By Lorraine Genia – EM TV, Goroka
Flights out of Goroka to Port Moresby have been cancelled for the last three days.
The Air Niugini ground staff in Goroka were unable to comment, however indicated that the cancellation of flights had nothing to do with the Hanuabada Saga, where airline companies were unable to receive jet fuel, instead, it was due to the weather conditions.
Over the last five days, rain, morning fogs and light variable winds had been forecasted for Goroka and Kundiawa, by the National Weather Service.
EMTV’s Lorraine Genia was among a crowd of passengers who were delayed, and spoke to a few of the frustrated passengers, who had been awaiting departure, since Wednesday.
It is understood that flights to and from Goroka and Port Moresby have been cancelled since Wednesday.
In an attempt to find out the cause of these cancellations, Air Niugini ground staff at the Goroka departure terminal said, it was due to circumstances beyond their control, and refused to make any further commen’s.
This caused inconveniences for passengers who travelled from within the Highlands region.
While many refused to speak on camera to vent their frustrations, EMTV spoke to two passengers, who travelled to Goroka from Port Moresby for business, and have been stuck since Friday.
Michael and Rosheilla, say they were in a more comfortable position, than those who travelled on the highway.
This passenger, from the Chimbu province, was one of many that had to travel along the Highlands Highway for a flight out to Port Moresby.
He said, he travelled from Chimbu, and then had to return to Kundiawa by night, to find a place to rest.
Many of the passengers, stranded in Goroka, were advised by ground staff that Air Niugini would not be liable in meeting accommodation and transportation costs, as seen in this public notice, dating back to the 18th of December, 2008.
Michael Bengi also voiced his disappointment with Minister for Public Enterprise and State Investmen’s, Ben Micah, in regards to Air Niugini as the national carrier.
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