13 Sep 2023 | 03:12 AM UTC
Papua New Guinea: Flight disruptions ongoing at Rabaul Airport, East New Britain Province, as of Sept. 13 due to airport closure after break-in crime
Rabaul Airport (RAB), Papua New Guinea, closed as of Sept. 13 following criminal incident. PNG Air flights suspended. Confirm reservations.
Event
Flight disruptions are ongoing at Rabaul Airport (RAB), East New Britain Province, as of Sept. 13 due to airport closure following a break-in crime. PNG Air (CG) has indefinitely suspended flights to and from RAB; the airline announced the decision after a break-in theft affected its office at the airport early Sept. 13. Local media state a group of over 50 unidentified people illegally entered the airport premises and robbed multiple computer systems from the airline office and check-in counters, as well as items from retail stores, within the airport premise. Police have closed the airport and are investigating the incident. Additional carriers are likely to face service disruptions.
Heightened security and localized traffic disruptions are likely in the coming hours until investigations end. Residual flight disruptions are likely when normal services resume as airlines work to clear passenger backlogs.
Context
Advice
Avoid the area until police give the all-clear. Monitor flight schedules on carriers' websites. Confirm flight before checking out of accommodation. Consider booking alternative travel arrangements if necessary.
