AIR Niugini wishes to advise our valued customers that the airline continues to operate restricted services to and from Kagamuga Airport, Mt Hagen, with further capacity reductions due to the ongoing runway maintenance works being undertaken by the National Airports Corporation (NAC).
The runway maintenance works have now entered Stage 5 effective yesterday, Monday 21st September, which further shortens the available runway length for aircraft operations. This means that Air Niugini can now only operate the smaller Dash-8-200 series aircraft from Mount Hagen, and with seat capacity reduced to a maximum of just 18 passengers per flight.
These restrictions are necessary to ensure our operations remain in compliance with all CASA and aircraft manufacturer approved safety margins and aircraft performance capabilities. These Stage 5 restrictions will remain in place until approximately 05th October when Stage 6 commences. Stage 6 will allow safe operations with our slightly larger Dash-8-300 series aircraft, albeit again with restrictions on capacity.
Air Niugini remains committed to maintaining connectivity for the people of Mt Hagen and the wider Highlands region while these essential runway upgrade works are being undertaken, and in strict compliance with all safety requirements.
Passengers travelling out of Mt Hagen who are unable to secure bookings on our flights may also consider travelling via Goroka or Lae. To assist with passenger demand, Air Niugini has increased its Goroka services from two to three daily flights, whilst the airline also continues to offer up to five daily flights to Lae operated by Boeing 737s or Airbus A220s.
Air Niugini continues to work closely with NAC and anticipates commencing Boeing 737 and Airbus A220 jet operations into Kagamuga Airport as soon as the runway improvement works are completed later this year, and in time for the Christmas period.
While the temporary restrictions may cause inconvenience to some customers, the airline acknowledges the importance of the runway improvement programme being undertaken by NAC. These upgrades will deliver long-term benefits by enhancing airport infrastructure and supporting more efficient and reliable airline operations into Mt Hagen in the future.
Safety remains our highest priority and will never be compromised. We appreciate the patience, understanding and cooperation of our customers during this time as these important infrastructure improvements are completed.
Air Niugini regrets any inconvenience caused and thanks passengers for their continued support and understanding.
Source: Air Niugini