Airport
Mapua(Mabua) Airport (MPU)
Mapua(Mabua) Airport is a small island airstrip serving Tatau Island in the Tabar Islands group of New Ireland Province. From here, travelers continue by local boat, small aircraft, or island transport toward nearby villages, Kavieng, and other destinations in the Bismarck Sea.
Passengers
Luggage
About Mapua(Mabua) Airport
Mapua(Mabua) Airport is a small island airstrip serving Tatau Island in the Tabar Islands group of New Ireland Province, Papua New Guinea. It provides an essential air link for local residents, government services, medical supplies, and produce in an area where road access to the provincial capital, Kavieng, is not available.
The airport is located on the island's coastal terrain at an elevation of about 40 feet and operates from a single unpaved or grass runway of roughly 600 metres. Facilities are minimal, with a small terminal shelter handling check-in, baggage, arrivals, and waiting in one basic space.
Because Tatau Island is isolated in the Bismarck Sea, most flights are charter, mission, or small local services rather than regular scheduled operations. Passengers typically continue from the airstrip by local boat, vehicle, or on foot to nearby villages and other parts of the island.
Kavieng lies roughly 134 km away across open water, so onward travel normally combines a boat crossing with a road journey. Travelers should plan ground and sea connections in advance and come prepared with supplies, as services at the airport itself are very limited.
Terminal Overview
Terminals
Mapua(Mabua) Airport uses a single, small terminal building that handles all passenger operations. There are no separate domestic and international terminals, and airline or charter flights share the same basic arrival and departure space.
Ground Transportation Services to and from Mapua(Mabua) Airport
Transfers
Book a pre-arranged transfer from Mapua(Mabua) Airport to nearby villages, guesthouses, or boat landings on Tatau Island and the surrounding Tabar Islands.
Hourly Chauffeur
Arrange a local driver by the hour for flexible travel on Tatau Island, including village visits, supply runs, and meeting local contacts after landing.
Car Rental
Car rental options are very limited at Mapua(Mabua) Airport; pre-arranged local vehicles are the most practical way to travel independently around Tatau Island.
Bus & Group Transfers
Organize a local boat or vehicle for groups moving between Mapua(Mabua) Airport, coastal villages, guesthouses, and other locations on Tatau Island.
Frequently Asked Questions
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