BUA · medium airport

Buka Airport

Buka Island, Papua New Guinea

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Airports

BUAmedium airport

Buka Airport

Buka Island, Papua New Guinea

Explore Buka Island city guide Navigate to this airport

Routes out

Destinations

AYBK

ICAO

11 ft

Elevation

TravelerPulse profile

Gateway to Bougainville's islands and communities.

Location

Buka Island, Papua New Guinea

Buka Airport (IATA: BUA, ICAO: AYBK) serves Buka Island, the administrative hub of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville in Papua New Guinea. It is the primary air gateway to the region, connecting Buka with Port Moresby and other domestic destinations across PNG. The airport operates a single runway and handles a modest volume of passengers, primarily serving government officials, aid workers, and local residents. It plays a critical role in a region where road and sea transport are limited. Buka is situated close to the town of Buka, which lies just across a narrow passage from the larger island of Bougainville. The airport supports the region's ongoing development following the peace process that ended the Bougainville conflict.

Terminals

The airport has a small, single terminal building suited to the low passenger volumes of a regional PNG airport.

Getting to & from

Ground transport into Buka town is available via local taxis and public motor vehicles (PMVs), with the town located a short distance from the airport.

Airlines here

Air Niugini and PNG Air operate scheduled services connecting Buka to Port Moresby and other domestic points.

Notable facts

›Buka Airport is the main air entry point for the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.
›The airport lies on Buka Island, separated from mainland Bougainville by the narrow Buka Passage.
›The region it serves was the center of a decade-long civil conflict that ended in 1998.
›Bougainville held an independence referendum in 2019, with over 97% voting for independence from PNG.
›Air connections are essential due to limited road infrastructure across the island chain.

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 Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.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 Bougainville's lush islands and storied Pacific shores

Buka Airport serves Buka Island, the administrative hub of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville in Papua New Guinea. Positioned at the northern tip of Bougainville, it connects this remote island community to Port Moresby and other Papua New Guinean destinations. The airport plays a vital role in supporting the region's post-conflict development and growing local economy.

Terminals

Main Terminal — A single modest domestic terminal handling all passenger arrivals, departures, and basic check-in facilities.

Ground Transport

Shared PMV (Public Motor Vehicle) minibuses into Buka town
Private taxi and hire car arrangements from the terminal
Local guesthouses often provide pick-up on request

Nearby Hotels

Buka Lodge
Asitau Ku Guesthouse
Haiveta Guesthouse

Dining

Food options inside Buka Airport are very limited, with only basic refreshments typically available at the terminal. Buka town, a short drive away, offers small local eateries and market stalls serving traditional Papua New Guinean cuisine. Travellers are advised to carry snacks, especially if facing flight delays.

Traveller Tips

Confirm your flight schedule directly with Air Niugini or PNG Air well in advance, as services can change with little notice.
Carry sufficient Papua New Guinean Kina in cash, as ATM availability on the island is very limited.
The short ferry crossing between Buka and Bougainville mainland is a common onward connection — plan timing carefully.
Respect local customs and community protocols, particularly when visiting villages in the broader Bougainville region.

AI-assisted overview, verified against public sources.

Route map (3 destinations)

Leaflet © OpenStreetMap © CARTO

Airlines serving this airport

Airlines PNG

Air Niugini

Routes

BUA → RABCG · DH8

BUA → POMPX · 100

BUA → RABPX · 100 DH8

BUA → LNVPX · DH8

Aircraft operating here

DH83 routes Fokker 1002 routes

Hotels near BUA

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Where

Check-in

Check-out

Guests

Rooms

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