13 Jan 2021 | 04:42 AM UTC
PNG: Protester vow to continue demonstration at Kavieng Airport in New Ireland as of Jan. 13 /update 1
Protest to continue at Kavieng Airport in New Ireland, Papua New Guinea, as of Jan. 13. Flight disruptions possible.
Event
Protesters plan to continue their sit-in demonstration at Kavieng Airport (KVG) in New Ireland Province as of Jan. 13. Dozens of protesters gathered at the airport Jan. 11 to demand compensation for their land used during an ongoing airport expansion project.
Flights are operating normally at KVG Jan. 13; however, PNG Air (CG) canceled flights Jan. 11, and additional flight disruptions remain possible. Localized ground transport interruptions may also occur if demonstrators protest on nearby streets. Increased security is likely at the airport as a precaution. The action has remained peaceful, but clashes between protesters and security personnel cannot be ruled out, particularly if activists attempt to block the runway at KVG.
KVG is around 210 km (130 miles) west-northwest of Lihir Island.
Advice
Confirm flights at KVG in the coming days. Unless flying, consider avoiding KVG and its surrounding areas as a precaution. Plan for localized ground transport disruptions. If violence occurs nearby, immediately depart the area. Heed all official security and transport advisories.
