Domestic flight disruptions and cancellations due to aviation jet fuel supply rations by Puma Energy running low for some airports including Port Moresby’s Jacksons, and in Lae and Mt. Hagen cities have also affected Digicel ExxonMobil Cup 2024 franchises traveling to various centers for their matches.
Over the weekend, the Papua New Guinea National Rugby League Competition (PNGNRLC) postponed the Round 5 clash at Peter Humphreys Oval between West New Britain Provincial Government Kimbe Cutters and Moni Plus NCDC Port Moresby Vipers that was rescheduled from Saturday 11th May, to 2pm Sunday 12th May.
PNGNRLC’s General Manager of Pathways and Performance said the flight cancellation has left them with no other choice but to take this step.
“Unfortunately we were left with no alternative but to postpone the match.”
“We would like to extend our apologies to our Cutters’ fans particularly those based in Kimbe.”
“Our aim is to get the match played as soon as possible and we are working hard to get that done, understanding the travel challenges we are facing.”
“Once again in addition to our great fans, we extend our thanks and support to all clubs, our Board, sponsors, and partners for their support and understanding,”
Other matches for Sunday remained the same.
The domestic flight disruptions, according to an Air Niugini statement issued Friday 10th May, are due to fuel rationing by Puma Energy.
Air Niugini said its domestic flight schedule continues to have disruptions as the aviation jet fuel supply continues to be rationed by Puma Energy in Port Moresby.
The statement further said this rationing have been extended to other airports such as the Lae Nadzab Airport in Morobe Province and the Mt. Hagen Kagamuga Airport in the Western Highlands Province.
Ration supply to certain other airports has ceased altogether.
Air Niugini said it has further reduced its current domestic schedule, causing flight disruptions, apologizing to its customers for the inconvenience.
The airline company said whilst the rationing by Puma Energy is outside of the airline’s control, it would not compromise its operations.
Due to these flight cancellations, Port Moresby Vipers could not travel to Kimbe for the game against WNB Provincial Government Cutters.