Bougainville Turned away Air Niugini Aircraft mid air over COVID-19 Fears
Controller of Bougainville's COVID-19 State of Emergency, today (Sunday 29.03) prevented an Air Niugini aircraft, carrying Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) landing at the Buka Airport.
Francis Tokura told public radio in Buka that his decision to turn away the flight was because it also had passengers on board, apart from the equipment for front line response workers.
He said his decision was based purely on SoE orders he had issued to protect the autonomous region from the COVID-19.
Mr Tokura says the SoE orders explicitly restricts any aircraft or ships with passengers to enter Bougainville.
"The aircraft was carrying PPE. I have no problem with that.
"However I was later advised that there were also passengers on the flight.
"Part of the orders I've issued is very clear that planes with passengers will NOT be allowed in.
"That's the reason why I stopped it coming in."
Meanwhile, National Police Minister, Bryan Kramer, says there should not be any restrictions on aircrafts carrying medical supplies to provinces.
"I can't see why the controller would be strict on the plane carrying medical equipment into Bougainville.
"In fact all aviation requests come through here, they are screened through a process, then the controller gives approval, signs off, so they can maintain their services, especially cargoes and important things like medical supplies."
The Bougainvillean
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Francis Tokura told public radio in Buka that his decision to turn away the flight was because it also had passengers on board, apart from the equipment for front line response workers.
Mr Tokura says the SoE orders explicitly restricts any aircraft or ships with passengers to enter Bougainville.
"The aircraft was carrying PPE. I have no problem with that.
"However I was later advised that there were also passengers on the flight.
"Part of the orders I've issued is very clear that planes with passengers will NOT be allowed in.
"That's the reason why I stopped it coming in."
Meanwhile, National Police Minister, Bryan Kramer, says there should not be any restrictions on aircrafts carrying medical supplies to provinces.
"I can't see why the controller would be strict on the plane carrying medical equipment into Bougainville.
"In fact all aviation requests come through here, they are screened through a process, then the controller gives approval, signs off, so they can maintain their services, especially cargoes and important things like medical supplies."
The Bougainvillean
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