General News
26 October, 2025
Lae flights in clear view
DIRECT air links between Lae in Papua New Guinea and Cairns are on the cards following the opening of an international airport in the Pacific country’s second largest city.
Cairns Mayor Amy Eden was in Lae last month marking PNG’s 50th year of independence. Also accompanying her were sister cities ambassador Sim Hayward, botanic areas curator Dr Charles Clarke, Tradelinked representative Tony Sheehan and advisor Natalie Richards.
Cr Eden told last week’s council meeting that they flew into Lae’s newly upgraded Nadzab Tomodachi International Airport, a major redevelopment of the former Nadzab facility that now includes modern domestic and international terminal infrastructure.
“While the airport is now technically international in capability, commercial international services have not yet commenced. This presents a clear opportunity for Cairns and Lae connectivity in the future,” she said.
Cr Eden said she also joined the groundbreaking ceremony for the Lae Market Redevelopment, a $60 million partnership between Lae, Australia and New Zealand.
“That project underlines Lae’s growing economic profile and reinforces the potential for future collaboration in infrastructure, trade and connectivity,” she said.
“One of the key opportunities identified during the visit was the potential for a future partnership between the Cairns Botanic Gardens and the Lae Botanic Garden.
“Among the ideas discussed was the creation of a mini–PNG Friendship Garden in Cairns, featuring carved totem poles donated by Lae City Authority and Papua New Guinean plant species already thriving in our tropical environment.
“During the visit, sister cities ambassador Sim Hayward was formally recognised for nearly four decades of voluntary service to Cairns’ international relationships.
“Her leadership has been instrumental in sustaining people-to-people connections between Cairns and Lae since the establishment of the sister city bond in 1984.
“The delegation also engaged with civic, business and community leaders to strengthen pathways for collaboration in trade, education and cultural exchange.
“Leveraging the strong relationships forged during the visit, Tradelinked Cairns-PNG will lead a business delegation to Lae this week, accompanied by an officer from council’s economic development and advocacy team.
“This continued engagement will build on the momentum established through the visit and further advance economic and cultural opportunities under the sister city partnership.”
The council has been invited to develop youth, community and cultural exchanges by PNG’s deputy prime minister John Rosso.
