โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
110
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Hatzfeldhaven Airport (HAZ) is a remote airstrip located in the Madang Province of Papua New Guinea. Originally established as a mission station and later serving as a small coastal settlement, the airport remains a vital, albeit basic, link for the local community and surrounding plantations. The airstrip is situated on the northern coast of the mainland, overlooking the Bismarck Sea, and is primarily used by light aircraft, charter operators, and medical evacuation flights. Its existence is essential for transporting supplies and providing a lifeline to one of the more isolated regions of the country.
The "terminal" at Hatzfeldhaven is best described as a multi-purpose shelter rather than a formal passenger building. It typically consists of a simple structure that provides shade and protection from the tropical elements for passengers waiting for their flights. There are no formal check-in counters, digital displays, or security checkpoints as seen in larger urban centers. Instead, operations are handled manually by pilots and local ground staff, who coordinate the loading of cargo and passengers in a traditional and community-oriented manner. The layout is completely open, reflecting the rural and informal nature of air travel in the Papua New Guinea highlands and coastal strips.
Facilities at HAZ are extremely minimal, reflecting its status as a remote outpost. There are no on-site shops, restaurants, or modern restrooms within the immediate vicinity of the airstrip. Travelers are advised to bring their own food, water, and essential supplies, as the nearest town with comprehensive services is a significant distance away. Despite the lack of modern amenities, the airport serves as a central gathering point for the local population whenever an aircraft arrives, often becoming a hub of local trade and communication. The surrounding environment is lush and tropical, offering a raw and authentic experience of the Pacific's "Last Frontier."
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting through Hatzfeldhaven Airport requires careful planning and flexibility. As HAZ lacks scheduled commercial services, all flights are operated on a charter or on-demand basis. Traditional connections do not exist here; instead, your itinerary will likely involve a transfer at a regional hub like Madang (MAG) or Wewak (WWK). It is essential to coordinate these transfers directly with your charter operator, as there are no automated systems for baggage handling or rebooking.
When planning a journey involving HAZ, allow a buffer of at least 24 hours between your charter and any onward commercial flights in Port Moresby. Weather in Papua New Guinea is unpredictable; heavy tropical rains often lead to flight suspensions. Since pilots at remote airstrips rely on visual flight rules (VFR), even moderate weather can cause delays. Ensure your travel insurance covers remote regional travel and potential disruptions. Carrying a satellite phone is also recommended, as local mobile coverage is often non-existent.
Ground transportation is limited to local footpaths, small coastal boats, or occasional 4WD vehicles. There are no taxis or rental agencies at the airstrip. Most travelers have pre-arranged pickups through host organizations or local contacts. If you are traveling independently, establishing a local contact before arrival is vital. While the lack of infrastructure is challenging, the local community is typically very helpful. Always bring your own supplies, including water and a basic first-aid kit, as Hatzfeldhaven offers no commercial facilities for travelers.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
75
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Afore Airport (AFR) is a small regional airfield located in the Oro (Northern) Province of Papua New Guinea, serving the remote community of Afore. Situated in a rugged, mountainous area at an elevation of 2,500 feet, the airport is a critical lifeline for the local population, providing essential access for medical supplies, local trade, and regional transportation where road networks are often non-existent. The facility features a basic grassed brown silt clay runway and a minimalist terminal structure that reflects its role as a deep-field domestic airstrip.
The terminal facilities at AFR are designed for core functionality rather than passenger comfort. The structure is rudimentary, typically consisting of a simple open-air or semi-enclosed shelter that provides shade and protection from the elements for passengers waiting for their flights. There are no automated check-in systems, jet bridges, or complex baggage handling facilities. Instead, all operations are handled manually by local staff and flight crews, ensuring a direct and informal process that is characteristic of rural aviation in Papua New Guinea.
Amenities at Afore Airport are virtually non-existent in the traditional sense. Travelers should not expect to find retail shops, restaurants, or dedicated lounges on-site. It is imperative that anyone traveling through AFR carries their own supply of drinking water and any necessary snacks for their journey. Security is managed through local community coordination and visual checks, focusing on the safety of small aircraft operations. For ground transportation, visitors typically rely on the hospitality of local residents or pre-arranged transfers from nearby community centers, as formal taxi services are not available.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting through Afore Airport (AFR) requires meticulous planning and a pioneering spirit, as the airport is a remote regional destination rather than a transit hub. Most flights to and from Afore connect to the provincial capital, Popondetta (Girua Airport), or the national capital, Port Moresby (Jacksons International Airport). It is absolutely vital to reconfirm your flight status with your carrier, such as PNG Air or specialized charter operators, 24 to 48 hours in advance. In the mountainous terrain of the Oro Province, flights are frequently subject to delays or cancellations due to low cloud cover, heavy rain, or runway conditions.\n\nThere are no formal car rental agencies or metered taxis at the airport. Ground transportation is almost entirely dependent on pre-arranged contacts within the Afore community. If you are visiting for research or development work, ensure that your local organization has coordinated your pickup well before you depart from Port Moresby. It is highly recommended to have these arrangements finalized to avoid being stranded at the remote airstrip.\n\nBe prepared for a very basic environment with limited cellular signal and no internet access. Carrying a physical copy of your travel documents and emergency contact numbers is a wise precaution. Additionally, ensure you have sufficient Papua New Guinea Kina (PGK) in cash, as there are no ATMs or credit card facilities in the Afore area. Lastly, pack light and use durable, weather-resistant luggage to comply with the weight restrictions of small regional aircraft.
โ Back to Hatzfeldhaven Airport