PNG AIR is stepping up its presence in Mendi, Southern Highlands amidst new confidence instilled by special police operations conducted in the Upper Highlands especially Enga, Hela and Southern Highlands.
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Mendi was once a thriving tourism and business hub. Due to recent political violence and lack of trust in their local government apparatus, it has turned into a ‘ghost’ town. Social media was flooded with photos of locals using the runaway for gambling.
Mendi is home to some of the best guests houses like Mendi Travellers Inn, Kiburu Lodge and others.
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Increased service by the airliner coupled with the renovation of the provincial administration building and investment by local businessmen is slowly building the lost confidence to reclaim its former glory. The province is also planned to host the long-delayed PNG Games.
The airline, which resumed flights to Mendi a year ago, expanded its services to two scheduled flights last week, with the possibility of adding a third.
Air services to Mendi had been suspended for three years after an Air Niugini aircraft was torched during unrest that followed the 2017 national election.
In a media statement, Special Operations Commander Anthony Wagambi Jr. assured the public that both the airport and all incoming aircraft remain fully protected under the current security operations.
He emphasized that safeguarding this essential service is a priority for both the people of the Southern Highlands and the business sector.
Security personnel have maintained a strong presence around the airport since PNG Air expanded its services last week, ensuring safe travel for passengers and operational stability for the airline.
Since the arrival of the security forces, Mendi has experienced a notable return to calm, with residents resuming normal daily activities.