01 Sep 2022 | 07:01 AM UTC
Papua New Guinea: Airlines cancel flights to Lae and Kiunga as of Sept. 1 due to regulatory issues
Airlines canceling flights to Lae and Kiunga, Papua New Guinea, as of Sept. 1 amid regulatory issues.
Event
Domestic airlines Air Niugini (PX) and PNG Air (CG) have suspended flights to Lae Nadzab Airport (LAE) in Morobe Province and Kiunga Airport (UNG) in Western Province as of Sept. 1. The suspensions occurred after the PNG Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA PNG) closed the surrounding airspace at both locations due to regulatory concerns. The National Airports Corporation (NAC) disputed the claim and announced the airports were still operational. However, officials from PX and CG have halted flights until the NAC can address the regulatory issues. It remains unclear when flights will resume, though the NAC is reportedly working with the CASA PNG officials to rectify the problems, which they claim do not affect safety at the airports.
Advice
Plan for flight disruptions. Confirm flight status with airlines, as the operational status of LAE or UNG could change at short notice. Do not check out of accommodations until verifying onward transport. If operating in Kiunga, consider alternative airstrips if overland transport is possible; confirm security conditions before embarking on ground transport.
