How do I track an AWB number starting with 656?

Enter your full 11-digit AWB number (656-XXXXXXXX) in the tracker at the top of this page. TraceAWB will instantly open Air Niugini's official cargo tracking page with your shipment pre-loaded.

What if my AWB prefix doesn't match any airline?

If your AWB prefix does not match a known airline, it may be a House AWB (HAWB) issued by a freight forwarder rather than the actual airline. For tracking on the airline's official portal, you need the Master AWB (MAWB), which your freight forwarder can provide.

Prefix Decoded

What is AWB Prefix 656?

Q: What airline has AWB prefix 656?

AWB prefix 656 belongs to Air Niugini (IATA code PX), based in Papua New Guinea. All air waybills issued by Air Niugini start with 656-XXXXXXXX.

Q: How many digits is an IATA AWB prefix?

An IATA AWB prefix is always exactly 3 digits (000–999). It is the first part of an 11-digit air waybill number in the format XXX-XXXXXXXX. Prefix 656 belongs to Air Niugini.

Q: Is 656 the only AWB prefix for Air Niugini?

Yes, 656 is the IATA-assigned AWB prefix exclusively for Air Niugini. Each IATA member airline has a unique 3-digit prefix. Air Niugini's prefix is 656, so all their air waybills follow the 656-XXXXXXXX format.

AWB prefix 656 is the IATA-assigned airline identification code for Air Niugini (PX), based in Papua New Guinea. Every air waybill issued by Air Niugini begins with the digits 656, followed by a hyphen and an 8-digit shipment serial number — giving a total of 11 digits in the format 656-XXXXXXXX.

When you see a cargo AWB beginning with 656, you can be certain it was issued by Air Niugini or by a freight forwarder acting on their behalf. Air Niugini operates as a Scheduled Cargo & Passenger Network, with its primary hub at Major International Hub (HUB). Typical air transit times range from 1 to 3 business days depending on origin and destination.

The IATA prefix system assigns a unique 3-digit code to every member airline, ensuring there is no ambiguity in airway bill identification across the global air freight network. Prefix 656 is exclusively reserved for Air Niugini and cannot be used by any other carrier. For detailed shipment status, use the tracker above to reach Air Niugini's official tracking portal instantly.

Prefix 656 — Quick Reference

Prefix Number656

Airline

Air Niugini

IATA CodePX

ICAO CodeANG

CountryPapua New Guinea

HubMajor International Hub (HUB)

AWB Format656-XXXXXXXX

Cargo TypeScheduled Cargo & Passenger Network

Transit Time1–3 days

Official SiteVisit

Format Guide

How to Read an AWB Starting with 656

The 11-digit IATA airway bill number is split into two parts separated by a hyphen. The first three digits (656) tell you instantly which airline issued it.

656

Airline Prefix
→ Air Niugini

-

12345678

Shipment Serial
(8 digits)

656 always identifies Air Niugini as the issuing carrier. The 8-digit serial is unique to each shipment. Together: 656-12345678 is a complete, valid Air Niugini airway bill.

Prefix Lookup

Look Up Any AWB Prefix

Have a different AWB prefix? Enter any 3-digit IATA prefix below to identify the airline and get instant tracking.

Enter Any AWB Prefix

Type the first 3 digits of your airway bill number

Prefix Range 600–699

AWB Prefixes Near 656

Not sure you have the right prefix? Browse nearby IATA AWB prefixes to find the correct airline for your air waybill.

Prefix	Airline	Country	IATA	Track
638	Air Saint Pierre	Global	PJ	View
643	KM Malta Airlines	Malta	KM	View
649	Air Transat	Canada	TS	View
656 You are here	Air Niugini	Papua New Guinea	PX	Track
657	airBaltic	Latvia	BT	View
663	Plus Ultra	Spain	PU	View
666	Fuzhou Airlines	China (People's Republic of)	FU	View
675	Air Macau	Macao (SAR), China	NX	View

Browse by Range

All AWB Prefix Ranges

IATA assigns AWB prefixes across the full 000–999 range. Browse all prefixes by range to find any airline.

000–099 100–199 200–299 300–399 400–499 500–599 600–699 700–799 800–899 900–999

← See the full AWB prefix index (all 440+ airlines)

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about AWB Prefix 656

What airline has AWB prefix 656? +

AWB prefix 656 belongs to Air Niugini (IATA code PX, ICAO code ANG), based in Papua New Guinea. All air waybills with this prefix follow the format 656-XXXXXXXX and were issued by Air Niugini or by a freight forwarder on their behalf.

How do I track an AWB starting with 656? +

Enter your full 11-digit AWB number — 656-XXXXXXXX — into the tracker at the top of this page and click "Track". TraceAWB identifies prefix 656 as Air Niugini and opens their official cargo tracking portal with your shipment pre-loaded.

What does AWB prefix 656 mean? +

In the IATA air cargo numbering system, the first three digits of any air waybill identify the issuing airline. Prefix 656 is exclusively assigned to Air Niugini. The remaining eight digits (after the hyphen) are the unique shipment serial number assigned to your individual cargo. The two parts together form a globally unique shipment identifier: 656-XXXXXXXX.

How many digits is an IATA AWB prefix? +

An IATA AWB prefix is always exactly 3 digits (ranging from 000 to 999). It forms the first part of an 11-digit air waybill number in the standard format XXX-XXXXXXXX. Prefix 656 identifies Air Niugini. IATA maintains a registry of all assigned prefixes and each is unique to one airline.

What is the difference between a Master AWB and a House AWB? +

A Master Air Waybill (MAWB) is issued by the airline — in this case Air Niugini — directly to the freight forwarder. It begins with the airline's prefix: 656. A House Air Waybill (HAWB) is issued by the freight forwarder to the individual shipper and uses the forwarder's own numbering system. For tracking on Air Niugini's official portal, you need the MAWB starting with 656-. If you only have a HAWB, ask your freight forwarder for the corresponding MAWB.

Is 656 the only AWB prefix for Air Niugini? +

Yes. 656 is the single IATA-assigned AWB prefix exclusively for Air Niugini. IATA assigns one unique 3-digit prefix per airline. No other carrier uses prefix 656, so whenever you see an airway bill starting with 656, it is guaranteed to be a Air Niugini shipment.

What if my 656 AWB shows no tracking status? +

Tracking status for a 656 AWB may not appear immediately after booking. It becomes visible only after the cargo has been physically accepted at a Air Niugini cargo terminal and the AWB has been activated in their system. This typically takes 2–8 hours after acceptance. If your AWB still shows no status after 12 hours, contact Air Niugini cargo customer service or your freight forwarder directly.