Air Niugini Halts Wewak Flights After Airport Security Breach

Air Niugini (PX) has suspended all flights to and from Boram Airport (WWK) in Wewak, East Sepik Province, following a destructive overnight raid that crippled its ground operations. The indefinite suspension, which began this weekend, leaves hundreds of travelers stranded and disrupts a critical domestic link in Papua New Guinea. The national carrier stated the shutdown is a technical necessity after thieves systematically destroyed check-in systems, making it impossible to process passengers and ensure flight safety.

The suspension impacts the airline's daily Fokker jet services connecting Wewak with the capital, Port Moresby. According to Air Niugini, the perpetrators stole passenger cargo and destroyed essential computers and electronic devices. Without this infrastructure, the airline cannot verify tickets, assign seats, process baggage, or generate the accurate flight manifests required by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority of Papua New Guinea (CASA PNG).

Operational and Safety Implications

The destruction of the check-in systems presents a fundamental operational barrier. Airline operations depend on accurate data for weight and balance calculations, passenger tracking, and security screening. The inability to produce a verified manifest means that, from a regulatory standpoint, flights cannot legally or safely depart.

In a statement, Air Niugini CEO Alan Milne, who was re-appointed in February 2026, emphasized the safety aspect of the decision. "This directly affects our ability to operate safely," Milne said. He confirmed that services will only resume once the airline is satisfied that both security and operational systems have been fully restored to the required standard. Local authorities are on-site at Boram Airport assessing the damage, but the airline has not provided a timeline for the resumption of services.

Impact on Passengers and Regional Connectivity

For the East Sepik region, the flight suspension severs a vital transportation artery. Due to Papua New Guinea's challenging terrain and limited road infrastructure, air travel is essential for connecting communities, moving essential goods, and supporting business activities. The Wewak-Port Moresby route is a key corridor for residents, government officials, and businesses. The shutdown also halts the transport of medical supplies and other critical cargo that rely on Air Niugini's services.

The airline has advised passengers holding tickets for flights to or from Wewak to contact Air Niugini sales offices or their travel agents to discuss rebooking or refund options. Travelers are urged not to go to Boram Airport, which is currently a restricted investigation site. According to the airline's official website, the Commercial Service Centre can be reached at +675 327 3780 or via email at csc@airniugini.com.pg for assistance.

Broader Context and Airline Operations

The incident at Boram Airport highlights the vulnerability of aviation infrastructure in remote regions and underscores how physical security is a direct prerequisite for flight operations. Air Niugini operates a diverse fleet to serve the country's unique geography, including Boeing 767s, Boeing 737s, Fokker 70/100s, and Dash 8 aircraft. The Fokker jets are the primary aircraft used on the Wewak route.

This operational disruption comes as the carrier is undergoing a significant fleet renewal. Air Niugini is in the process of introducing new Airbus A220 aircraft intended to replace its aging Fokker fleet, aiming to enhance efficiency and service reliability across its network. The security breach at a key regional airport presents an immediate, ground-level challenge to the airline's broader strategic goals of stabilizing and modernizing its services. The safety regulations enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority of Papua New Guinea (CASA PNG) govern all aspects of airline operations, from fleet airworthiness to ground procedures like passenger manifesting.

Why This Matters

This event demonstrates the critical dependency of airline services on secure and functional ground infrastructure, particularly in regions where air travel is a lifeline. For Air Niugini, the incident is not just a logistical problem but a direct challenge to its operational integrity and safety mandate. It underscores the broader economic and social impact that localized security failures at airports can have on an entire region, disrupting commerce, healthcare supply chains, and personal travel indefinitely.

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