Location
Lat 8° 21' 41S Long 147° 50' 24E  Ioma Airfield was located to the south of Ioma. Located at an elevation of 95' above sea level. Today, located in Oro Province in Papua New Guinea (PNG).

Construction
Built prewar by the Australian administration as a single grass surfaced runway.

Wartime History
During the early stages of the Pacific War, Ioma Airfield played a role as a landing ground to rescue Allied personnel and to drop supplies by both civilian and Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).

On February 1, 1942, DH.83 Fox Moth VH-UUS landed at Ioma Airfield to rescue Sgt Richards and Sgt McCallum who survived the ditching of Hudson A16-106 and flew them both to Port Moresby.

On February 20, 1942 DH.83 Fox Moth piloted by Hemsworth landed to pick up F/O Green and Sgt Prider the other two survivors of Hudson A16-106. While attempting to take off, this aircraft was badly damaged and written off.

During late 1942, during the Buna-Gona-Sanananda campaign, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Hudsons from 6 Squadron air dropped supplies at Ioma.

Postwar
Disused since the immediate postwar period or the colonial era. Airport code: IATA: IOP.

Today
The former runway area is still visible, but planted with local gardens.

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Last Updated
July 19, 2024