Lae Airfield

The closure was primarily due to the opening and upgrading of Lae Nadzab Airport as the new primary airport for the region. The old Lae Airfield was located in the center of the rapidly expanding city of Lae, which presented significant safety concerns, noise pollution, and physical limitations for runway extension to accommodate larger, modern aircraft. Nadzab Airport, located approximately 42 kilometers outside the city center, offered a much longer runway and ample space for future expansion, making it a superior replacement. The valuable land of the old airfield was subsequently repurposed for urban development.

The site of the former Lae Airfield has been completely redeveloped and is now unrecognizable as an airport. The land is fully integrated into the urban fabric of Lae, occupied by commercial buildings, residential housing, markets, roads, and a large portion of the Lae Golf Club. The former runway and airport infrastructure no longer exist, although some local street names and the area's layout may still hint at its aviation past.

Lae Airfield has immense historical significance.

1. **Amelia Earhart:** It is most famously known as the last departure point for aviator Amelia Earhart and her navigator Fred Noonan on July 2, 1937, during their ill-fated attempt to circumnavigate the globe. They took off from Lae heading for Howland Island and were never seen again.

2. **World War II:** During World War II, it was a crucial strategic airbase. Initially developed by the Australians, it was captured by the Empire of Japan in March 1942 and became a major base for their air operations in the New Guinea campaign. It was heavily targeted by Allied air raids and was a key objective during the Salamaua–Lae campaign. The airfield was recaptured by Australian forces in September 1943 and subsequently used by the Allies.

3. **Post-War Commercial Hub:** After the war, it became the primary commercial airport for Lae and the Morobe Province. It was a vital hub for passenger and cargo transport, connecting the coast to the highlands and supporting the region's significant gold mining and agricultural industries. It was a busy hub for iconic Papua New Guinean airlines such as Talair and the national carrier, Air Niugini, before all operations were moved to Nadzab.

There are absolutely no plans or prospects for reopening Lae Airfield. The site has been fully built over and is now a vital part of the city's commercial and residential landscape. All aviation services for Lae are handled by Lae Nadzab Airport, which has recently undergone a massive redevelopment and expansion project, solidifying its role as the region's sole major air hub for the foreseeable future.