Komo airport a big relief

Business

KOMO and Hela people will no longer travel long distances to catch flights out of Mt Hagen, Goroka or Lae while Tari airport undergoes major rehabilitation for the next 10 to 15 months.
Under a user arrangement with the National Airports Corporation, Link PNG and the Hela government, Komo will now receive two flights a week (Tuesdays and Thursdays), with additional fight schedules to be added pending demand.
Yesterday was the proudest day for Komo and Hela people to see nation’s flag carrier, Air Niugini Dash 8 aircraft touch down in Komo.
Komo has the longest runway (3.25 kilometres) in the region and country. It remains a private facility owned by ExxonMobil PNG Ltd.
Undialu challenged the landowners and Komo people to look after the airport.
“One single incident putting staff of Link PNG and travelling public safety at risk will see the cancellation of this arrangement,” he warned.
“Security and safety is paramount going in and out of Exxon managed facility.
“Respect and allow people from other parts of Hela to travel freely.
“Road, seaports and airports are important links for the movement of people, movement of goods and services and an enabling environment for businesses to flourish in any society.
“Komo, you are given that opportunity to become the travel hub of Hela. Grab this opportunity by both hands and prove to Hela and the nation that one day, you can host international flights.”
Hela Link PNG manager Henry Haiara said the airline was invited to operate travel services for the good of everyone in Hela.
He said safety and security of Link PNG staff and travelling public was their primary concern.
“If anything happens, you might risk this important service,” Haiara said.