Update from MAF PNG on COVID-19

Statement from MAF PNG 

 We would like to inform our partners and customers about MAF’s status of operations since our last update in February 2021 and since the Government released new measures to control and manage the pandemic here in PNG.

Photo- MAF PNG , supplied 

The current orders from the NCC require any passenger boarding an aircraft for a domestic flight to have a negative test report for COVID-19. MAF recognizes the difficulty in obtaining a COVID test for travel in most places. We have obtained permission from the NCC to conduct COVID tests for passengers and are currently doing tests at Hagen and Telefomin. In view of the number of test kits available we are giving priority to essential staff like health workers and teachers who need to go into remote communities. We do recognize that our passengers from the bush locations cannot travel on our planes as there are no facilities for a COVID test. We have taken the issue up with NCC on several occasions and are awaiting a decision.

We continue to pray for wisdom for the National Leadership as they take decisions. We also pray for practical outcomes, especially for our people in the remote areas so that our rural passengers can avail our facilities.

Our pilots and survey teams continue to carry out surveys even through these times. MAF is still intent on our mission of reaching isolated communities while at the same time doing this in the safest manner possible! We thank you for your patience with us as we together face these challenges from this pandemic.

Please find below the current status of the 110 airstrips open for MAF operations as per 14 May 2021.

Are you looking to book a flight or need to inquire about fares?

You can reach our bookings department via text message/SMS and WhatsApp. Send your booking requests to +675 70440433 by simply sending a message and they will call you back.

Do you prefer a direct call? Then please dial +675 7373 9999 (this number does NOT receive text or works with WhatsApp)

Do you like emails? You can always reach them at png.bookings@mafint.org

Airstrip update

East Sepik Province (8): Ambunti, Malaumanda, Samban, Tamo, Wewak, Wuvulu, Yagiap, Yambaitok

Eastern Higlands (14): Aiyura, Ande, Aziana, Boikoa, Gema, Goroka, Guwasa, Marawaka, Owena, Simogu, Sindeni, Usarumpia, Wonenara, Wuyabo

Enga (5): Kairik, Kompiam, Maramuni, Pyarulama, Yenkisa

Gulf (4): Gobe, Kerema, Kikori, Wabo

Hela (3): Komo, Tari, Wanakipa

Jiwaka (2): Koinambe, Tsendiap

Madang (4): Madang, Nankina, Simbai, Teptep

Morobe (10): Derim, Finschhafen, Gusap, Indagen, Nadzap, Sapmanga, Satwag, Tapmange, Wasu, Yalumet

NCD (1): Port Moresby

West Sepik Province (18): Anguganak, Buluwo, Edwaki, Eliptamin, Green River, Kwieftim, Lumi, Munbil, Nuku, Oksapmin, Sibilanga, Sisamin, Tadji, Tekin, Telefomin, Tumilbil, Vanimo, Yapsie

Simbu (4): Bomai, Chimbu, Karimui, Manu

Sounthern Highlands (3): Moro, Mount Tawa, Muluma

Western Province (33): Aiambak, Awaba, Balimo, Bensbach, Bosset, Daru, Debepari, Dimissisi, Dodomona, Fuma, Guavi, Habi, Hesalibi, Honinabi, Kamusi, Kapal, Kawito, Kiunga, Lake Murray, Morehead, Mougulu, Nomad River, Obo, Rumginae, Sasereme, Suabi, Suki, Tabubil, Tapila, Wawoi Falls, Weam, Wipim, Yehebi

Western Highlands (1): Mount Hagen

25 more airstrip surveys have been done recently. Our team is currently assessing and processing the data aquired. This week, pilots together with a team from RAA (Rural Airstrip Agency) conduct surveys out of Telefomin, such as Selbang, Ambi, and Kuyol to name those you see photos in this update. At the same time as the survey happens, a team from CRMF installs HF radios in some of these communities. We do have 15 more airstrip surveys scheduled over the next weeks.

To survey 200plus airstrips takes time and those airstrips which are open we provide service for freight and passengers as best as possible under the current pandemic restrictions. By the end of the year, we will have surely surveyed the remaining 40 airstrips listed in our database.

Unfortunately, after processing the survey data we had to close 28 airstrips we used to fly to as the risk is too high to take our C208 into these airstrips and operate safely.

Our vision at MAF PNG is to see isolated changed by the love of by serving together to bring help, hope and healing through aviation.

Since 1951, MAF’s continuous operations in Papua New Guinea have provided essential air transport to isolated communities located in some of the most rugged terrains in the world. Today, MAF is the longest-serving aviation operator in PNG, with international standards of safety, flight operations, and aircraft maintenance. With our fleet, we overcome physical barriers that prevent people in the remote areas of Papua New Guinea from having access to healthcare, education, safe water, and the Gospel. We serve local communities, local church groups, missionaries, NGOs, development and relief agencies, and government departments who are working to change the lives of those living in remote areas.

Next : Wapenamanda Airport in Enga Opens for Operations