Qantas Restores Sydney-Port Moresby Flights: Launching March 2026
Qantas has announced the restoration of direct flights between Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport and Port Moresby Jacksons International Airport, marking a significant development in regional aviation connectivity. The twice-weekly service launches in March 2026, operating on Boeing 737 aircraft as flight QF203/204, scheduled for Mondays and Fridays year-round.
The route reinstatement adds approximately 35,000 seats annually to Papua New Guinea’s capacity and complements Qantas’ existing daily Brisbane-Port Moresby service. According to Qantas CEO International Cam Wallace, the decision reflects anticipated demand growth driven by multiple factors, particularly Papua New Guinea’s entry into the National Rugby League in 2028.
“We’re seeing growth in business travel between Sydney and Port Moresby and that’s building further as PNG ramps up preparations for Australia’s premier rugby league competition,” Wallace stated. “The preparation work alone is generating travel, and once the team starts playing and fans and teams are traveling for matches, we expect that to increase significantly.”
Beyond sporting tourism, the restored connection addresses broader economic and cultural needs. The service provides easier access for business travelers, leisure passengers, and sports enthusiasts while offering seamless onward connections to Qantas’ domestic network across Australia and New Zealand. This dual-hub strategy—combining Sydney and Brisbane services—positions PNG with direct access to Australia’s two largest cities.
Government and industry stakeholders have welcomed the announcement. The Australian government views the service as strengthening bilateral ties ahead of PNG’s NRL debut. Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Matt Thistlethwaite emphasized how the route “will bring our communities even closer together making it easier for fans, families, businesses and students to travel.”
Sydney Airport CEO Scott Charlton described the reinstatement as positive for regional connectivity: “This renewed connection gives passengers greater choice and convenience across the region, while also strengthening the important economic and cultural ties between Australia and Papua New Guinea.”
Qantas maintains a storied history with Papua New Guinea dating to the 1940s, when the airline operated light aircraft from Lae. The carrier’s four-engine DC4 Skymaster launched the Sydney-Port Moresby-Lae route in 1950, with Port Moresby later serving as a refueling point for flights to Hong Kong by 1959. This latest development reflects the airline’s continued commitment to regional markets and demonstrates how major sporting events drive aviation demand.
Source ID: SRCE-2025-1764691246239-1067