Airport
Kanabea Airport (KEX)
Kanabea Airport is a small regional airstrip serving Kanabea and remote communities in the Gulf Province of Papua New Guinea. It provides a lifeline connection for charter and mission flights, with onward travel to nearby villages and Kerema typically arranged by air or pre-booked local transport.
Passengers
Luggage
About Kanabea Airport
Kanabea Airport (KEX) is a small rural airstrip serving Kanabea and the surrounding Kotidanga area in the Gulf Province of Papua New Guinea. Also known by its ICAO code AYNB, it acts mainly as a lifeline for remote communities rather than a conventional commercial airport, supporting mission aviation, charter flights, medical and government services, and essential cargo.
The airport sits at an elevation of about 4,288 ft (1,307 m) and has a single unpaved runway of approximately 540 m. Operations are generally limited to daylight visual flight rules, and the airfield is used primarily by light short take-off and landing aircraft; scheduled airline services are not available.
Kanabea lies in rugged highland terrain roughly 49 km north-northeast of Kerema, the capital of Gulf Province, and about 255 km from Port Moresby. Overland access is limited and can be slow, so light aircraft provide the most reliable connection for many journeys; any road or walking route should be confirmed locally before travel.
Facilities at the airstrip are basic, with a simple waiting shelter and no large terminal, shops, lounges or public Wi-Fi. Passengers should be self-sufficient, carry local currency and supplies, and coordinate arrivals, baggage and onward travel directly with their charter or mission operator.
Terminal Overview
Terminals
Kanabea Airport does not have a formal passenger terminal building. It operates as a small rural airstrip with a basic waiting shelter or open-air structure, where passenger and cargo handling is carried out in one simple area.
Ground Transportation Services to and from Kanabea Airport
Transfers
Pre-arranged transfers connect Kanabea Airport with the village, nearby mission stations and, when road conditions allow, Kerema and other communities in the Gulf Province.
Hourly Chauffeur
An advance-booked driver can provide flexible local travel from Kanabea Airport for visits to villages, mission sites and surrounding highland areas, subject to local road conditions.
Car Rental
Car rental is not available at Kanabea Airport; independent road travel should be arranged in advance in Kerema or Port Moresby, and a local driver is usually needed.
Bus & Group Transfers
For group travel, charter 4WDs or small vehicles can be organised in advance between Kanabea Airport and nearby communities when the local road and weather conditions permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
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