Almost three months of no flights in and out of Enga province, Air Niugini has announced that flights will resume to its normal route to Wapenamanda on Tuesday 17th October.
The Airport was shut down and flights were stopped from travelling in and out of Enga province due to major issues regarding law and order. This action was taken by Air Niugini on mid July.
The issue was a tribal fight resulting in over 100 deaths and casualties, Papua New Guinea Defence force (PNGDF) and Provincial Police forces finally stepped in and stabilized the situation.
The issue in Wapenamanda has dialled down now and come to a rest between tribal leaders. Air Niugini is now confident in the law-and-order operations in maximizing security and minimizing threats and hazardous activities.
Air Niugini is now prepared to reopen flights in and out of Wapenamanda. Security measures will be carried out by Air Niugini’s security department within the airport terminal and vicinity to minimise the risk of travellers and properties.
Security measure will not only be focused in Wapenamanda but to all airports, any form of conflict should occur would result in the cancellation of all flights at that terminal. Wapenamanda flights will resume its weekly routes, served by Air Niugini Dash 8 twice a week on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s. The Air Niugini’s first priority is the safety of the passengers, the crew, and the aircraft.