Hoskins Airport (HKN)

Recent traveler reviews and experiences for Hoskins Airport (AYHK (HKN)) in Kimbe, Papua New Guinea are scarce, making it challenging to gauge overall traveler sentiment and satisfaction directly. The airport is currently undergoing significant development, with recent and ongoing upgrade projects aimed at modernizing its infrastructure and improving services.

What Travelers Love (based on known upgrades and services):

• Modernized Facilities: Recent upgrades, completed around 2015-2018, included a modernized terminal building, strengthened pavements, and new solar-powered street lights, enhancing the airport's infrastructure. A further K52 million upgrade project commenced in May 2025, focusing on improving the existing terminal building for enhanced security and passenger processing.
• Improved Connectivity: Hoskins Airport serves as a vital hub for West New Britain, connecting it to major destinations within Papua New Guinea such as Port Moresby, Lae, and Rabaul/Kokopo via Air Niugini and PNG Air, with daily flights.
• Local Economic Integration: The earlier upgrades notably included a marketplace inside the airport boundary, providing local vendors with opportunities to sell produce, arts, crafts, and souvenirs, which could offer a unique local experience for travelers.
• Runway and Pavement Improvements: Upgrades have included runway extensions (to 1,900 meters) and strengthened pavements, allowing the airport to cater to larger aircraft and ensure safer, all-weather air transport services.

Common Complaints (based on lack of information or known limitations):

• Lack of Public Traveler Feedback: There is a significant absence of recent public traveler reviews detailing sentiment, satisfaction, or specific experiences regarding terminal cleanliness, security processes, or amenities. This makes it difficult for potential travelers to find anecdotal evidence of current conditions.
• Limited Amenities and Services: While a modernized terminal is mentioned, specific details on current food, retail, or lounge facilities are not readily available in traveler experiences. Flightradar24's categories for "Terminal facilities" and "Food and retail services" show a 0% rating, indicating a lack of input rather than poor performance.
• No International Customs/Immigration: Hoskins Airport is explicitly stated as not an Airport of Entry and lacks customs facilities. This means international travelers would need to clear customs at another port of entry in Papua New Guinea.
• Transportation Cost to Kimbe: The airport is located approximately 42 km (26 miles) northeast of Kimbe, with taxi services costing around $70 - $85 for a 41-minute journey, which might be considered a notable expense for some travelers.

In summary, Hoskins Airport is a site of ongoing development, with recent and planned upgrades aimed at enhancing its infrastructure and operational capacity. While these improvements suggest a positive trajectory, there is a notable absence of recent public traveler reviews that directly address passenger sentiment, specific terminal amenities, cleanliness, or security wait times. Travelers should anticipate a primarily domestic airport experience with a focus on core air transport services, and factor in the cost and time for ground transportation to Kimbe.