas, Philippine Airlines
Domestic Terminal = PNG Air, Air Niugini
Visa On Arrival
When you start planning a trip to PNG the most important thing you need to arrange is an entry visa.
Some country’s citizens are eligible for a visa on arrival (no charge) before they go through immigration.
Due to the global outbreak of COVID-19 it is best to contact your local PNG embassy for current information on any potential visa eligibility disruptions.
Currency Exchange & SIM Card Purchase
PNG’s national currency is called the Kina.
It’s possible to exchange your local currency at the BSP exchange kiosk on the ground floor of the International terminal at Jacksons International Airport at the bottom of the stairs leading to the Security Check.
On arrival, after exiting the arrivals gate, there is a DIGICEL shop on the right-hand-side, and a BMobile/Vodafone store on the left-hand-side.
You can purchase your SIM card and data plans before leaving the terminal.
The Domestic terminal does not currently have any free-WIFI facilities. The International terminal has a free WIFI network in both the Departure Lounge and inside Air Niugini’s Destinations Lounge.
Check-In Time At Jacksons Airport
INTERNATIONAL DEPARTURE
Normally people going to the airport for International travel should aim to be there at check-in more than 2 hours before departure.
Most international airports suggest 3 hours, but Port Moresby is a limited capacity airport and the check-in process is usually rather quick! Of course there are always exceptions to this in particular during peak travel periods such as school holidays or a long weekend, so be cautious.
Inside of the International Airport it is clean and comfortable as the International terminal was recently renovated and expanded before APEC 2018.
Once you clear immigration and if you have a Gold or Platinum level status with Qantas, then you will be allowed access to the Air Niugini Destinations Lounge, as you wait for boarding!
Otherwise there is a Duffy PNG Café and Jackson’s Tale where you can grab a coffee or a beer. Alternatively you can buy some last minute souvenirs from “A Little Something From PNG” operated by leading electronics retailer CHM. They offer a carefully curated selection of gifts perfect to remember your time in PNG, or to purchase a unique gift from PNG!
DOMESTIC DEPARTURE
Checking in for a domestic flight is a little bit different however, so we strongly recommend arriving at the Domestic terminal at least 3 hours before departure, as flights are regularly overbooked and there are frequent delays and/or cancellations!
Inside the departure lounge is a rather bare-bones cafeteria, and some uncomfortable metal chairs to sit on while you wait to board your flight!
