20 Sep 2022 | 05:41 AM UTC
Papua New Guinea: Air Niugini suspends flights to Aropa Airport in Bougainville Sept. 20 due to runway conditions
Air Niugini halt flights to Aropa Airport in Bougainville, Papua New Guinea, as of Sept. 20 due to runway conditions. Confirm reservations.
Event
Air Niugini (PX) has halted flights to Aropa Airport (KIE) in Keita on eastern Bougainville Island as of Sept. 20 due to unspecified concerns over runway conditions. Air PNG (CG) has not announced any cancellations, but the airline's next flight to KIE from Buka will only occur Sept. 25, and cancellations remain possible if repair work is not complete.
KIE is a transport hub on eastern Bougainville Island, and the flight suspension will likely severely impact travel to the surrounding central and southern areas of the island.
Aropa Airport is approximately 150 km (93 miles) southeast of Buka.
Advice
Confirm flight status with airlines, as flight operations at KIE could change at short notice. Do not check out of accommodations until verifying onward transport. If operating in Kieta and nearby areas, consider alternative airstrips if overland transport is possible. Consult with or hire trained drivers and confirm security and road conditions before embarking on ground transport.
