Efogi Airport (EFG)

Efogi Airport (EFG) is a critical high-elevation airstrip serving the village of Efogi, located directly on the historic Kokoda Track in the Central Province of Papua New Guinea. The airfield is famous among pilots for its challenging 487-meter runway, which features a significant 12% uphill slope and a slight 'dogleg' turn during the approach. It acts as a primary supply and evacuation point for trekkers and the local community, providing an essential link to the capital, Port Moresby. The terminal infrastructure at Efogi is minimal and characteristic of the remote Owen Stanley Range airfields. There is no formal terminal building; instead, a simple open-air shelter or community pavilion near the grass runway serves as the reception area for arriving and departing passengers. Amenities are virtually non-existent, with no commercial shops, cafes, or public restrooms dedicated solely to the airport. Most logistics, including passenger manifest checks and cargo weighing, are handled manually by the pilots or local village representatives on the airfield itself. Scheduled air services are primarily provided by PNG Air and Tropicair, utilizing STOL (Short Take-off and Landing) aircraft such as the Twin Otter or Cessna Caravan. These flights are vital for transporting trekkers who wish to start or end their journey in the heart of the mountains, as well as for delivering medical and educational supplies to the village. Ground transportation is strictly by foot, as Efogi is a major stop on the Kokoda Track. Due to the high altitude and mountainous terrain, flight operations are strictly daylight-only and are highly susceptible to sudden changes in cloud cover and visibility, requiring travelers to maintain flexible itineraries.