Check current flight, airport, entry, border and travel warning information that could affect a trip to Papua New Guinea.
Papua New Guinea Status
WATCH
International travel to Papua New Guinea continues, but travellers should be aware of current domestic flight disruption at Mount Hagen and serious security warnings affecting parts of the Highlands.
Current Travel Conditions
What Travellers Should Know
International travel continues
Papua New Guinea remains accessible to international travellers and its principal international aviation gateway in Port Moresby continues to handle scheduled passenger services.
Mount Hagen flight disruption
PNG Air has temporarily suspended flights to and from Mount Hagen because runway construction at Kagamuga Airport has shortened the usable runway.
Suspension expected until October
PNG Air says the National Airports Corporation expects the runway to be restored on 15 October 2026. The airline plans to resume Mount Hagen services once the runway is confirmed suitable for its aircraft.
Alternative domestic flights
PNG Air has increased services to Goroka and Lae to provide alternatives for passengers affected by the Mount Hagen disruption.
Regional airport works
Runway rehabilitation projects have also affected airline operations at several regional airports. Domestic travellers should confirm flights directly with their airline before travelling.
Highlands security risks
Tribal fighting and intercommunal violence remain serious risks in parts of the Highlands. Conditions can deteriorate quickly and roadblocks, checkpoints and curfews may be introduced.
Enga Province
Serious violence has affected Enga Province. The UK advises against all but essential travel throughout Enga except Wabag District.
Hela and Southern Highlands
The UK also advises against all but essential travel to Hela and Southern Highlands Provinces because of the high risk of tribal fighting.
Crime
Violent crime is a significant concern in Papua New Guinea. Armed robbery, carjacking, assault and other serious crimes occur, including in urban areas.
Port Moresby
Travellers should exercise particular caution when moving around Port Moresby, especially after dark. Use secure transport and avoid displaying valuables.
Bougainville
Current U.S. guidance warns against travel to Central Bougainville, particularly areas around the Panguna mine, because of civil unrest.
Unexploded ordnance
Unexploded Second World War ordnance remains in parts of Papua New Guinea, including some areas popular with hikers and divers. Do not touch suspicious objects.
Essential services
Interruptions to electricity and water can occur even in urban centres. Travellers should be prepared for temporary service outages.
Latest Travel Changes
Mount Hagen services suspended
PNG Air suspended flights to and from Mount Hagen from 21 September 2026 because runway construction reduced the usable length at Kagamuga Airport.
Flights expected to return
The runway is currently expected to be restored on 15 October 2026, after which PNG Air intends to resume services once operational conditions are confirmed.
Alternative capacity added
PNG Air has increased flights to Goroka and Lae to help passengers affected by the Mount Hagen suspension.
Canada maintains elevated warning
Canadian guidance updated on 24 September 2026 advises avoiding non-essential travel to Papua New Guinea because of high levels of crime, inter-ethnic violence and civil unrest.
Highlands warnings remain
The UK continues to advise against all but essential travel to Hela, Southern Highlands and most of Enga Province because of tribal fighting.
Before You Travel
Check your international and domestic flights directly with your airline before departure.
If your itinerary includes Mount Hagen, confirm alternative arrangements while the current PNG Air suspension remains in effect.
Confirm the passport and visa requirements applying to your nationality.
Check security conditions for your exact destination, particularly before travelling into the Highlands.
Avoid tribal fighting, demonstrations, roadblocks and large gatherings and follow any local curfew or security instructions.
Use secure transport, particularly in Port Moresby and other major urban areas, and avoid unnecessary travel after dark.
If travelling to remote areas, prepare for limited medical services, communications and transport infrastructure.
Travel Status is designed to highlight significant changes that could affect a trip. It is not a replacement for official immigration, airline or government advice.