Flights

Air Niugini resumes jet services to Kagamuga

Jet operations to Mount Hagen were suspended in late September to allow the National Airports Corporation (NAC) to carry out urgent maintenance works on the airport runway.

During the period of the runway repairs, all Air Niugini flights to Hagen were downgraded to Dash 8 operations.

Acting Chief Executive Officer, Gary Seddon said: “Mount Hagen is the major airport serving the Highlands region and is of vital importance to the economy and community.

Air Niugini under trying circumstances

This year the airline has had to modify its operations to accommodate failing runways in Mt Hagen and Rabaul. The runway in Mt. Hagen is being repaired for the second time this year.

This means that Air Niugini is unable to operate a conventional jet service to the city – which represents one of the busiest sectors in PNG.

Air Niugini Fleet Restored

The Acting Chief Executive Officer, Gary Seddon, expressed his gratitude to the airline's valued customers for their patience and understanding during the challenging period of unscheduled maintenance.

He also commended the dedication and hard work of the men and women of Air Niugini, whose efforts were crucial in resolving the maintenance issues.

First Bali-POM Citilink Flight lands

The arrival of the Indonesian regular commercial flight marks the formal opening of a regular international route between Bali and Port Moresby, with two flights scheduled per week.

This milestone comes as a result of the 2013 Air Service Agreement between the two governments, which allowed for commercial airlines from both countries to operate between their destinations.

Previously, Air Niugini operated weekly flights from Port Moresby to Bali, but they were discontinued in 2018 due to operational reasons.

Connecting with Palau

Led by Acting CEO Gary Seddon, both parties discussed the potential for further opportunities to promote the sector, generate interest, and increase passenger volumes.

They emphasized the significance of connecting Pacific Islands to boost trade and tourism, which would strengthen Air Niugini's position as a regional airline.

This would support the "sixth freedom traffic," allowing scheduled international air services to move traffic between the carrier's home state and the destination.

CEO Explains Overbooking Of Seats

Air Niugini Chief Executive Officer, Bruce Alabaster, explained that airlines do this to ensure that they have no empty seats at takeoff, or to cover for the ‘no-show factor’.

Alabaster’s explanation follows questions by passengers who tried to understand why they would get upgraded on certain flights while get bumped off a flight in the next destination.

“If we take a route, and if we know that about 5 percent of passengers don’t come to the airport, we will overbook by 2 to 4 percent,” he stated.

ExxonMobil PNG reopens Komo airfield

The first flight with staff on board arrived at Komo airfield on 26 April 2018. A cargo plane delivering earthquake relief landed shortly after.

ExxonMobil PNG Managing Director, Andrew Barry, said the reinstatement of Komo airfield in such a short timeframe is a testament to the hard work and dedication of those involved.

Air Niugini suspends Kagamuga flights

A sit in protest at the airport area blocked off access to the terminal forcing flights PX 180, 182, and 186 not to operate.

On Tuesday, Air Niugini was forced to suspend only its morning flight while all flights for Sunday were suspended.

In a statement, Air Niugini said it is closely monitoring the tense situation and will advise when flights to the airport will resume.

Passengers of the suspended flights are advised they can have their tickets revalidated for the next available flight or to reroute via other Air Niugini ports to continue to Port Moresby.

Airline resumes flights to Kagamuga

Air Niugini public relations office confirmed with Loop PNG this afternoon that its three flights out of Port Moresby were on schedule.

The airline also confirmed that its last flight at 3pm had just departed for Kagamuga.

Kagamuga International Airport came to a standstill on Wednesday afternoon as candidates contesting the Mt Hagen Open Seat blocked off the airport.

Flights in and out of the airport were cancelled with frustrated passengers from the other Highlands provinces left stranded.

Flights disruptions caused by bad weather: Air Niugini

The Airline was responding to claims that the flights were caused by shortage of pilot with the company.

“Our flight delays over the weekend were mainly due to bad weather and not pilot issue,” An Air Niugini employee who declined to be named said. 

“Two aircraft were not able to get out of Mt Hagen on Saturday as a result of bad weather. This has affected the rest of the flights (been affected) during the weekend.

“However, all the flights are now back too normal.”