Runway Projects Force Temporary Air Niugini Changes at Three Airports

 Runway Projects Force Temporary Air Niugini Changes at Three Airports

Passengers travelling through Mt Hagen, Hoskins and Kiunga in Papua New Guinea will continue to see changes to Air Niugini services as runway rehabilitation projects place temporary limits on aircraft operations.

The national airline has adjusted its fleet deployment and schedules to work around construction at the three airports. While the restrictions have reduced capacity on some routes, Air Niugini says the improvements will eventually allow larger aircraft to serve the regional centres.

At Mt Hagen's Kagamuga Airport, the runway project currently permits Air Niugini to operate Dash 8 aircraft only. The restriction is expected to stay in place until October, depending on the progress of the rehabilitation program.

Larger Q400 and Fokker aircraft are expected to return once the runway can safely accommodate them. The entire rehabilitation program is scheduled to be completed in early December, paving the way for Airbus A220 “People’s Balus” and Boeing 737 operations.

The airline has also increased Port Moresby-Goroka flights to three a day from the previous two. Fokker and Q400 aircraft will operate the additional services, giving travellers heading into and out of the Highlands another option during the Mt Hagen restrictions.

At Hoskins in West New Britain, the runway works have similarly limited Air Niugini flights to Dash 8 aircraft. The restriction is expected to end around the middle of September, allowing Q400 aircraft to resume operations and increase available seats.

The wider upgrade at Hoskins is expected to eventually support the operation of Air Niugini's Airbus A220 and Boeing 737 aircraft, strengthening both passenger and freight links to the province.

Meanwhile, services to Kiunga are scheduled to return on September 27 after runway rehabilitation works are completed. Air Niugini suspended flights to Kiunga in January to allow the essential work to be undertaken.

The return of Q400 services will provide increased capacity for travellers in Western Province and improve access for businesses and industries dependent on regular air transport.

Air Niugini said the reopening date remains subject to the progress of the project and customers will be advised should further delays occur.

The airline acknowledged that the temporary restrictions have affected travel plans and apologised to passengers for the disruption.

It said the work being undertaken by NAC was necessary to improve the airports and prepare them for increased demand and larger aircraft in the future.

“While the runway works at Mt Hagen, Hoskins and Kiunga have required adjustments to aircraft types and schedules, these investments and upgrade works by NAC are critical to ensuring the continued safety, reliability and long-term sustainability of airport operations in Papua New Guinea.”