PNG Travellers Face Tighter Air Services As Mt Hagen Runway Works Continue

Travellers using Mt Hagen's Kagamuga Airport are facing tighter flight availability after Air Niugini introduced another reduction in passenger capacity because of continuing runway rehabilitation works.

The airline said the latest restrictions took effect on Monday, September 21, following the commencement of Stage 5 of the National Airports Corporation's runway maintenance programme. Only Dash-8-200 aircraft can currently be operated from the airport, with each flight limited to a maximum of 18 passengers.

The reduced runway length has affected aircraft performance requirements, prompting Air Niugini to adjust its services to remain within approved aviation safety limits.

The Stage 5 restrictions are expected to continue until about October 5, when the project moves into Stage 6. At that point, Air Niugini expects to use Dash-8-300 aircraft, although flights will continue to operate below their normal passenger capacity.

Despite the limitations, the airline said it would continue providing an air link for Mt Hagen and communities across the Highlands.

Passengers who cannot obtain a seat from Kagamuga have been encouraged to look at alternative routes through Goroka and Lae.

To provide additional options, Air Niugini has added a third daily service to Goroka, increasing the route from two flights a day. The airline is also operating as many as five daily services to Lae using Boeing 737 and Airbus A220 aircraft.

The airline said it was maintaining close coordination with NAC as work on the airport runway advances.

Once the improvement programme is finished, Air Niugini intends to restore jet operations at Kagamuga, including Boeing 737 and Airbus A220 services.

The carrier expects those operations to return later this year ahead of the Christmas travel period, subject to completion of the runway works and the necessary operational requirements.

Air Niugini said the present restrictions were temporary and that the runway programme would improve the airport's infrastructure and provide better conditions for future airline operations.

The airline said passenger safety would remain the overriding consideration throughout the works.

“Safety remains our highest priority and will never be compromised.”

Air Niugini expressed appreciation to its passengers for their patience, understanding and continued support during the disruption.