29 Jan 2022 | 01:06 AM UTC
Papua New Guinea: Authorities close runway at Tekin Airport, Sandaun Province, as of Jan. 29 amid investigation into runway conditions
Officials close runway at Telkin Airport, Sandaun Province, Papua New Guinea, as of Jan. 29 amid investigation. Plan for flight disruptions.
Event
Authorities have closed the runway at Tekin Airport (TKW) in Sandaun Province after an aircraft ran off the runway upon landing Jan. 26. A charter aircraft also ran off the runway at TKW Jan. 18. Neither incident resulted in injuries, but officials have closed the airstrip for fixed-wing aircraft as of Jan. 28 amid an investigation into the incidents.
It is unclear how long the assessment will take, but flight disruptions could continue at TKW for several days while officials inspect the site. Increased demand for flights to nearby airstrips, especially Telefomin Airport (TFM), is possible.
TKW is about 104 km (65 miles) east of Tabubil, Western Province.
Advice
Use alternative airstrips for time-sensitive travel to southern Sandaun Province. Confirm security conditions before embarking on ground transport in the region.
