Lorengau, PG 🇵🇬 Closed Airport
PG-0062
-
27 ft
PG-MRL
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Loading...GPS Code: Not available
Local Code: Not available
Location: -2.0201° N, 147.2664° E
Continent: OC
Type: Closed Airport
Lorengau Airfield (PG-0062) is a disused and closed airfield, abandoned after World War II. Its former area has since been incorporated into the town of Lorengau. Therefore, there are no recent traveler reviews or experiences pertaining to PG-0062.
The active airport serving Lorengau is Momote Airport (MAS), located on Los Negros Island and connected to Manus Island by a bridge. Recent traveler sentiment and satisfaction at Momote Airport appear to be generally positive, particularly following significant upgrades completed around late 2021 and early 2022. The airport now features a modern terminal designed to resemble a stingray, aiming to enhance the passenger experience and boost tourism.
What Travelers Love (Momote Airport - MAS):
Common Complaints (Momote Airport - MAS):
Overall, Momote Airport (MAS) in Lorengau has undergone significant modernization, resulting in a generally positive outlook regarding its facilities and operational capabilities. While specific traveler experiences are not extensively documented in public reviews, the substantial investment in infrastructure suggests an improved and more comfortable travel experience for passengers. The primary area for growth appears to be the expansion of direct international flight services and the availability of more detailed, real-time traveler feedback.
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Likely decommissioned in the late 1940s or early 1950s. A precise date is not well-documented, as its closure was a gradual process following the end of World War II and the consolidation of air services at the nearby Momote Airport.
The airfield was closed primarily because it was replaced by the larger, superior, and better-located Momote Airport (IATA: MAS, ICAO: AYMO). Lorengau Airfield's single, short runway was situated directly in what would become the center of Lorengau town. This location prevented any expansion and posed a significant obstacle to urban development. Post-war aviation needs were consolidated at Momote, which had been developed into a major multi-runway facility by the Allies, rendering the smaller Lorengau strip redundant.
The site of the former airfield is now completely redeveloped and unrecognizable as an aviation facility. It is the heart of modern Lorengau town. The main road, Manus Highway, runs directly along the former runway's alignment. The area is now densely occupied by the Lorengau town market, commercial buildings, government administration offices, residential housing, and the Lorengau Town Oval (a large sports field). No physical traces of the runway or airport infrastructure remain.
Lorengau Airfield holds significant World War II history. It was originally constructed by Imperial Japanese forces in 1942 after they occupied Manus Island. In March 1944, the airfield was a key objective during the Battle of Lorengau and was captured by the U.S. Army's 1st Cavalry Division. The Allies repaired and improved the coral-surfaced runway, using it as a forward base for fighter aircraft (such as P-40 Warhawks) and light transport planes. It operated in a supporting role to the massive Allied naval and air base complex at Seeadler Harbor and Momote, contributing to the broader Admiralty Islands campaign.
There are zero plans or prospects for reopening Lorengau Airfield. The site is now a heavily populated and developed town center, making any attempt to restore it as an airport physically impossible without the complete demolition of a large part of the town. All air services for Manus Province are, and will continue to be, handled by Momote Airport.