Air Niugini has today released an update on International Travel. See their statement below.
AN UPDATE ON AIR NIUGINI INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS
Air Niugini is aware a number of people are asking about our international flights. For all domestic and international flights, Air Niugini is required to follow the directives of the State of Emergency (SoE) Controller.
Based on these directives, Air Niugini is only approved to fly to Brisbane (five times per week) , Cairns (two times per week) and Singapore (four times per week). Scheduled flights to other locations are not approved under the present SoE Controller directives.
Air Niugini is on standby to assist the National Government bringing back Papua New Guinea citizens and permanent residents who have been stranded overseas due to Corona virus or COVID19 travel restrictions, but this requires SoE Controller approval first. We understand the PNG Government is close to implementing this travel arrangement and we will advise as soon as all requirements are in order and the process is approved.
In the meantime, Air Niugini continues to uplift passengers OUTBOUND ONLY to Brisbane, Cairns and Singapore, and we DO NOT CARRY INBOUND PASSENGERS unless they are a part of the Governments efforts and are medical and critical personnel to tackle the COVID19 issues and are approved to return.
Once the government’s arrangement to bring back citizens is approved we will advise. All inbound international passengers are required to quarantine for 14 days on arrival, at one of eight hotels in Port Moresby approved for this process. The hotels presently approved by the SoE Controller are Holiday Inn, Ela Beach Hotel, Sanctuary Hotel, Dixies Bungalows, Grand Papua Hotel, Stanley Hotel, Hilton Hotel, Laguna Hotel and Granville Hotel. Air Niugini is aware the PNG Government is working on options for returning citizens who cannot afford the hotel costs and will advise when we receive an update on this.
Passengers checking in for inbound international flights are required to show the following:
• Passport and valid visa (where not travelling on a PNG passport) (as always)
• Ticket (as always)
• Evidence the passenger has already paid for 14 days quarantine at an approved hotel
Air Niugini – 27 April 2020
