Papua New Guinea is moving towards opening its airspace to an airline from the United Arab Emirates, says Prime Minister James Marape.
Speaking to local media at his Melanesian Haus Office in Port Moresby, he said discussions are underway that could see direct flights between Dubai and Port Moresby in the future.
PM Marape said his government is working to consolidate air services agreements with the UAE following his official visit to Dubai.
He confirmed that UAE-based airlines have expressed interest in operating direct services to Papua New Guinea, similar to existing arrangements with China Southern Airlines.
“We will now instruct the appropriate ministers and agencies to consolidate air services agreements in due course,” Prime Minister Marape told media.
“One of the UAE airlines could fly directly to Port Moresby, creating direct connectivity between PNG and one of the world’s biggest aviation hubs.”
The Prime Minister said Dubai’s position as a global transit center would significantly improve PNG’s access to Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia, while also boosting tourism, trade and business travel.
He said opening PNG’s airspace to more global carriers aligns with the Government’s broader strategy to integrate the country into international transport, trade and investment networks.