The Port Moresby International Airport’s Domestic Terminal will soon have a new Baggage Screening System in place which will minimise the passenger queue being experienced during travel peak times at the terminal.
This project is progressing smoothly and is anticipated for completion in September 2022.
“Most of the work has been done at the back of house where the system is being set up. We are now awaiting two new baggage screening machines to be shipped to Port Moresby at the end of August this year to be installed and to be ready for use beginning in September 2022,” NAC Managing Director and CEO, Rex Kiponge said.
“Once this system is up and operational later this year, it will free up entry into the terminal, minimise passenger queuing and ensure free flow and processing of outbound passengers as well as tenants,” Mr Kiponge added.
The new baggage screening machines cost three-point-two-million Kina (K3.2m) and were funded by the Civil Aviation Development Investment Program.
The Back of House Baggage Screening Project will replace the existing machines which are more than twenty years old and have become obsolete.
Mr Kiponge added that this is part of NAC’s plans to improve Jacksons Airport facilities and services to cater for the growing population and the increasing demand for air travel.
In April this year, the existing baggage screening machine at the front entry of Jacksons Domestic Terminal which is more than 20-years old had broken down due to wear and tear and is awaiting repair and maintenance very soon.
To ensure business continuity, NAC had relocated another baggage screening machine from one of our other terminals to process security baggage screening at the domestic terminal.
Due to only one operating-screening-machine at the entrance of the Domestic Terminal at this time, traveling public and tenants will experience a bottleneck situation at the domestic terminal thus creating congestion in the processing of baggage and passenger screening as they enter the terminal during morning peak hours.
NAC would like to appeal to out-bound passengers at Jacksons Domestic Terminal to support us and the airlines during this time by coming to the airport early in preparation for check-in to avoid the rush hour.
In addition, we would like to appeal to the passengers that once you are in the terminal awaiting your flight, please try as much as possible to remain in the terminal to avoid congestion.
NAC sincerely apologises for any inconvenience caused and would like to appeal for your patience and understanding as we work together with all stakeholders to effectively manage the large movement of out-bound passengers during the morning peak hours.