PNG airport attack outside tourist area

PNG airport attack outside tourist area
By admin


The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs travel advice for Papua New Guinea remains unchanged and suggests Australians exercise a high degree of caution, despite the recent attack on the countries second biggest airport.

According to the ABC, Nadzab airport, 40 kilometres outside Lae, came under siege by a group of 30 men with guns and machetes who kept passengers captive for about two hours while they ransacked offices.

About 30 passengers who were waiting for the early morning flight to Port Moresby were caught up in the raid where the armed men looted food and office equipment, smashing windows and doors.

Police said the thieves tried to break into the Air Niugini safe but were not successful. The siege lasted two hours, before the thieves escaped across the runway.

The Smart Traveller website updated the travel advice for the Porgera township in the province of Enga, advising Australians to reconsider travel to this area following a robbery incident on Monday morning at Nadzab airport 40kms from Lae.

Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority Australian and New Zealand representative, Georgia Gregerson, stressed the area where the incident took place is not popular for tourists, and encouraged all Australians planning travel to PNG to coordinate their trips with reputable tour operators before travelling.

“It is a shame that this incident has occurred in Papua New Guinea but this has happened in an area that is not generally frequented by tourists. Papua New Guinea offers wonderful travel experiences for Australians and it’s disappointing that incidents like this affect Australians’ perceptions of PNG, as it’s a country filled with fascinating tribal culture, friendly people and natural beauty that is enjoyed by many Australian tourists.”

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