Air Niugini has temporarily suspended all its flights to Buka airport, Autonomous Region of Bougainville since Tuesday, April 10, 2018.
The decision to suspend flights followed the issuance of Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) by airport authority after the vandalism of Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) lights at the airport. PAPI lights are a visual aid that provides guidance information to help pilots acquire and maintain the correct approach when landing aircraft at the airport, and are provided as part of the airport infrastructure by National Airports Corporation (NAC).
The airline will resume flights as soon as the damaged PAPI lights are repaired. Until this occurs, Air Niugini is unfortunately forced to indefinitely suspend all Buka flights until further notice. Air Niugini regrets the inconvenience caused, however, advises that safety is always of paramount importance in their operations.
