Airport
Aropa Airport (KIE)
Aropa Airport is the main air gateway to Kieta and central Bougainville Island in Papua New Guinea. Compare transfer options to Kieta, Arawa, Buka and nearby coastal communities, and plan your journey with ease.
Passengers
Luggage
About Aropa Airport
Aropa Airport is the main airport serving Kieta and the central and southern districts of Bougainville Island in Papua New Guinea. After a long closure, it officially reopened in December 2014, restoring a vital air link between central Bougainville and the rest of the country.
The airport sits on the east coast of Bougainville, roughly 13 km from Kieta town, and handles domestic flights to destinations such as Buka, Rabaul and Port Moresby. It has a single asphalt runway, runway 14/32, and a compact passenger terminal that keeps walking distances short.
Ground access is informal, with taxis, pre-arranged transfers and guesthouse pickups the main options for reaching Kieta and the nearby town of Arawa. There is no scheduled airport shuttle, so arranging transport in advance is recommended.
Passenger facilities remain simple, with a small refreshment kiosk and basic waiting areas, while a modernization project is underway to upgrade the terminal and related infrastructure.
Terminal Overview
Terminals
Aropa Airport operates passenger services through a single small terminal that combines check-in, security, waiting and basic passenger facilities in one building. The terminal handles domestic flights serving Kieta and the surrounding region.
Ground Transportation Services to and from Aropa Airport
Transfers
Book private transfers from Aropa Airport to Kieta, Arawa, Buka and other destinations across Bougainville Island.
Hourly Chauffeur
Arrange a chauffeur by the hour for flexible travel from Aropa Airport, business visits, site inspections or journeys around central Bougainville.
Car Rental
Rent a car for independent travel from Aropa Airport to Kieta and onward journeys along the coast and inland areas of Bougainville.
Bus & Group Transfers
Organize minibuses or charter vehicles for groups travelling between Aropa Airport, hotels, event venues and other destinations in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
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