Port Moresby’s Jacksons International Airport has earned a notorious reputation, with many travelers claiming it might be one of the most corrupt airports in the world.
From theft and bribery to inefficient services, the airport presents a microcosm of the larger systemic corruption that permeates Papua New Guinea (PNG).
From the moment travelers touch down or prepare to leave, they’re exposed to a series of unpleasant realities that paint a bleak picture of the nation’s primary gateway to the world.
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Theft: Money and Valuables Disappearing from Bags
One of the most frequent complaints about Jacksons International is the rampant theft from passengers’ luggage. Travelers often report that money and other valuables go missing, with very little done to investigate or prevent these crimes. The airport security seems more interested in turning a blind eye or, worse, actively participating in the theft. The issue of personal belongings mysteriously disappearing is so widespread that many travelers have taken drastic measures—wrapping their bags in multiple layers of plastic and tape in hopes of deterring theft.
What makes the situation worse is the complete lack of accountability. When passengers try to report stolen items, they are met with indifference, and their complaints rarely lead to any action. It’s not just money that goes missing—valuable electronics, jewelry, and even clothing are taken, leaving passengers frustrated and powerless. The airport’s management and security teams seem either incapable or unwilling to address the issue.
Petty Theft: Cigarettes and Petty Items Targeted
The corruption at Jacksons International doesn’t stop at money or high-value items. Incredibly, even open packets of cigarettes are targeted by security personnel, who will casually help themselves to a few smokes from travelers’ luggage. This happens despite the fact that there’s no law restricting passengers from bringing in personal tobacco products. The audacity of this petty theft speaks to a deeper culture of impunity and entitlement among those tasked with ensuring airport security.
These incidents are not isolated. Many travelers have noted the bizarre consistency with which airport staff help themselves to small, easily accessible items such as cigarettes, snacks, and even toiletries. It may seem like a minor inconvenience, but for passengers who’ve already paid exorbitant prices for flights, it’s an additional and unnecessary humiliation. And it is not always small amounts either, with some international arrivals reporting having thousands stolen. Yes, one might argue large sums of money should not be packed, but this is besides the point.
Moreover, it’s emblematic of the larger corruption issue at Jacksons International—an airport where even small-scale theft is routine, unchecked, and accepted as part of the status quo.
And all of this is also ignoring the never ending barrage of bribes that are either sought or quite simple NEED to be paid. This happens less so for international flights (although it happens), but for internal flights it is endemic. This is particularly the case during the busy times when you need a fee simply to get checked in and not bumped to another flight.
Air Niugini: A Government Monopoly That Punishes the Poor
Jacksons International is also the hub for Air Niugini, Papua New Guinea’s government-owned national airline. In many ways, the corruption and inefficiency that plague the airport are mirrored by the airline itself. Air Niugini holds a near-monopoly over domestic air travel in the country, meaning that most Papua New Guineans have no choice but to rely on its expensive, unreliable services if they need to travel by air.
Airfares with Air Niugini are exorbitantly high compared to the income levels of the average Papua New Guinean. For many, the cost of a domestic flight is equivalent to several months’ wages, making air travel a luxury only the wealthiest can afford. This is particularly problematic in a country where road infrastructure is poor and many regions are only accessible by air. The airline’s monopoly means that it can charge these inflated prices without fear of competition, further punishing the country’s poor.
Imagine if you will if Air Asia were allowed to enter the fray and flights became affordable for common people. This though much like the “Covid insurance” in Myanmar will not be subject to change as too many people are getting rich from it.
Unreliable Service and Frequent Delays
In addition to its high prices, Air Niugini is notorious for providing unreliable service. Flights are frequently delayed or canceled with little to no notice, leaving passengers stranded for hours or even days. Travelers have grown accustomed to lengthy wait times and poor communication from the airline’s staff. For a country that relies so heavily on air travel, this level of unreliability has serious consequences, impacting everything from personal travel to the country’s struggling economy.
The unreliability of Air Niugini and the high cost of tickets create an even larger issue for the residents of rural PNG. For those living in remote areas, where access to healthcare, education, and essential goods depends on air transportation, Air Niugini’s monopoly becomes a lifeline that many cannot afford.
The government’s refusal to open up the airline market to competition leaves the population at the mercy of a poorly managed and corrupt system.
And while the government argues that this is because they have to pay for services with USD, many bloggers, vloggers and social commentators are now asking why exactly? People are now legitimately asking if a pivot to China might actually solve this problem.
A Reflection of Broader Corruption in Papua New Guinea
The issues at Jacksons International Airport and with Air Niugini are not isolated phenomena but rather part of a larger culture of corruption in PNG. From the theft of money and goods at the airport to the government’s protection of Air Niugini’s monopoly, these problems highlight the broader systemic issues facing the country. Corruption is deeply ingrained in many of PNG’s institutions, and Jacksons International Airport is just one example of how this corruption manifests in everyday life.
The government’s failure to address these problems only reinforces the perception that corruption is tolerated, if not outright encouraged. Papua New Guinea’s leaders often pay lip service to the idea of reform, but meaningful change remains elusive. Until the government takes steps to combat corruption at all levels—starting with its national airline and its international airport—these problems will continue to plague the country.
The China Factor: A New Player in the Game
As PNG continues to struggle with corruption and inefficiency, China has become an increasingly influential player in the country. Many see China as a potential savior, offering investment and infrastructure projects that the West has been reluctant to provide. But China’s involvement is not without its risks. The growing influence of Beijing in PNG’s political and economic landscape raises concerns about sovereignty and the potential for new forms of exploitation.
For Jacksons International and Air Niugini, China’s influence could either be a blessing or a curse. On one hand, Chinese investment could lead to improvements in infrastructure and service. On the other hand, it could further entrench corruption if not carefully managed. PNG’s leadership must navigate this new relationship carefully if it hopes to benefit from China’s growing presence in the Pacific.
Conclusion: A Grim Reality for PNG’s Travelers
In conclusion, Jacksons International Airport stands as a symbol of the deep-rooted corruption in Papua New Guinea. The theft from passengers’ luggage, the petty pilfering of cigarettes, and the overall mismanagement of Air Niugini are clear indicators of a system in crisis. For travelers, especially the country’s poor, the airport and airline are not just points of inconvenience but emblematic of a larger national problem—one that sees corruption, inefficiency, and inequality intertwining to create a grim reality for the people of PNG.
If PNG is to move forward, it must address the systemic corruption that plagues its institutions, starting with its national airline and airport. Only then can it hope to restore confidence among both its own citizens and the international community. Until that happens, Jacksons International Airport may well hold onto its reputation as one of the world’s most corrupt airports.