APNG halts Goilala flight services

AIRLINES PNG has indefinitely stopped its local flight services to Goilala due to safety concerns regarding the standard of the airstrips at Onogue and Fane.

The Port Moresby Stock Exchange (PoMSOX) listed company in a brief media release said flight services to these two destinations will remain suspended.

The decision follows from an earlier airstrip review that also resulted in AusAID and Airlines PNG deciding to suspend services to Manari, Efogi, Kagi and Milei in the Koiari area.

It said it will continue to engage with relevant authorities with the aim of upgrading the two airstrips to ensure they each meet the minimum standard for the airline's operations and, accordingly, a resumption of services.

But the company confirms that both scheduled and charter services to Kokoda, Tapini and Woitape will remain unaffected.

The airline further acknowledged disruptions which have occurred in recent weeks to flights to and from these and other destinations in the domestic network.

"These disruptions have largely been a result of the heavy wet season and its consequent impact on the airline's schedule.

It said it is expecting similar disruptions for the remainder of this month until weather conditions improve.