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Air Niugini and PNG Air owe K150 million to the National Airports Corporation, hindering the latter's ability to implement essential airport upgrades in the country, Minister for Transport and Civil Aviation, Walter Schnaubelt says.
The essential upgrades include expanding terminals and improving entry points.
Despite multiple requests by him to have past and current management to recover these funds, the amounts remain unpaid and growing, said Minister Schnaubelt.
He continued that this leaves him no choice but to consider reviewing employment and board arrangements.
Acknowledging public concerns raised against National Airports Corporation - Papua New Guinea , Minister Schnaubelt pointed out that the usual Christmas and New Year peak period congestion has now eased.
High volumes of traffic and operations are returning to normal at all airports, he said in a media statement today.
The Minister has highlighted that NAC relies on aeronautical charges (K50 per ticket) and non-aeronautical charges (e.g., rental income) from airline operators like Air Niugini and PNG Air to maintain and improve airport infrastructure nationwide.
Minister Schnaubelt also pointed out that NAC provides operational space for airlines but does not manage their flight schedules.
Crowding at entry points is often the result of flight delays or cancellations, which are beyond NAC’s control. We continue to work closely with airline operators to align operations and minimize disruptions.
NAC recognises the need to expand domestic boarding lounges and create additional entry points to ease congestion.
However, with unpaid debts from airline operators, progress on these projects has been delayed. NAC remains committed to these upgrades as soon as the necessary funds are secured.
Minister Schnaubelt concluded that while NAC may not be perfect, their management and staff strive to ensure that airports across the country operate efficiently.
"Improving passenger experiences requires collaboration from all stakeholders, including airlines, the government, and NAC," he said.
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