AGP Executive Report

Air Connectivity Boost: Air Niugini has restored direct Port Moresby–Tokyo (Narita) flights, with Flight PX54 landing after about six hours and the route set to run twice weekly—an upgrade expected to lift tourism, business travel, education links, and trade. New Route for Highlands: PNG Air launched a twice-weekly Moro–Mt Hagen–Port Moresby service (Mondays and Thursdays), bringing back scheduled access to Moro after a six-year gap. Maritime Safety Alert: East New Britain authorities are searching for 27 people missing after two boats capsized near Pigeon Island, and police have warned people to avoid sea travel between Kokopo and the Duke of York Islands until winds ease. Tourism & Culture Calendar: Port Moresby’s Hiri Moale Festival is gaining major backing, with the Constantinou Group signing on as a Gold Sponsor for 2026. Local Food Push: PNG is being urged to protect and encourage local produce to cut reliance on imports, stabilise prices, and strengthen food security. Wildlife Good News: In a feel-good conservation story, two men in PNG bought live sea turtles from a market and released them back to the ocean.

Local Food Push: PNG’s Agriculture and Livestock Department is urging a shift toward local produce to cut rising import costs, improve food safety, support rural incomes, and protect traditional diets. Maritime Safety Alert: East New Britain authorities are still searching after two boats capsized, with 27 people missing (including 11 children), and police have warned locals and tourism operators to avoid sea travel between Kokopo and the Duke of York Islands while strong winds persist. Aviation Boost for Tourism & Trade: Air Niugini has resumed its Port Moresby–Tokyo Narita route twice weekly after a six-year gap, and PNG Air launched a new Moro–Mt Hagen–Port Moresby service (Mondays and Thursdays), restoring key regional connectivity. Regional Security & Travel Links: New Zealand and PNG signed a 2026–2029 defence co-operation deal, expanding training and exchanges that can shape future movement and planning across the Pacific. Business & Community Growth: NDB support helped a Milne Bay entrepreneur expand prawn harvesting for hotels and retailers, showing how finance can turn local supply into visitor-ready food. Culture on the Calendar: The Constantinou Group has renewed Gold sponsorship for the 2026 Hiri Moale Festival in Port Moresby, backing a major cultural draw for travellers.

Aviation & Tourism Boost: Air Niugini has restarted direct Port Moresby–Tokyo (Narita) twice weekly after a six-year gap, with special introductory fares and faster travel for trade, tourism, education and cargo. New Route for Southern Highlands: PNG Air launches a twice-weekly Moro–Mt Hagen–Port Moresby service (Mondays and Thursdays), restoring scheduled access to Moro after six years. Travel Costs & Consumer Warning: A report highlights “exorbitant” airport fees in Manila transit—charging travellers for “bus fare and escort”—sparking fresh questions about what passengers are really paying for. Maritime Safety Alert: East New Britain authorities continue a major search for 27 people missing after two boats capsized near Pigeon Island, including 11 children, while police warn locals and tourism operators to avoid going out to sea as strong winds persist. Local Business Growth: An NDB-backed financial education programme helped a Milne Bay entrepreneur expand prawn harvesting, showing how better access to finance can lift local supply to hotels and retailers. Culture & Events: Constantinou Group pledges K100,000 as a Gold Sponsor for the 2026 Hiri Moale Festival, backing Motu-Koitabu traditions in Port Moresby. Visa-on-Arrival Update: PNG publishes a list of 28 countries eligible for visa on arrival in 2026, easing entry for travellers from key regional markets.

Aviation Boost: Air Niugini has restarted its direct Port Moresby–Tokyo (Narita) service, now running twice weekly (Wednesdays and Saturdays), cutting travel time and strengthening travel, trade and education links. New Route Momentum: Air Niugini also says it’s restoring direct flights to Auckland from Nov 17, and PNG Air launched a new Moro–Mt Hagen–Port Moresby service (Mondays and Thursdays) from Aug 10, bringing back scheduled access after years. Tourism & Culture: Parkop calls PNG the “last frontier” for global tourism as Tokyo flights resume, while the Constantinou Group backs the 2026 Hiri Moale Festival with a K100,000 gold sponsorship. Safety at Sea: Search efforts continue after 27 people, including 11 children, went missing when two boats capsized off East New Britain; police have also warned people to avoid going out to sea between Kokopo and the Duke of York Islands as strong winds persist. Travel Costs Concern: A report raises alarm over “exorbitant” airport transit fees in Manila, questioning whether travellers are being overcharged. Entry Rules: PNG has published its 2026 visa-on-arrival eligible countries list, including Japan, China, UK, UAE and others.

Air Connectivity Boost: Air Niugini has officially restarted the Port Moresby–Tokyo route, with twice-weekly flights (Wednesdays and Saturdays) returning after six years, a win for tourism, trade and people-to-people links. Regional Flights: PNG Air launched a new Moro–Mt Hagen–Port Moresby service every Monday and Thursday, restoring direct access to Moro after a six-year gap. Travel Planning for Visitors: PNG has published a list of 28 countries eligible for visa on arrival in 2026, making entry planning easier for travellers heading to the country. Safety on the Water: East New Britain police have warned locals and tourism operators to stop going out to sea between Kokopo and the Duke of York Islands due to strong winds, with authorities enforcing no visits to Pangpang Island until conditions improve. Culture & Events: Constantinou Group backed the 2026 Hiri Moale Festival with a K100,000 gold sponsorship, adding momentum to Port Moresby’s cultural calendar. Tourism Spotlight: NCD Governor Powes Parkop called PNG the “last frontier” for global tourism as Tokyo flights resumed.

Aviation & Tourism Boost: Prime Minister James Marape hailed the return of Air Niugini’s direct Port Moresby–Tokyo (Narita) flights, now operating twice weekly after a six-year gap—expected to lift travel, trade, tourism and people-to-people links. Regional Connectivity: PNG Air launched a new Moro–Mt Hagen–Port Moresby service every Monday and Thursday, restoring scheduled access to Moro after six years, with tickets already on sale. Culture & Events: Constantinou Group backed the 2026 Hiri Moale Festival with a K100,000 Gold Sponsorship, continuing its multi-year support for Motu-Koitabu traditions. Travel Planning Info: PNG published its 2026 visa-on-arrival eligible countries list (28 nations), helping visitors plan entry more easily. Safety Watch: Search efforts continue for five ENB Provincial Health Authority staff and family members missing at sea between Pidgin Island and Kokopo, with operations scaled down overnight and set to resume at first light. Sports & Community: Peace and reconciliation in Morobe’s Wantoat area saw congregations surrender weapons and renounce alleged sorcery-linked violence, while PNG Chiefs recruitment chatter continues to draw attention.

Aviation Boost: Air Niugini has restarted the Port Moresby–Tokyo route with a first non-stop flight on 18 July, running twice weekly (Wednesdays and Saturdays) to strengthen travel, trade and people-to-people links. More Connectivity: PNG Air launched a new Moro service to Mt Hagen and Port Moresby, operating every Monday and Thursday, restoring direct access after six years. Tourism Spotlight: NCD Governor Powes Parkop called PNG the “last frontier” for global tourism as Tokyo flights resumed. Festival Support: Constantinou Group backed the 2026 Hiri Moale Festival with a K100,000 Gold Sponsorship. Commonwealth Games: PNG Swimming selected five athletes for Glasgow 2026, with Team PNG also receiving Lae City Authority support for athletics. Travel Practicalities: PNG published its 2026 visa-on-arrival eligible countries list (28 nations). Safety Update: Search continues for five ENB Provincial Health Authority staff and family members missing at sea between Pidgin Island and Kokopo.

Air Connectivity Boost: Air Niugini has restarted its direct Port Moresby–Tokyo service, with a ceremonial launch at Jacksons International Airport—good news for tourism and business links. Tourism Pitch: NCD Governor Powes Parkop calls PNG the “last frontier” for global tourism as Tokyo flights resume. New Zealand Route Returns: Air Niugini will bring back non-stop Port Moresby–Auckland from 17 November 2026 (three return flights weekly), ending a 26-year gap and cutting travel time. Visa-on-Arrival Update: PNG has published a list of 28 countries eligible for visa on arrival in 2026, including Canada, China, UAE, Japan, UK, and several Pacific nations. Border Living Costs: Indonesia and PNG are working on a deal to keep electricity flowing for border residents in Wutung, with tariff gaps to be handled via an MoU. Safety at Sea: Search continues for five ENB Provincial Health Authority staff and families missing between Pidgin Island and Kokopo, with operations scaled down overnight and set to resume at first light. Regional Nature Plans: Melanesian nations push ahead on a massive ocean reserve corridor, with Solomon Islands joining the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves.

Visa & entry updates: Papua New Guinea has published a list of 28 countries whose citizens can apply for a visa on arrival in 2026, making planning easier for travellers heading to PNG. Air connectivity boost: Air Niugini has restarted direct flights to Tokyo, and the airline also confirmed non-stop Port Moresby–Auckland services will return from 17 November 2026 (three return trips weekly), ending a 26-year gap. Tourism push: NCD Governor Powes Parkop called PNG the “last frontier” for global tourism as Tokyo flights resumed. Regional cooperation at the border: Indonesia and PNG discussed strengthening border cooperation, including electricity supply arrangements for Wutung residents. Commonwealth Games spotlight: Five PNG swimmers were selected for Glasgow 2026, with the team led by coach Rick Van Der Zant. Sports funding: Lae City Authority provided K70,000 to support Team PNG athletics ahead of the Commonwealth Games. Marine conservation: Melanesian nations moved toward a major ocean reserve corridor, with Solomon Islands joining the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves plan. Diplomatic shock: PNG’s closure of Taiwan’s representative office drew immediate pushback from Taipei and concern from the U.S., underlining how fast access can change for travellers and businesses.

Air Travel Boost: Air Niugini has restarted direct flights to Tokyo, with a ceremonial launch at Jacksons International Airport—another win for PNG–Japan travel, tourism and business links. Tourism Pitch: NCD Governor Powes Parkop called PNG the “Last Frontier” for global tourism as the Tokyo route resumed. New Zealand Connection: Air Niugini also confirmed direct Port Moresby–Auckland services will return from 17 November 2026 (three return flights weekly), ending a 26-year gap and cutting travel time. Entry Rules: PNG published a 2026 visa-on-arrival list for 28 countries, plus it notes it can’t use the system for its own travellers under the latest rules. Border Cooperation: Indonesia and PNG discussed strengthening border ties, including electricity supply for Wutung residents. Commonwealth Games: Five PNG swimmers were selected for Glasgow 2026, with the team set to travel ahead of competition starting 24 July. Safety Reminder: A methanol poisoning warning campaign highlights lethal risks for travellers to multiple destinations, including Indonesia. Sports Spotlight: Lae City Authority backed Team PNG athletics with K70,000 ahead of Glasgow.

Air Connectivity Boost: Air Niugini has restarted direct flights to Tokyo, with PNG leaders and the Japanese ambassador attending the launch at Jacksons International Airport—another step for Tourism & Business Links as NCD Governor Powes Parkop calls PNG the “last frontier” for global visitors. New Zealand Route Returns: The airline also confirmed direct Port Moresby–Auckland service will resume from 17 November 2026 (three return flights weekly), ending a 26-year gap and making it easier for families, students, seasonal workers and freight. Commonwealth Games Spotlight: Five PNG swimmers—Joanna Chen, Thomas Chen, Roxanne Kirarock, Josh Tarere and Jhnayali Tokome-Garap—were selected for Glasgow 2026, while Lae City Authority backed Team PNG athletics with K70,000 ahead of the Games. Pacific Conservation Move: Melanesian nations are pushing ahead with the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves (MOCOR), adding more marine protection across territorial waters. Travel Safety Warning: UK authorities have issued fresh methanol poisoning alerts for 29 holiday hotspots, urging travellers to watch for symptoms and seek hospital care fast. Sports Tourism Buzz: Lion Sports Bar’s World Cup map says it has welcomed fans from 165 countries and 48 US states—PNG included—showing how major events keep drawing international visitors.

Auckland comeback for PNG travellers: Air Niugini has confirmed it will restart nonstop Port Moresby–Auckland flights on 17 November 2026, with three return trips a week (initially Boeing 737-800, moving to the Airbus A220 next year). The route ends a 26+ year gap and is expected to suit families, students, seasonal workers and freight, with schedules timed to connect into Air Niugini’s wider network. Regional nature tourism boost: Solomon Islands has joined PNG, Vanuatu and Fiji’s plan for the Melanesian Ocean Corridor of Reserves (MOCOR)—a large transboundary marine protected area aimed at protecting biodiversity, though details on enforcement and community consultation are still limited. Diplomacy hits travel access: PNG has closed Taiwan’s economic office in Port Moresby, while Taiwan rejects the move—an uncertainty that could affect business and visitor arrangements. Sport travel spotlight: Lae City Authority has backed Team PNG athletics with K70,000 ahead of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, helping cover levies and preparation costs for athletes and para-athletes. World Cup fan tourism moment: Lion Sports Bar’s World Cup map says it has welcomed visitors from 165 countries and 48 US states, with Papua New Guinea among the countries still to place a sticker before the final.

Aviation & Tourism Boost: Air Niugini is bringing back direct Port Moresby–Auckland flights from 17 November 2026, with three return services weekly (B737-800 first, then Airbus A220), cutting travel time and reconnecting PNG and New Zealand after more than 26 years. Sports Travel & Funding: Lae City Authority has handed Team PNG athletics a K70,000 cheque ahead of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, helping cover levies and travel costs, with extra support also flagged for the World Athletics U20 Championships in Oregon. Local Culture on the Move: Master carver Joshua Waiekisa from Tami Island (Finschhafen, Morobe) is set for his first overseas trip to see his totem poles displayed at Cairns Botanic Gardens, tied to the Lae–Cairns sister-city partnership. Youth & Livelihoods: PM James Marape’s youth jobs push is being rolled into a National Youth Engagement Strategy (2025–2029), with pathways including tourism, arts and culture, and digital monetisation. Safety Warning for Travellers: A UK campaign is again highlighting methanol poisoning risks in popular holiday hotspots, urging travellers to watch for symptoms and seek urgent medical help.

Air Niugini Flights: Air Niugini is bringing back direct Port Moresby–Tokyo services from 18 July, with two return flights weekly and promotional fares—another boost for PNG’s role as a Pacific transit gateway. Tourism Safety: The UK has issued fresh methanol poisoning warnings for 29 holiday hotspots after deaths of travellers, including Britons, linked to contaminated or counterfeit alcohol—an important reminder for travellers planning trips across the region. Tourism & Community Sports: PNG’s biggest community fundraiser, the 2026 Trukai Fun Run, kicked off across seven provinces, bringing families, schools, corporate teams and emergency services together in a unity-focused push. Health & Medical Tourism: Pacific International Hospital will run its first-ever advanced orthopedic joint replacement program in PNG (hip and knee) from 22–26 August, with visiting Australian specialists. Business & Jobs: PNG Resource Week 2026 highlighted the need for national collaboration to build a skilled workforce and lift local participation in procurement and supply chains in the resource sector. Regional Security: PNGDF launched Exercise Pukpuk in Lae, marking 25 years of engineering cooperation with Australia, New Zealand and Fiji. Governance: PNG’s cabinet reshuffle has been delayed until next week as Prime Minister Marape completes engagements in West Sepik.

Air Niugini Flights: Air Niugini is restarting direct Port Moresby–Tokyo (Narita) flights from Saturday 18 July, with two return services weekly and promotional fares—good news for PNG travellers and a boost for Port Moresby as a Pacific transit hub. Tourism Safety Alert: A new UK-backed methanol poisoning warning is targeting 29 holiday hotspots after two British deaths in the last five years, urging travellers to watch for symptoms like vision problems and worsening illness after “shots” or counterfeit alcohol. Tourism Investment & Planning: PNGTPA and NCDC have launched an accommodation survey aimed at improving tourism investment decisions and planning. Regional Travel & Governance: PNG Prime Minister James Marape backs his Coffee Minister William Bando’s criticism of taxpayer-funded overseas delegations, calling accountability a “fair call” for trips without a clear work purpose. Industry & Jobs: PNG Resource Week 2026 highlights the push for a skilled workforce and greater PNG participation in procurement and supply chains in the resource sector. Infrastructure for Remote Travel: PNGDF launched Exercise Pukpuk in Lae, a multinational engineering drill that supports regional capability and infrastructure projects. Health Tourism: Pacific International Hospital will run its first advanced orthopedic joint replacement program in PNG (hip and knee) from 22–26 August in Port Moresby.

Air Niugini Restarts Tokyo Route: Air Niugini is bringing back direct Port Moresby–Tokyo flights from Saturday 18 July, with two return services a week and promotional fares—another boost for PNG as a Pacific transit gateway. Madang SEZ Push: The Madang Integrated Special Economic Zone is moving ahead, with government approval for a joint venture between the state and RD Tuna Canners Ltd expected soon, starting with a 300-metric-ton tuna cannery. Tourism & Travel Planning Survey: PNGTPA and NCDC have launched an accommodation survey aimed at improving tourism investment and planning. Health Tourism Upgrade: Pacific International Hospital will run a first-ever joint surgery program for advanced hip and knee replacements in Port Moresby from 22–26 August, led by visiting Australian specialists. Local Benefits From Mining: Ok Tedi Mining says landowner companies and local procurement are key to ensuring mining wealth delivers lasting community benefits, targeting 80% local procurement by 2030. Workforce Development Focus: PNG Resource Week 2026 highlighted the need for national collaboration to build a skilled workforce and boost PNG participation in resource-sector procurement and supply chains. Safety for Travellers: The UK has launched a methanol poisoning awareness campaign, warning travellers about counterfeit alcohol risks and key warning signs. Mission Aviation Support: World Missionary Press reports unexpected help from a Mission Aviation Fellowship plane during a PNG outreach, helping missionaries return after difficult terrain. Community Sport Spotlight: The 2026 Trukai Fun Run kicked off across seven PNG provinces, raising funds for the PNG Olympic Committee and bringing communities together.