Qantas Restores Sydney-Port Moresby Flights, Fostering Tourism, Business, and Rugby Connections for Papua New Guinea

Published on December 2, 2025

Qantas has confirmed the return of flights between Sydney and Port Moresby, effective from March 2026. The twice-weekly service aims to accommodate growing business travel and tourism, and is strategically timed to coincide with Papua New Guinea’s preparation to join Australia’s elite rugby league competition in 2028. The flight route will enhance travel options for leisure and business visitors, benefiting both nations significantly.

Operating with a Boeing 737, the restored route will add nearly 35,000 seats annually, making it easier for passengers to travel between Sydney and Port Moresby. The new service is designed to meet increasing demand for travel, driven by business growth and tourism interests, and will complement existing daily flights between Brisbane and Port Moresby.

Connecting Papua New Guinea to Australia’s Business Hubs

The reintroduction of Sydney-Port Moresby flights carries substantial benefits for business travelers. As Papua New Guinea (PNG) gears up for its entry into the National Rugby League (NRL), travel demand is expected to soar. The increased business and tourism flow between the two cities will provide a boost to industries ranging from hospitality to transportation. This direct route will help strengthen PNG’s position as a key business partner for Australia.

Cam Wallace, Qantas CEO International, stated that the airline has already seen a rise in business travel between Sydney and Port Moresby. This demand is predicted to escalate in the coming years, particularly as the NRL preparations attract more people to both cities. He highlighted that the service would offer more convenient travel options and enhance connectivity with Qantas’ network across Australia and New Zealand.

Boosting Tourism in Papua New Guinea

The tourism industry in Papua New Guinea stands to gain significantly from these renewed flights. Direct connections between Sydney and Port Moresby will make it easier for Australian tourists to explore PNG’s unique offerings. From the iconic Kokoda Track to its untouched beaches and rich cultural heritage, PNG is now more accessible to Australians, who represent one of the largest visitor groups to the Pacific island.

Matt Thistlethwaite MP, the Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, expressed the Australian Government’s support for the decision to reintroduce flights between Sydney and Port Moresby. He emphasized how this service would strengthen the bond between the two countries, not only by supporting tourism but also by allowing greater movement of people for business, education, and family reasons. The flights will also give Australian fans the opportunity to travel and cheer for PNG’s NRL team in both domestic and away games, bolstering cross-cultural exchange.

More Choices for Travelers in the Pacific

Sydney Airport’s CEO, Scott Charlton, welcomed the announcement, acknowledging that the new flights would offer passengers more travel choices and increase convenience for those journeying to and from the Pacific region. The reinstatement of the service will strengthen economic and cultural ties between Australia and Papua New Guinea, supporting tourism, business activities, and enhancing people-to-people connections across both nations.

In addition to providing a direct link between Sydney and Port Moresby, Qantas’ services complement the daily Brisbane-Port Moresby flights. This gives travelers more flexibility and broader options for their travels between Australia and PNG, facilitating both business and leisure activities.

A Long-standing Relationship with Papua New Guinea

Qantas has had a strong presence in Papua New Guinea for decades, operating flights to the region since the 1940s. Initially, two light aircraft were stationed in Lae for local operations. By 1950, the airline introduced its DC4 Skymaster to service the Sydney-Port Moresby-Lae route. Over the years, this service has evolved into a critical transport link, supporting both tourism and business relationships between the two nations.

The airline’s return to this vital route underscores its ongoing commitment to meeting the growing demand for air travel in the Pacific region. Qantas continues to play a significant role in strengthening the economic and cultural ties between Australia and Papua New Guinea.

Looking Ahead: Rugby League and Increased Tourism Demand

The outlook for Sydney-Port Moresby flights is bright, with a steady increase in demand expected as PNG prepares to join Australia’s premier rugby league in 2028. The flights will not only accommodate growing tourism and business travel but also provide essential connectivity for sports fans and players traveling for the matches. As rugby becomes more central to the region’s culture, the need for convenient travel will rise, benefiting all sectors connected to the tourism and sports industries.

The restored Qantas service will also help expand Papua New Guinea’s tourism opportunities. With improved access to Australian travelers, more people will be encouraged to visit PNG for its natural beauty, historical sites, and vibrant traditions. The increased accessibility is expected to result in greater economic benefits for the tourism sector, helping it grow sustainably in the coming years.

A New Era of Travel and Connectivity

The return of Qantas flights between Sydney and Port Moresby marks a significant milestone in the relationship between Australia and Papua New Guinea. The service is set to boost business exchanges, increase tourism, and provide vital connections for the region’s burgeoning rugby league scene. As this direct link strengthens, it will foster growth, enhance cultural exchange, and offer travelers greater opportunities to explore both nations. The future looks promising for Sydney-Port Moresby connections, with a bright path ahead for travelers, businesses, and sports enthusiasts alike.