Wapenamanda Airport (WBM)

Wapenamanda, PG 🇵🇬 Medium Airport Scheduled Service

ICAO

AYWD

IATA

WBM

Elevation

5889 ft

Region

PG-EPW

Local Time

Airport Information

GPS Code: AYWD

Local Code: Not available

Location: -5.635293° N, 143.892231° E

Continent: OC

Type: Medium Airport

Arrivals

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Departures

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External Links

Wikipedia Live Flights

Nearby Points of Interest

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What Travelers Say

AI-Generated Summary Based on web research

Recent information regarding Wapenamanda Airport (AYWD (WBM)) indicates a focus on infrastructure upgrades and its role as a regional gateway, though direct traveler reviews and experiences are scarce. While there are efforts to improve facilities and meet international standards, a recent temporary closure due to civil unrest significantly impacts overall traveler sentiment and operational reliability.

What Travelers Love

Improved Infrastructure: The airport has undergone upgrades including the strengthening of its 1,600m long x 30m wide runway, taxiway, and apron pavements to accommodate ATR72-600 and Dash 8 aircraft or similar, aiming to meet International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Standards and Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) PNG's operational safety and security requirements.
Essential Air Connectivity: Wapenamanda Airport serves as a vital link, offering daily flights from Port Moresby via Air Niugini and PNG Air, connecting travelers to the Enga Province.
Convenient Ground Transportation: The provincial government provides a free shuttle bus service between the airport and Wabag town, with local PMV buses also operating regularly. Some accommodations offer courtesy buses, and hire cars with knowledgeable local drivers are available for exploring the region.
Security Measures: Security at Wapenamanda Airport is managed by local authorities, requiring standard security checks for all passengers.

Common Complaints

Lack of Recent Traveler Reviews: There is a notable absence of recent traveler reviews or detailed experiences available on major travel platforms, making it difficult to gauge current satisfaction levels with facilities and services.
Limited Terminal Facilities (Historically): As of earlier reports (2021-2022), while runway works were completed, the construction of the new passenger terminal building and carpark was still in progress. It is unclear if these have been fully completed and the extent of amenities offered.
Security and Safety Concerns (Recent): The airport was temporarily closed as of August 22, 2025, due to escalating civil unrest and the use of firearms in the vicinity, posing significant safety concerns for passengers and staff and disrupting operations.
Potential for Delays: While a generic security wait time of 25 minutes was noted, specific, real-time traveler-reported security or customs wait times for Wapenamanda Airport itself are not readily available.

Overall, Wapenamanda Airport has seen significant investment in its core aviation infrastructure to enhance its capacity and safety. However, the lack of current traveler feedback on the actual experience within the terminal and the recent temporary closure due to security issues highlight potential challenges and uncertainties for prospective travelers.

Generated False weeks ago

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

Top Routes (by observations)

Newly Discovered

Port Moresby/Jackson Int'l (POM) new
Mount Hagen (HGU) new

Popular Flight Routes

Building Route Index: We are building our route index for commercial airports. Currently 2 routes are indexed for Wapenamanda Airport. For real-time updates, admin access is required.

0 destinations displayed

Destination	IATA	City	Aircraft Type	Airline	Details	Route Map
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Top Airlines

Operating at Wapenamanda Airport

Airlines by Flight Activity

Based on observed flight operations and route network

Airline	Routes	Flights	Destinations	Last Activity
Air Niugini `ANG` / `PX`	1	1	1	Aug 11, 2025
PNG Air `TOK` / `CG`	1	1	1	Aug 11, 2025

Showing top 2 airlines by flight activity. Data includes observed departures and route networks from this airport.

For Pilots

Designation	Length	Width	Surface	Status
`14/32`	5052 ft	75 ft	ASP	Active

Type	Description	Frequency

Ident	Name	Type	Frequency

Ground Transportation

Last updated: Nov 21, 2025

Taxis

Formal, metered taxi services are generally not available. Local private vehicle owners often act as informal taxis and wait for arriving flights. It is crucial to negotiate and agree upon a fare before beginning your trip. The safest and most reliable method is to pre-arrange an airport transfer directly with your hotel or lodge.

Rental Cars

There are no major international car rental agencies located at Wapenamanda Airport. Car hire is extremely limited and typically must be arranged in advance through local hotels, guesthouses, or tour operators. Rentals in this region almost always come with a local driver; self-drive options are virtually non-existent and not recommended for visitors.

Public Transportation

There is no scheduled public bus or train service at the airport. The primary form of public transport in the region is the PMV (Public Motor Vehicle), which are privately-owned minibuses or trucks. PMVs operate on informal routes without a fixed schedule and can be crowded. They are not a direct airport service and may not be a practical option for travelers with luggage.

Distances are approximate and calculated as straight-line distances.