PNG's Air Niugini Reschedules Nadi Flight After Vanuatu Weather Disruption

Air Niugini has pushed back its overnight flight to Nadi, Fiji, by a full day after bad weather in Vanuatu forced one of its aircraft into a lengthy diversion that ended with passengers returning to Port Moresby without ever reaching their destination.

The national carrier confirmed that PX 086, originally due to leave Port Moresby on Sunday 23 August, will now depart on Monday 24 August at 1:10pm, after a Boeing 737 bound for Port Vila via Honiara was twice unable to land in the Vanuatu capital due to poor conditions.

The aircraft operating PX082 first diverted to Nadi when it could not touch down in Port Vila as scheduled. It then flew back toward Port Vila for a second attempt, but conditions on the ground still did not allow for a safe landing, prompting the crew to bring the plane back to Port Moresby early Sunday morning with its Port Vila-bound passengers still on board.

To make up for the missed connection, Air Niugini put on a fresh direct flight to Port Vila, which left Port Moresby at 12:30pm on Sunday. That extra service, however, had a knock-on effect on the airline's schedule, pushing the Nadi flight back by a day. Under the new arrangement, the aircraft will overnight in Nadi before flying back into Port Moresby on Tuesday morning.

Air Niugini said passenger and crew safety guided every decision made during the disruption. "The safety of our passengers, crew and aircraft remains Air Niugini's highest priority. Decisions relating to flight operations and weather conditions are made with safety as the overriding consideration," the airline said.

The airline also apologised for the inconvenience caused. "Air Niugini sincerely apologises to all passengers affected by this disruption and appreciates your patience and understanding. We recognise the inconvenience caused by these changes and regret the impact on travel plans," it said, adding that affected passengers could contact the airline or their travel agents for further assistance.