Kavieng Airport

NAC has so far held several meetings with representatives from the New Ireland Provincial Government and other stakeholders in the province to discuss and find solutions to the issue.

Air Niugini recently announced that the operation of its Fokker 100 will recommence in August 2022.

NAC has also updated that the construction work on the new state-of-the-art terminal building is progressing well and is anticipated to be completed by end of September 2022.

The airport will resume jet aircraft after the completion of asphalt works on the runway at the end of the month.

NAC says the maintenance work on the runway pavement is critical to ensure the airport is safe and secure for passengers and most importantly complies with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards and the Civil Aviation.

Minister Agisa said the team from the National Airport Corporation (NAC) visited the province recently to inspect the 1.4km airport extension upgrade and redevelopment valued at K91.85 million. This is set to be completed by July 2022.

Other issues that were discussed during the visit was the outstanding K15 million owed to the Kavieng Airport landowners, of which a K3 million cheque was paid to landowners during the ground breaking ceremony on July 6^th, 2020.

Ling-Stuckey said during formal meetings conducted with the Minister for Civil Aviation, Sekie Agisa, the National Airports Corporation CEO, Ephraim Wasem, and senior officers, he was advised that there was no legal basis for the compensation claim of K10 million for portion 49.

Similar sentiments were shared recently by the Secretary for Lands as well.

In a statement, the airline said unrest at the Kavieng Airport has resulted in this decision.

“Passengers who have made prior bookings are advised to please contact your travel agent to reconfirm and update your flights,” said the airline.

“PNG Air will inform travellers via our media channels for further updates as the situation unfolds.

“We thank you for your cooperation and understanding.”

It is believed landowners have closed the airport due to overdue unpaid levies.

The group is currently conducting a peaceful sit-in protest.

Prime Minister James Marape made the announcement on December 10^th in Kavieng at the official Government residence where he met with New Ireland Governor, Sir Julius Chan, and Provincial Executive members.

Marape said once all documents and payments are finalised, an official launching would be held next year where he would make a more formal visit to the province.