Papua New Guinea (PNG) is marking its 51st Independence Anniversary and Air Niugini is joining in the celebration by giving away 51 free return airfares to Papua New Guineans.

Yes, Air Niugini is inviting customers to share the stories that have connected the airline to their family, opportunity and community over the past five decades, and get into the draw to get the chance to get a free return airfare.

Announcing the campaign on Monday 07th September, Air Niugini Chief Executive Officer Mr. Alan Milne said the airline's success has always been built on the people it serves.

"As Papua New Guinea celebrates 51 years of independence, Air Niugini is proud to celebrate alongside the nation and give back to the people who have supported us throughout our journey. For more than 50 years, we have connected communities, reunited families, supported businesses and helped bring Papua New Guineans together.

This campaign is about recognising those connections and celebrating the stories that make our country unique. We are honoured to be part of Papua New Guinea's nation-building story and look forward to creating many more journeys and memories with our people."

Air Niugini Chief Commercial Officer Mr. David Glover said the campaign provides a unique opportunity for Papua New Guineans to share their most meaningful travel experiences.

"Every flight has a story behind it. Whether it is a first-time traveler, a student pursuing their dreams, a family reunion, a business opportunity or a journey home, Air Niugini has been privileged to play a role in countless personal stories across our country. Through this campaign, we want to hear those stories and celebrate the emotional connections that travel creates. We encourage Papua New Guineans everywhere to share their experiences for a chance to win one of 51 return airfares."

The campaign, themed "Wherever PNG Takes You, We've Been Flying With You," reflects Air Niugini's enduring role as Papua New Guinea's national airline and its contribution to connecting one of the world's most geographically diverse nations.

For more than five decades, Air Niugini has been much more than an airline. Since independence, it has connected provinces and communities, supported the movement of people and goods, facilitated tourism and trade, and provided vital links between urban centres and remote regions of the country.

Through every stage of Papua New Guinea's development, the national carrier has remained committed to bringing people together and opening doors to new opportunities.

As the nation celebrates 51 years of independence, Air Niugini is inviting Papua New Guineans to share their personal Air Niugini journey as part of this special anniversary campaign.

Customers can enter by posting a short story together with a photo or video on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok using the hashtags #MyAirNiuginiStory and #51YearsFlyingPNG, while tagging @AirNiugini. Entries must be submitted between 7 and 28 September, with winners announced weekly throughout the campaign period.

A total of 51 winners will receive free return airfares, comprising 50 domestic return tickets and one international return ticket. Winners will be selected based on authenticity, emotional connection, and relevance to the campaign theme by an Air Niugini judging panel.

The campaign is open to Papua New Guinea residents aged 18 years and above. Participants may submit multiple entries; however, only one prize can be awarded per person. Entries must be original and respectful. Winners will be announced on Air Niugini's social media platforms and contacted directly.

As Papua New Guinea reflects on 51 years of independence and looks ahead to the future, Air Niugini remains proud of its role in connecting the nation and supporting the aspirations of its people.

After more than five decades of service, one thing remains unchanged: wherever PNG takes you, Air Niugini has been flying with you.