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MXH destination photo
POM destination photo

MXHPOM

Our Recommendation
8.8

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers a front-row seat to the rugged interior of the Southern Highlands and a spectacular approach past the Owen Stanley Range into the capital city.

Left Side Highlights
8.8
🏔️

Southern Highlands Karst

Dramatic limestone formations and deep green valleys visible shortly after takeoff from Moro.

⛰️

Central Cordillera

The massive mountain spine of New Guinea, featuring high-altitude ridges often shrouded in morning mist.

🥾

Owen Stanley Range

The historic mountains home to the Kokoda Track, providing a jagged horizon as you approach Port Moresby.

🏞️

Varirata Plateau

A lush national park area overlooking the Laloki River, signaling the final descent into the coastal basin.

🏙️

Port Moresby Urban View

A clear view of the city's expansion across the hills and towards the Fairfax Harbour area on final approach.

Sit on the left for morning flights to see the sunlight hitting the peaks of the Owen Stanley Range. The transition from high-altitude rainforest to the drier savannah of the National Capital District is most visible from this side. Keep a lookout for the Laloki River as it winds toward the coast.

Right Side Highlights
8.2
💧

Lake Kutubu

PNG's second-largest lake, famous for its clear waters and surrounding primary rainforest near the start of the flight.

🌿

Kikori River Delta

Vast networks of silty river channels and mangrove forests where the mountains meet the Gulf of Papua.

🏖️

Gulf of Papua Coastline

Sweeping views of the coastline with isolated villages and dark sand beaches stretching toward the horizon.

🏝️

Yule Island

A historic and picturesque island located just offshore, visible as the flight tracks southeast.

🌊

Coral Sea Reefs

Vibrant turquoise reef structures and deep blue waters as the aircraft descends toward Jacksons International.

Choose the right side for the best views of the complex river deltas draining into the Gulf. This side is typically better for spotting the turquoise fringes of the reef system during the afternoon descent. Note that clouds often build over the mountains by midday, making the coastal views on the right more reliable.

Top Activities in Port Moresby
Route Information

Distance: 556 km (345 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 56 min

Departure: MXH (-6.36332988739, 143.238006592)

Arrival: POM (-9.44338035583496, 147.22000122070312)

Route Type: Domestic

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