26 Dec 2018

Bougainville's Buka Airport to remain open

2:11 pm on 26 December 2018
Buka Airport

Buka Airport Photo: facebook

The Papua New Guinea National Airport Corporation has agreed to let the Buka Airport on Bougainville stay open and continue operating.

The Post Courier quotes the NAC chief, Richard Yopo, saying the corporation had reached an agreement with the autonomous Bougainville government and the planned closure of Buka airport would now not happen.

He says NAC had given the ABG five days to make commitments to resolve the law and order and security issues at the airport.

Mr Yopo says the ABG had responded by committing to a long-term police involvement plan at the airport and to establish a committee of very senior people to proactively deal with land owner issues.

This committee would also engage with all stakeholders to ensure there was no more interference with airport operations.

Mr Yopo says the police are already on site at the airport and stolen vehicles have been returned.