Air Niugini

✅ Trip Verified | My trip from Auckland, New Zealand to Rabaul, Papua New Guinea, included flights handled by Qantas and Air Niugini, all of which were booked through a travel agent in New Zealand (Flight Centre). The issues began when my flight from Port Moresby to Rabaul was canceled with only 13 hours’ notice. By that time, we had already checked in at Auckland and were boarding the plane, leaving us with no other option but to continue the journey. Air Niugini’s only resolution was to offer us a flight the following day, advising us to simply "turn up" at the airport. Upon arriving at the domestic check-in the next day and waiting for over an hour and a half, I was informed that I wasn’t on the flight. Despite this, I was told to speak with customer service, who initially showed no interest in resolving the issue until I had to raise my voice and explain that I was traveling for a family death ceremony. Magically, tickets appeared only 30 minutes before departure, even though I had been told the flight was full. Upon boarding, it was evident that there were at least 10–15 free seats. The lack of communication, transparency, and effort from your staff was shocking and unprofessional. But that was only the beginning. The return flight from Rabaul to Port Moresby, scheduled to depart at 7:00 AM, was abruptly canceled the night before at 11:00 PM via email, with no alternative options provided. The two phone numbers provided in the email for assistance were not even connected. Left with no choice, we arrived at the airport, where we finally received an email at 5:00 AM informing us of rebooking on another flight. However, upon arrival at the airport, the staff could see this new booking but were unable to check us in for over 45 minutes, requiring a phone call to head office to resolve the issue. Adding to the stress, I was traveling with my mother, and being in Rabaul—a remote part of the world with a tiny airport and only one other local airline—we had no real alternative options. The worry of being stranded caused a huge amount of anxiety for both of us, which could have been avoided with better communication and service. This experience has been beyond frustrating and entirely unacceptable for an airline that charges full-price fares for services that you clearly cannot deliver. The rumor that fuel shortages are affecting your ability to operate flights as scheduled yet you continue selling tickets without disclosing these issues is both deceptive and unethical. I expect a formal apology and explanation for the appalling service, as well as reassurance that other passengers won’t have to suffer the same treatment in the future.

✅ Trip Verified | A disgrace of an airline. Arrived at check in three hours in advance of departure time just to find out that they had bumped me off the flight. They essentially killed off the second half of my holidays. Check in itself was a farce. Although at the top of the queue, it was a very long wait as counter staff and security let selected people through first who then also make their friends jump the queue. Staff is not very friendly and unapologetic. No explanation was provided why it was me who was there well in advance and had purchased the ticket many months in advance cannot fly. A promised refund can only be requested by email apparently. I am sure I have to fight for that too.

Not Verified | This airline is a complete mess! I flew Air Niugini from Honiara to Nadi and oh boy! I have never come across an airline as unreliable as this one. I was initially meant to fly the 737-800 which comes with IFE and charging ports but a day before our trip our aircraft got downgraded to a Fokker-100. When I asked why the aircraft was downgraded they had no answer. The check-in took AGES! A good 10 minute per passenger. The flight was scheduled for 2pm, a day prior I got a text saying the flight will no will leave at 3.40pm. This was updated on the Fiji Airways app but not the Air Niugini app. Anyways to be on the safe side I went to the airport at 12.30 to check in by 1pm. When I got to the airport the screens read 2.55pm as departure. The flight actually left nearly 5pm because of which I missed my onward connection in Nadi. All this while there was no communication on the delay and the reason for the delay. No ground staff in sight in international departure except when it was time to board. I had requested a special meal, that was not loaded so the poor crew had to put something together for me. The crew are literally the saving grace of this airline. They are genuinely passionate about their jobs and they went above and beyond to make every passenger feel welcomed. I give 5 stars to the crew, only to them. Literally the only good thing about this airline.

Not Verified | Terrible to fly with. 4 of 4 flights delayed on 1 trip. Lied to by staff AND management. Lost hundreds of dollars, thousands If you include work, all cos of them. There's a lot more but in a nut shell, save yourself the trouble - DONT FLY WITH THEM

✅ Trip Verified | I have booked many flights with Air Niugini. In the specific case, my flight from Honiara to Port Moresby has been Rescheduled (2:30hrs later). Because of this reschedule I will not be able to catch the last flight from Port Moresby to Goroka, and also be obliged to pay an Hotel in Port Moresby. I have written 6 times to AirNiugini Customer Service for a refund: no answer. I was told by friends that this happens very often. We are big travellers (EPS) and it’s important to give the message that this company is totally unreliable!

✅ Trip Verified | Flew Air Niugini because of the B767, very nice cabin in a 2x1x2 configuration. Took seat 2A, bulkhead seat, very comfortable with heaps of leg room. Staff were amazing and very attentive, food was OK, entertainment was enough for this flight of approx. 6 hrs.

Not Verified | We flew from Brisbane to Port Morseby and while in POM we had several flights delayed and then completely canceled. We had to stay in POM for two days before finally flying out. We had relatives waiting for us in Popondetta during this time who had to travel a long distance to meet us and wait. Now coming home our flight from Popondetta was over two and a half hours delayed. This means that we will miss the flight from POM to Brisabane, and probably staying another night in POM. Absolutely disgraceful service from this company. Also seems like theirs no way of contacting any of the Air Nuigini offices by phone as you will just sit their on hold like I did today for 40 minutes before I gave up.

✅ Trip Verified | Air Niugini has ruined my Easter holiday. I have a holiday reservation at Walindi Plantation Resort, Kimbe, from 7-10/4. I have booked Air Niugini domestic flight from Port Moresby to Hoskins on 7/4. The 7/4 is canceled with a SMS notification at 10am on 7/4, and rescheduled to 8/4 3.25pm, which is fine as it's only one day difference. I check in again for 8/4, and this flight is further delayed to 4.45pm without any notification during the dropping of my luggage at counter, well, which is also fine for me as it's only 1 hour plus delay. Finally when we are supposed to queue up for boarding, at 4.45pm sharp, the airline makes announcement to cancel the flight, and reschedule to the next day 9/4, for departure at ridiculous 4.55am. If you can't afford to operate the flight, just don't take my booking or notify earlier in case of flight change so that we can manage our travel. For what that you still check us in, and get us waiting in the boarding lounge just for your cancellation announcement, instead of a departure. The customer service counter is full of chaos with the staff having no compassion to comfort the frustrated crowds.

✅ Trip Verified | Manila to Brisbane via Port Moresby. Delayed my plane by 36 hours. Wasted 2 days. Had paid for Business class upgrade but “they couldn’t find it in the system. Had no problems keeping the money.

Not Verified | Terrible service. Well over 2 hours to check in, queues have no seats, not even been through security yet. Not a single apology or justification from a member of staff. Oh and they made sure the business customers pushed into the economy queue stands to be seen first.