Gateway to Bougainville's islands and communities.
Location
Buka Island, Papua New Guinea
Buka Airport (IATA: BUA, ICAO: AYBK) serves Buka Island, the administrative hub of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville in Papua New Guinea. It is the primary air gateway to the region, connecting Buka with Port Moresby and other domestic destinations across PNG.
The airport operates a single runway and handles a modest volume of passengers, primarily serving government officials, aid workers, and local residents. It plays a critical role in a region where road and sea transport are limited.
Buka is situated close to the town of Buka, which lies just across a narrow passage from the larger island of Bougainville. The airport supports the region's ongoing development following the peace process that ended the Bougainville conflict.
Terminals
The airport has a small, single terminal building suited to the low passenger volumes of a regional PNG airport.
Getting to & from
Ground transport into Buka town is available via local taxis and public motor vehicles (PMVs), with the town located a short distance from the airport.
Airlines here
Air Niugini and PNG Air operate scheduled services connecting Buka to Port Moresby and other domestic points.
Notable facts
- ›Buka Airport is the main air entry point for the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.
- ›The airport lies on Buka Island, separated from mainland Bougainville by the narrow Buka Passage.
- ›The region it serves was the center of a decade-long civil conflict that ended in 1998.
- ›Bougainville held an independence referendum in 2019, with over 97% voting for independence from PNG.
- ›Air connections are essential due to limited road infrastructure across the island chain.
This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.
