{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Airport",
  "address": {
    "@type": "PostalAddress",
    "addressCountry": "Papua New Guinea",
    "addressLocality": "Kieta"
  },
  "airlines": [
    "PNG Air",
    "Regional Charter"
  ],
  "amenityFeature": [
    {
      "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification",
      "name": "Domestic to Domestic Connection Time",
      "value": "45 minutes"
    },
    {
      "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification",
      "name": "Domestic to International Connection Time",
      "value": "90 minutes"
    },
    {
      "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification",
      "name": "International to Domestic Connection Time",
      "value": "90 minutes"
    },
    {
      "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification",
      "name": "International to International Connection Time",
      "value": "120 minutes"
    },
    {
      "@type": "LocationFeatureSpecification",
      "name": "Interline Connection Time",
      "value": "0 minutes"
    }
  ],
  "city": "Kieta",
  "code": "KIE",
  "connection_tips": "Aropa Airport (KIE) is a vital regional aviation facility located in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Papua New Guinea, serving the town of Kieta and the surrounding coastal communities. After being closed for many years, the airport officially reopened in 2014, acting as a primary air link for central Bougainville. It primarily handles domestic flights operated by Air Niugini and PNG Air, connecting Kieta to the national hub at Port Moresby (POM) and occasionally regional links to Buka (BUA). For international travelers, the most efficient route is to fly into Port Moresby and take a short 90-minute domestic flight to Aropa. Upon arrival at the Aropa airstrip, ground transportation is highly informal; the town of Arawa is located approximately 30 kilometers (a 45-minute drive) from the airfield.\n\nMost visitors coordinate a pickup through their local host or guesthouse, as on-demand taxi options directly at the small terminal are almost non-existent. Aropa is a major gateway for exploring the historic sites of the Bougainville Crisis and the spectacular coastal reefs; if you are visiting for research or eco-tourism, ensure your ground transport is pre-coordinated through your host. Arriving at least 90 minutes before domestic departures is standard to navigate the thorough but generally fast security screening. Facilities at KIE are minimalist and functional, offering basic passenger amenities including a waiting lounge and a small refreshment kiosk.\n\nThe regional climate is tropical and humid year-round, with a significant rainy season that can lead to localized flight groundings. When connecting from Kieta back to a long-haul international flight from Port Moresby, always allow for at least a multi-day buffer to account for the unpredictable nature of regional aviation in PNG. Travelers should ensure they have sufficient PNG Kina (PGK) in small denominations, as card systems and ATMs are limited in this part of the country. KIE provide a professional and remarkably direct entry point for those seeking to explore the unique cultural heritage and natural beauty of central Bougainville.",
  "country": "Papua New Guinea",
  "flag_url": "https://flagcdn.com/w320/pg.png",
  "flight_search_affiliate_link": "https://book.beatthatflight.com.au/?currency=PGK",
  "frequent_traveler_tip": [
    "The apt is 40-min drive from Kieta town; agreement on taxi fare is standard 4 local xfers.",
    "Baggage weight is strictly monitored on regional PNG Air flights; check limits before packing.",
    "No ATMs or shops on-site; carry sufficient cash (Kina) and your own hydration from Port Moresby.",
    "Major PGK 58 million modernization project currently underway; look for improved facilities by 2027.",
    "Expect basic security and manual baggage handling; arrive 90 minutes before your domestic flight."
  ],
  "global_map_link": "https://www.google.com/maps?q=Aropa%20Airport%20Airport",
  "google_maps_reviews": {
    "rating": 0.0,
    "recent_reviews": [],
    "total_reviews": 0
  },
  "hotel_affiliate_link": "https://book.beatthatflight.com.au/?currency=PGK",
  "iataCode": "KIE",
  "icao": "AYIQ",
  "international": false,
  "last_modified": "June 2026",
  "last_updated": "2026-03-30",
  "latitude": -6.305417,
  "layover_planner_info": "No dedicated layover amenities; plan accordingly.",
  "longitude": 155.728139,
  "mct_domestic_to_domestic": 45,
  "mct_domestic_to_international": 90,
  "mct_interline": 110,
  "mct_international_to_domestic": 90,
  "mct_international_to_international": 120,
  "missed_connection_help": "Contact airline or airport staff for assistance.",
  "name": "Aropa Airport",
  "region": "Oceania",
  "related_airports": [
    {
      "code": "RAW",
      "name": "Arawa Airport"
    },
    {
      "code": "UBI",
      "name": "Buin Airport"
    }
  ],
  "terminal_info": "Kieta Aropa Airport (KIE) is a significant regional aviation facility serving the central and southern districts of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Papua New Guinea. Reopened in 2014 after a 25-year closure, the airport acts as a critical air bridge between the island and the national capital, Port Moresby. As of early 2026, the facility is at the center of a major PGK 58.2 million ($14 million) modernization project designed to enhance its infrastructure and passenger capacity, positioning it as a vital node for the region's post-conflict redevelopment and economic growth.\n\nThe current airport features a modest, single-story integrated passenger terminal designed for functional simplicity. The layout is straightforward, with all essential functions\u2014including check-in counters for PNG Air, a secure security screening zone, and a functional waiting lounge\u2014housed within a single building. This compact design ensures exceptionally short walking distances, often allowing travelers to move from the check-in hall to the aircraft apron in under 10 minutes. The infrastructure includes an asphalt runway that runs parallel to the coastline, providing passengers with breathtaking views of the Solomon Sea and the lush tropical forests of Bougainville during arrival and departure.\n\nAmenities within the Aropa terminal are currently minimalist and reflect the regional nature of the airfield. While there are no formal restaurants, Duty-Free shops, or ATMs on-site, travelers can find essential refreshments at a small local kiosk or caf\u00e9 serving soft drinks and light snacks. The terminal provides basic seating and sanitation facilities, though more comprehensive family services like dedicated play areas are not currently available. The ongoing modernization project, scheduled for completion in 2027, will introduce a new passenger terminal, expanded parking facilities, and modernized utility systems for water and power, significantly improving the standard of service for regional travelers.\n\nGround transportation at KIE is informal and primarily limited to local private arrangements and pre-arranged taxi services, as the airport is located approximately 22 kilometers from the Kieta town center. Travelers can easily coordinate a pick-up through local guesthouses or government offices for the 30-to-40 minute drive into town. There are no dedicated airport shuttle buses or permanent car rental desks on-site; travelers needing independent transport are advised to arrange for deliveries through contacts in Kieta or the regional hub of Buka. Travelers are generally advised to arrive at least 90 minutes before their domestic flight to account for manual security and baggage processing procedures.",
  "terminal_map_url": "https://skyvector.com/airport/AYIQ"
}