Buka
Buka Airport is the main air gateway for Buka Island in Papua New Guinea, giving travelers a practical arrival point for reaching the island and the surrounding Bougainville area. Identified by IATA code BUA and ICAO code AYBK, it is classified as a medium airport and sits at a very low elevation of 11 feet (3 meters) above sea level. For visitors, that means an airport geared more toward straightforward regional access than large-scale international transit, with a simpler, easier-to-navigate feel.
About Buka
Buka Airport is the main air gateway for Buka Island in Papua New Guinea, giving travelers a practical arrival point for reaching the island and the surrounding Bougainville area. Identified by IATA code BUA and ICAO code AYBK, it is classified as a medium airport and sits at a very low elevation of 11 feet (3 meters) above sea level. For visitors, that means an airport geared more toward straightforward regional access than large-scale international transit, with a simpler, easier-to-navigate feel.
Overview
Buka Airport is the main air gateway for Buka Island in Papua New Guinea, giving travelers a practical arrival point for reaching the island and the surrounding Bougainville area. Identified by IATA code BUA and ICAO code AYBK, it is classified as a medium airport and sits at a very low elevation of 11 feet (3 meters) above sea level. For visitors, that means an airport geared more toward straightforward regional access than large-scale international transit, with a simpler, easier-to-navigate feel.
What Travelers Should Know
- Airport codes: BUA (IATA) and AYBK (ICAO)
- Serves: Buka Island, Papua New Guinea
- Airport type: medium airport
- Elevation: 11 ft (3 m)
- Runway: 04/22, 5,125 ft, asphalt, lighted
- Time zone: Pacific/Port_Moresby
Runway And Operations
The airport has one lighted asphalt runway, numbered 04/22, with a length of 5,125 feet, which supports regular air service while remaining compact by the standards of major hubs. For passengers, that usually translates into a more direct airport experience, with shorter distances between check-in, waiting areas, and the aircraft. Because facilities at smaller regional airports can be more limited than at big city airports, it is wise to arrive prepared, keep essentials in your hand luggage, and confirm flight timing in advance.
Planning Your Trip
When organizing onward travel, remember that Buka Airport operates on Pacific/Port_Moresby time, which is useful when checking schedules, arranging pickups, or coordinating with accommodation. Its role is less about shopping or long layovers and more about efficient access to the island, so most travelers will value it for convenience, local connectivity, and a simpler start or finish to their journey.
Routes
Top routes from BUA
No routes tracked from BUA yet.
Nearby airports
Other airports in Papua New Guinea
FAQ
Buka — frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the details travellers usually check first, from codes and locations to the practical basics that help with planning.
3 common questions
- Buka is located in Buka, Papua New Guinea (Oceania), at coordinates -5.420°, 154.670°.
- Its IATA code is BUA and its ICAO code is AYBK.
- Buka operates on Pacific/Port_Moresby local time.