PNG Air says all scheduled PNG Air flights into Mendi, Southern Highlands Province were suspended due to civil unrest earlier this month. Photo: PNG Air
The only airline that had been servicing Mendi in Southern Highlands in Papua New Guinea since it reopened earlier this year is maintaining a suspension of services it began last month.
PNG Air was not prepared to fly in while it had security concerns about the airport.
The company said it had been unable to clarify the extent of this security risk.
It said the recent departure of senior National Airport Corporation staff from the airport is also a concern.
Local broadcaster NBC reports PNG Air saying it made the decision in the best interests of customer safety.
In 2018, Mendi Airport was the site of violent tribal clashes and an aircraft belonging to the country's biggest airline, Air Niugini, was torched, and airport facilities wrecked.
It was reopened in April after a substantial refurbishment.
Air Niugini has said it will resume flights into the troubled town once it is assured the airport is a safe place to operate.
Air Niugini has said it will resume flights into the troubled town once it is assured the airport is a safe. Photo: RNZI
