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RAB · medium airport

Tokua Airport

Kokopo, Papua New Guinea

Airports
RABmedium airport

Tokua Airport

Kokopo, Papua New Guinea
Explore Kokopo city guide Navigate to this airport
13
Routes out
8
Destinations
AYTK
ICAO
49 ft
Elevation
TravelerPulse profile

Gateway to East New Britain Province in Papua New Guinea.

Opened
1994
Location
Kokopo, Papua New Guinea
Tokua Airport, designated by IATA code RAB and ICAO code AYTK, serves Kokopo and the wider East New Britain Province in Papua New Guinea. It functions as the primary commercial airport for the region, replacing Rabaul Airport following the catastrophic 1994 volcanic eruptions that devastated the former capital city of Rabaul. The airport is located near Tokua, approximately 50 kilometres east of Kokopo, the current provincial capital. It handles domestic routes connecting the region to Port Moresby and other Papua New Guinea destinations, supporting both passenger and cargo traffic important to the regional economy. East New Britain is a significant economic and cultural hub in Papua New Guinea, and Tokua Airport plays a vital logistical role for the province's agricultural exports, tourism, and government services. The facility has undergone infrastructure improvements over the years to accommodate growing regional demand.
Terminals
The airport operates a single terminal building handling both domestic and limited international passenger processing.
Getting to & from
Ground transport between the airport and Kokopo is primarily served by taxis and privately arranged vehicles, with the journey taking approximately 45 to 60 minutes.
Airlines here
Air Niugini and PNG Air are the primary carriers operating scheduled services through Tokua Airport.
Notable facts
  • ›The airport was developed as a replacement for Rabaul Airport after the 1994 eruptions of Tavurvur and Vulcan volcanoes buried much of Rabaul.
  • ›Despite serving Kokopo, the airport retains the IATA code RAB in reference to the former city of Rabaul.
  • ›The airport is situated on the Gazelle Peninsula of New Britain island.
  • ›East New Britain Province is known for its cocoa and copra exports, which rely on the airport for logistical connectivity.
  • ›The 1994 volcanic disaster that prompted the airport's development displaced thousands of residents from Rabaul.
Wikipedia
This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.
Gateway to volcanic coastlines and ancient Melanesian heritage in East New Britain

Tokua Airport serves Kokopo, the provincial capital of East New Britain Province in Papua New Guinea, located approximately 25 kilometres from the city centre near the town of Tokua. The airport replaced Rabaul's original airfield after the 1994 volcanic eruption devastated the former town, becoming the region's primary aviation hub. It handles domestic routes connecting East New Britain to Port Moresby and other PNG destinations, supporting tourism, commerce, and humanitarian operations in this volcanically active region.

Terminals
  • Main Terminal — A single modest terminal building handling all domestic arrivals and departures with basic passenger facilities.
Ground Transport
  • Taxis available outside the terminal for hire to Kokopo and surrounding areas
  • PMV (Public Motor Vehicle) minibuses operating along the main coastal road toward Kokopo
  • Private hotel transfers arranged through local guesthouses and resorts
  • Car rental options available through local operators in Kokopo town
Nearby Hotels
  • Kokopo Beach Bungalows Resort
  • Rapopo Plantation Resort
  • Kokopo Village Resort
  • Malaguna Lodge
Dining

The airport terminal offers very limited food and beverage options, typically a small kiosk or canteen with basic refreshments. Visitors are advised to eat before departing or stock up in Kokopo town, where local markets and a handful of restaurants serve Papua New Guinean and international meals. The Kokopo waterfront area has several dining spots worth exploring before or after your flight.

Traveller Tips
  • Confirm your domestic flight booking directly with Air Niugini or PNG Air as schedules can change frequently.
  • Arrive at least 90 minutes before departure as check-in processes can be slow and security lines unpredictable.
  • Carry sufficient PNG Kina cash as ATM availability near the airport is limited.
  • The road between Tokua Airport and Kokopo town runs along the coast — negotiate a taxi fare before departing the terminal.

AI-assisted overview, verified against public sources.

Route map (8 destinations)

Leaflet © OpenStreetMap © CARTO

Airlines serving this airport

Airlines PNG
CG
Air Niugini
PX

Routes

RAB → KVGCG · DH8
RAB → LAECG · DH8
RAB → LNVCG · DH8
RAB → POMCG · DH8
RAB → BUACG · DH8
RAB → HKNCG · DH8
RAB → HKNPX · DH4
RAB → KVGPX · 100
RAB → POMPX · 100 DH4
RAB → BUAPX · 100
RAB → CNSPX · DH4
RAB → LNVPX · DH3 DH8
RAB → MASPX · 100
Hotels near RAB

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City & Place Guide

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Passport, Visa & Immigration

Flying internationally via RAB? Check entry, transit and customs requirements for Papua New Guinea from official government sources.

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Encyclopaedia

Rabaul Airport, also called Tokua Airport, is an airport serving Kokopo and Rabaul, the current and former capitals of East New Britain Province, respectively, on New Britain island in Papua New Guinea.

Read full article on Wikipedia