Air Niugini wishes to advise customers of temporary changes to services operating through Mt Hagen, Hoskins and Kiunga as major runway rehabilitation and upgrade works continue at these airports under the National Airports Corporation (NAC).

At Kagamuga Airport in Mt Hagen, ongoing runway upgrade works require all Air Niugini services to operate using Dash 8 aircraft. These temporary aircraft restrictions are expected to remain in place until October, when progress on the runway project is expected to allow the return of larger Q400 and Fokker aircraft. The runway works are scheduled for completion in early December, after which Mt Hagen will be able to accommodate Air Niugini’s Airbus A220 “People’s Balus” and Boeing 737 aircraft, providing greater passenger capacity, comfort and operational efficiency.

To minimise the impact of the temporary capacity reduction in Mt Hagen, Air Niugini has increased its Port Moresby-Goroka services from two to three daily flights using Fokker and Q400 aircraft. The additional services will provide customers travelling to and from the Highlands region with more flexibility and increased seat availability while the runway works are underway.

At Hoskins Airport in West New Britain Province, runway improvement works are also continuing, restricting operations to Dash 8 aircraft until mid-September. Once this phase of the project is completed, the runway will be reopened to larger Q400 aircraft, significantly increasing seating capacity on the route. Upon completion of all airport upgrade works later this year, Hoskins will also be capable of accommodating Air Niugini’s Airbus A220 “People’s Balus” and Boeing 737 aircraft, delivering enhanced passenger and cargo capacity to the province.

In Western Province, Air Niugini is pleased to advise that services to Kiunga are scheduled to resume on 27 September following the completion of runway rehabilitation works. Flights to Kiunga were temporarily suspended in January this year to allow essential runway upgrades to be carried out. The improvements will enable larger Q400 aircraft to operate on the route, providing greater capacity and improved connectivity for communities, businesses and industries that rely on regular air services. Should there be delays to the reopening of Kiunga airport we will advise customers accordingly.

Air Niugini acknowledges the inconvenience these temporary operational changes may cause and sincerely apologises for any disruption to customers’ travel plans. 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.

The upgrades will also support future growth by enabling these important regional airports to accommodate larger and more modern aircraft, including Air Niugini’s Airbus A220 “People’s Balus” and Boeing 737 fleet, bringing increased passenger comfort, greater cargo capacity and improved air connectivity to the communities.

Air Niugini appreciates the patience and understanding of its customers during this period and remains committed to delivering safe, reliable and efficient air services throughout Papua New Guinea.