The Minister for Transport and Civil Aviation Walter Schnaubelt on behalf of the Marape-Rosso Government has urged Departmental Heads, Agency Heads and State Aviation Enterprise Heads under my Department to conduct themselves in a professional and responsible manner, upholding the laws of our country and delivering the required services to the people of our country and protecting the assets within their control. The Minister said on 11 November 2022, the Managing Director, National Airport Corporation (NAC) Mr. Rex Kiponge was charged under Section 280 of the Civil Aviation Act 2000 for allowing operation of the Nadzab and Kiunga aerodromes without valid aerodrome operating certificates. "Mr Kiponge had been invited to the CASA PNG headquarters on 13, 14 and 15 September, 21 September, and 21 October 2022 for questioning in relation to breaching Section 280 of the Civil Aviation Act 2000 (as amended)." Minister Schnaubelt said Mr Kiponge refused to attend via instructions through his lawyers Warner Shand in writing on the 15th of September 2022. "I strongly condemn the actions by the NAC MD to avoid the invitation from CASA PNG to attend an interview to answer to the Section 280 charges of the Civil Aviation Act 2000," said Schnaubelt. "I support the actions of the Police in arresting Mr. Kiponge and delivering him to the CASA PNG Headquarters to be charged. I also commend them for this action." Minister Schnaubelt said on 12 November 2022, MD NAC, Mr. Rex Kiponge sought a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) from NiuSky Pacific Limited for a purported breach of Security on 12 November 2022. NiuSky Pacific Limited issued the NOTAM on 12 November 2022. He said it is unfortunate that the arrest of Mr. Kiponge led to the closure of the Port Moresby Jackson Airport on the morning of 12th November 2022. This would have been avoided had Mr. Kiponge voluntarily presented himself to the CASA Office as requested. "I strongly condemn the action by Mr. Kiponge, the Board and Management of NAC in not preventing the closure of the Port Moresby Jacksons airport and disrupting the much need service to the people of PNG on the morning of the 12 November 2022." NAC through social media has made a claim that the police action is an act of terrorism. The fact of the matter is the Police were performing their normal duties in accordance with the Police Act and the Civil Aviation Act 2000. The MD NAC supported by the NAC Board and Management have demonstrated a lack of understanding of the Civil Aviation Act 2000 in relation to the powers of the Police when describing the Police action as an act of terrorism. "I strongly condemn this blunder. I commend the Police Force for the professionalism in their conduct in restoring order at the Port Moresby Jacksons Airport contrary to the claims of NAC that they lifted the NOTAM." CASA PNG has performed its mandated duty under the Civil Aviation Act to charge Mr. Kiponge on Friday 11th November 2022 for breaching Section 280. "The Department of Transport and the Civil Aviation Agencies and Enterprises under my responsibility as a minimum are expected to uphold PNG Laws as well as ensure services are delivered to our people." "I fully support Prime Minister James Marape’s direction for a full investigation into the events of the morning of Saturday, November 12, 2022, when the airport security blocked off the airport - affecting daily operations of international and domestic flights and that those involved be charged forthwith." The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) will perform a Security Validation Mission in May 2023 and a full Safety audit in June 2023. "As Minister responsible I will make sure that necessary actions are taken to protect PNG will not be affected by taking the necessary actions to prevent closure of International Operations," said Schnaubelt.