Nadzab Airport (LAE)

Lae, PG 🇵🇬 Medium Airport Scheduled Service

ICAO

AYNZ

IATA

LAE

Elevation

239 ft

Region

PG-MPL

Local Time

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Airport Information

GPS Code: AYNZ

Local Code: Not available

Location: -6.569803° N, 146.725977° E

Continent: OC

Type: Medium Airport

Keywords: MFO

External Links

Links verified by AI • Last updated: Nov 21, 2025
Nearby Points of Interest

What Travelers Say

AI-Generated Summary Based on web research

Nadzab Tomodachi International Airport (AYNZ (LAE)) in Lae, Papua New Guinea, has seen a significant transformation with the opening of its new terminal in late 2023 and early 2024. Recent traveler sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the airport's modern facilities and improved services. Travelers generally report a comfortable and efficient experience, reflecting the substantial investment in its redevelopment.

What Travelers Love
  • Modern, World-Class Terminal: The Nadzab Tomodachi International Airport is frequently described as a "Master Class" and "magnificently crafted building," boasting impressive decor, color themes, and furniture. Many consider it the best international airport in PNG.
  • Comprehensive Facilities and Amenities: The new terminal features 16 check-in counters, two lounges, state-of-the-art airport systems, and dedicated immigration and quarantine facilities. Amenities include smoking rooms, toilets for the disabled, kids' play areas, and baby changing facilities. Travelers can also find kiosks for car rental, mobile phones, food, packing/wrapping, and a BSP Bank agent. There are cafes and snack bars, duty-free shops, local souvenir stores, and ATMs available. Free Wi-Fi is also provided.
  • Cleanliness and Well-Maintained Facilities: Numerous reviews highlight the airport's cleanliness and the well-maintained facilities, contributing to a pleasant waiting experience.
  • Friendly Staff: Many visitors appreciate the welcoming atmosphere and the eagerness of airport staff to assist with inquiries.
  • Ample and Secure Parking: The airport offers a large and secured car park, with both short-term and long-term parking areas at reasonable rates, and convenient drop-off/pick-up zones.
Common Complaints
  • Transportation Security Concerns: The 40-45 km highway connecting the airport to Lae city can be problematic, with reports of groups blocking the road and demanding payments. Secure transport, such as Guard Dog Security or hotel-arranged pick-ups, is highly recommended.
  • Limited Retail Options (Post-Security): While the airport has improved its retail offerings, some recent feedback indicates a scarcity of shops and souvenir options after passing through customs.
  • Signage and Information Displays: Some travelers suggest that improvements could be made to signage and information displays for easier navigation within the airport.
  • Potential for Queues (Historical Context): Older reviews before the new terminal's full operation mentioned long and slow queues. While the new terminal is designed for efficient processing, current, specific feedback on actual security or immigration wait times in the new facility is limited.

Overall, Nadzab Tomodachi International Airport has significantly upgraded its infrastructure, offering a vastly improved and generally positive travel experience, particularly with its modern new terminal. While transportation to and from Lae requires careful planning due to external security concerns, the airport itself provides a comfortable, clean, and well-equipped gateway to the region.

Generated False weeks ago
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This summary is automatically generated by AI based on web research of traveler reviews and experiences. AI-generated content may not always be 100% accurate.

Current Weather Conditions

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Airport Routes

Popular Flight Routes
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Top Airlines

Operating at Nadzab Airport
Airlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network
Airline Routes Flights Destinations Last Activity
PNG Air
TOK / CG
3 14 3 Dec 3, 2025
Air Niugini
ANG / PX
1 12 1 Dec 3, 2025
For Pilots

Designation Length Width Surface Status
09/27 7999 ft 148 ft ASP Active Lighted

Type Description Frequency
APP APP 118.6 MHz
ATIS ATIS 128.6 MHz
RDO LAE RDO 120.7 MHz
TWR TWR 121.7 MHz

Ident Name Type Frequency
NZ Nadzab VOR-DME 113900 kHz
NZ Nadzab NDB 162 kHz

Ground Transportation

Last updated: Nov 21, 2025
Taxis

Taxis are available for hire outside the airport terminal. The journey to Lae city is approximately 45 minutes to an hour. For safety and a fixed price, it is highly recommended to pre-arrange an airport transfer or taxi service through your hotel.

Rental Cars

Car rental services are available, with companies like Avis and Hertz operating in the area. It is essential to book your vehicle in advance, as rental desks may not be permanently staffed. Representatives typically meet pre-booked customers upon arrival. A 4WD vehicle is often recommended.

Public Transportation

There is no formal, scheduled public bus system. The primary form of local public transit is via Public Motor Vehicles (PMVs), which are privately-owned buses and vans. This option is not generally recommended for visitors due to safety concerns and lack of a fixed schedule. The most reliable alternative is a pre-booked shuttle service, which many hotels in Lae offer to their guests.

Nearby Airports

Boana Airport
BNV • BNV
Boana, PG
Small Airport
~19 km away
Bawan Airport
BWJ • BWJ
NonePG
Small Airport
~26 km away
Lowai Airport
LWI • AYLO
Lowai, PG
Small Airport
~28 km away
Baindoung Airport
BDZ • AYBG
NonePG
Small Airport
~34 km away
Zuebak Airstrip
AYZZ
Zuebak, PG
Small Airport
~34 km away
Kasonombe Airport
KSB • AYNM
Kasonombe, PG
Small Airport
~35 km away
Samanzing Airstrip
AYSZ
Samanzing, PG
Small Airport
~40 km away
Zenag Airport
ZEN • AYZA
Zenag, PG
Small Airport
~44 km away
Lae Heliport
PG-0102
Lae, PG
Heliport
~35 km away
Distances are approximate and calculated as straight-line distances.