7 Jan 2009

Volcanic ash imperils PNG flights

11:46 am on 7 January 2009

Air Niugini suspended three flights to Tokua airport in East New Britain this week because of risks posed by volcanic ash.

The Post Courier newspaper says a change in wind direction caused the ash to fall in the aerodrome and surrounding areas.

An airline statement says Air Niugini is in close contact with the Rabaul Volcanology Observatory and the Air Traffic Control of Civil Aviation Authority, monitoring the situation.