AGP Executive Report

Visa & Mobility: UAE and Papua New Guinea’s mutual visa exemption is now in force, letting Emirati and Papuan passport holders enter visa-free for up to 90 days (extendable to 180) for tourism, medical, study and work. Sports Tourism: Divine Word University (DWU) in Madang will host the 2026 National University Soccer Games from June 22–26, with tertiary teams expected across the country. Air Access: PNG Air has partnered with Post PNG so customers can book and pay for flights at more outlets, starting in Port Moresby and rolling out gradually. Sustainable Tourism Policy: PNG’s tourism authority rejects the new international “Green Fee,” saying it was introduced without consultation and that collected funds haven’t reached tourism projects. Volcano & Sea Travel Safety: PNG’s volcanology observatory warns the Bismarck Sea submarine volcano is still active as pumice rafts wash ashore in Manus, with boat operators urged to avoid motor use inside pumice patches. Roads & Commuters: RTA and police enforcement is pushing compliance, but authorities are urged to legalise a busy Port Moresby bus route (North Waigani area) to improve access for workers and students. Regional Disruption: Thick pumice from the eruption is already blocking boats and damaging fishing grounds on Manus, raising food-shortage fears. Team PNG Funding: PNGOC has approved a 520-strong Team PNG for the 2023 Solomon Islands Pacific Games, but notes government funding commitments still need to be paid. Public Transport Reform: Calls continue to legalise new public transport routes as Port Moresby grows and demand outpaces recognised services.

Domestic Air Access: PNG Air has teamed up with Post PNG so customers can book and pay for flights at Post outlets, starting in Port Moresby and rolling out nationwide. Tourism Policy: PNG Tourism Promotion Authority rejects the new international “Green Fee,” saying it was introduced without consultation and that collected funds aren’t reaching tourism projects. Regional Tourism Trade: SPTE 2026 in Fiji logged record participation, with PNG’s seller numbers rising from one to seven and strong business meeting activity. Volcano & Sea Safety: PNG’s Rabaul Volcanological Observatory says the Bismarck Sea submarine volcano is still active; pumice rafts are washing ashore in Manus and boat operators are warned to avoid overheating engines in pumice patches. Bougainville Process: Bougainville independence could be discussed at upcoming Pacific talks, while PNG Parliament debate continues over a sessional order focused on setting the process first. Sports Travel Tech: LiveU says it delivered remote VAR to the OFC Pro League for the first time, aiming to make officiating tech workable across Pacific islands. Disaster Watch: A major earthquake in the Philippines triggered tsunami monitoring across the Pacific, including Papua New Guinea.

Volcanic Travel Disruption: PNG’s Bismarck Sea submarine eruption is still active, with pumice rafts washing ashore in Manus and Admiralty Islands, blocking boats, covering reefs, and raising food and water fears; authorities warn sea travellers to avoid motor use inside pumice patches and carry essentials. Tourism Policy Clash: PNG Tourism Promotion Authority rejects the new international “Green Fee,” saying it was introduced without consultation, with no tourism impact study and no clear way to channel funds back to tourism projects—raising concerns for visitor arrivals. Eco-Tourism Push: Fisheries and Marine Resources Minister Jelta Wong says PNG is well placed to grow eco-tourism by leveraging marine biodiversity after ratifying the BBNJ agreement. Airport & Infrastructure Focus: Government says it has spent about K11.93b on roads, bridges, airports and other infrastructure since 2019, with Connect PNG as the key programme. Sports Travel & Access: PNG Air partners with Post PNG to bring air travel closer to more people, while PNGOC approves a 520-strong Team PNG contingent for the Solomon Islands Pacific Games. Pacific Safety Watch: After a 7.8 quake in the southern Philippines, tsunami monitoring and travel warnings were issued across the Pacific, including PNG. Community & Culture: Sons of the late Narox Band vocalist keep his music legacy alive by touring PNG with their own songs. Governance & Rights: A prison overcrowding report flags health and breakout risks tied to detainee delays, while a NCD disability dialogue forum begins at Holiday Inn.

Volcanic Travel Disruption: PNG’s Bismarck Sea submarine volcano is still active, with pumice rafts washing ashore in Manus and officials warning sea travellers to avoid pumice patches that can clog intakes and damage boats. Tourism Policy Watch: PNG Tourism Promotion Authority rejects the new international Green Fee, saying it was introduced without consultation and could hurt visitor arrivals. Eco-Tourism Push: Fisheries and Marine Resources Minister Jelta Wong says PNG is well placed to grow eco-tourism by leveraging marine biodiversity as it ratifies the BBNJ agreement. Airport Upgrade: Government launches redevelopment of Port Moresby International Airport, targeting modern facilities and future passenger growth. Roads & Connectivity: Marape reports K11.93b spent since 2019 on roads, bridges, airports and other infrastructure, with Connect PNG driving upgrades. Bougainville Process: Bougainville MP Peter Tsiamalili Jr urges Parliament to agree the procedure for considering the 2019 referendum before debating outcomes. Disaster Alerts for Travellers: A major earthquake in the southern Philippines triggered tsunami monitoring across the Pacific, including Papua New Guinea—watch local advisories if travelling coastal areas. Sports & Community: Team PNG contingent of 520 approved for the Solomon Islands Pacific Games, while PNG Air and Post PNG relaunch ticketing partnerships to make air travel easier.

Volcanic Safety Alert: Papua New Guinea’s Mineral Resources Authority says the submarine volcano in the Bismarck Sea is still active, with pumice washing ashore in Manus and tsunami risk staying above normal; boat operators are warned to avoid pumice patches to protect engines and people at sea are urged to carry essentials and share travel plans. Tourism Policy Tension: The PNG Tourism Promotion Authority rejects the new Green Fee on international travellers, saying it was introduced without consultation and with no tourism projects funded so far—raising fears it could hurt PNG’s competitiveness as visitor numbers recover. Team PNG Funding Push: The PNG Olympic Committee has approved a 520-strong Team PNG for the 2023 Solomon Islands Pacific Games, but says government payments are still outstanding and it’s working to secure more support to reduce the levy burden on federations. Eco-Tourism Potential: Fisheries and Marine Resources Minister Jelta Wong says PNG is well placed to grow eco-tourism by leveraging marine biodiversity, pointing to the ratification of the BBNJ Agreement as a boost for conservation and sustainable use. Airport Upgrade Plans: Government has launched major redevelopment and expansion of Port Moresby International Airport, aiming to modernise the gateway and support future air travel growth. Disaster Watch for Travellers: A powerful 7.8 earthquake in the southern Philippines triggered tsunami monitoring across the Pacific, including Papua New Guinea, with authorities urging coastal communities to follow evacuation guidance.

Team PNG Update: The PNG Olympic Committee has approved a 520-strong contingent for the 2023 Solomon Islands Pacific Games, aiming to fund a K5.3m participation budget as government payments are still pending. Tourism Policy: PNG’s tourism authority has rejected the new international “Green Fee,” saying it was introduced without consultation and could hurt visitor growth. PNG CORE Leadership: Richard Kassman has been appointed executive director of PNG CORE, bringing 40+ years across energy, petroleum, tourism and governance. Airport & Travel Infrastructure: Work is underway to redevelop Port Moresby International Airport, with a program costing up to K2.5b to modernise the gateway. Eco-Tourism Push: Fisheries and Marine Resources Minister Jelta Wong says PNG can leverage marine biodiversity for eco-tourism after ratifying the BBNJ ocean biodiversity agreement. Regional Travel Safety: A powerful 7.8 earthquake struck the southern Philippines, triggering tsunami monitoring and urgent travel advisories across the Pacific, including Papua New Guinea. Community & Inclusion: A NCD disability dialogue forum begins at Holiday Inn, while police welfare teams complete a rural outreach across Central and Gulf provinces.

Earthquake & Tsunami Watch: A powerful 7.8 quake struck off Mindanao (near Sarangani), killing at least 35 and injuring 200+ as tsunami alerts were issued across the region, including Papua New Guinea—coastal communities were urged to move to higher ground. PNG Travel Safety: The UK Foreign Office issued urgent guidance for travellers to the Philippines after the quake, warning of aftershocks and possible damage to buildings and infrastructure. Eco-Tourism Push: PNG says it’s well placed to grow eco-tourism by leveraging marine biodiversity, as it moves to strengthen ocean conservation and sustainable use. Aviation Access Boost: PNG Air has relaunched its ticketing partnership with Post PNG, expanding where travellers can buy tickets nationwide, starting in Port Moresby. Airport Upgrades: Government plans major redevelopment for Port Moresby International Airport to modernise facilities and support future air travel growth. Marine Disruption for Coastal Life: Floating pumice from a Bismarck Sea undersea eruption has inundated parts of Manus, trapping communities and disrupting fishing and market travel. Tourism & Culture: Tourism Solomons backs “Aelan Riddim 26” in Honiara, with artists from Papua New Guinea among the lineup.

PNG CORE Leadership: Richard Kassman has been appointed executive director of PNG CORE, bringing 40+ years across petroleum, energy, insurance, tourism and civil society, with a strong track record in stakeholder engagement and governance. Aviation & Access: PNG Air has relaunched its ticketing partnership with Post PNG, rolling out sales through Post PNG branches nationwide (starting in Port Moresby) to make flights easier to reach for more Papua New Guineans. Airport Upgrades: Work has begun on Kagamuga (Mt Hagen) runway rehabilitation to support Airbus A220 and Boeing 737 operations by end-2026, with staged operations keeping flights running. Tourism & Marine Conservation: Fisheries Minister Jelta Wong says PNG is well placed to leverage marine biodiversity for eco-tourism and jobs after ratifying the BBNJ agreement. Eco-Travel Research: New satellite-tracking research finds reef manta rays in PNG stay close to home during storms by diving deeper for food—good news for conservation-minded tourism. Disaster Watch (Regional): A powerful 7.0–7.8 quake struck Mindanao, triggering tsunami monitoring across the Pacific, including Papua New Guinea—travelers should follow official alerts and local guidance. Health & Community Travel: Ialibu District Hospital has restored X-ray services after nearly eight years, reducing the need for long-distance patient travel.

Aviation Upgrade: Papua New Guinea’s National Airports Corporation has started a major runway rehabilitation at Mt Hagen’s Kagamuga Airport, aiming to handle Airbus A220 and Boeing 737 aircraft by December 2026—good news for Highlands travellers and business links. Ticketing Made Easier: PNG Air has relaunched its partnership with Post PNG, letting passengers buy airline tickets at Post PNG outlets in Port Moresby first, with rollout planned for the Highlands and other regions. Airport Expansion: The Government has launched redevelopment and expansion plans for Port Moresby International Airport, with a project cost up to K2.5 billion to modernise the aviation gateway. Health & Travel Access: Ialibu District Hospital in Southern Highlands has restored X-ray services after nearly eight years, reducing the need for long-distance travel for diagnostics. Tourism & Culture: Tourism Solomons is sponsoring ‘Aelan Riddim 26’ in Honiara, bringing new artists from PNG, Fiji and Vanuatu to the festival. Sports Travel Buzz: PNG Air’s “Mangi Kutubu” service has begun flights to Moro in Southern Highlands, easing travel for landowners around the Kutubu project area.

Port Moresby Airport Upgrade: Papua New Guinea has officially launched a major redevelopment and expansion of Port Moresby International Airport, with a price tag of up to K2.5 billion, aiming to modernise the gateway and boost its role as a regional hub. Highlands Aviation Boost: Work has started on Kagamuga (Mt Hagen) Airport’s runway rehabilitation, expected to run about nine months and prepare the airport for Airbus A220 and Boeing 737 services by end-2026. PNG Air Ticket Access: PNG Air has relaunched its partnership with Post PNG, letting travellers buy PNG Air tickets at Post PNG outlets nationwide, starting in Port Moresby and rolling out to other regions in coming weeks. Southern Highlands Health Win: Ialibu District Hospital has restored X-ray services after nearly eight years, bringing essential diagnostics closer to remote communities. Tourism & Culture: Vision City in Port Moresby hosted a two-day medical tourism fair with Philippines partners, while Tourism Solomons backed “Aelan Riddim 26” with PNG artists on the line-up. Marine Conservation: New research says reef manta rays in southeastern PNG dive deeper during storm events to feed and survive, staying close to Milne Bay.

Port Moresby Airport Upgrade: Papua New Guinea’s National Government and the National Airports Corporation have launched a major redevelopment of Port Moresby International Airport, with a price tag up to K2.5 billion, aiming to modernise facilities and support future passenger growth. Highlands Air Boost: Work has started on Kagamuga (Mt Hagen) Airport runway rehabilitation, expected to run about nine months and prepare the airport for Airbus A220 and Boeing 737 operations by December 2026. PNG Air Makes Travel Easier: PNG Air has relaunched its partnership with Post PNG, letting travellers buy PNG Air tickets at Post PNG outlets nationwide, starting in Port Moresby and rolling out to other regions in coming weeks. Southern Highlands Connectivity: PNG Air’s “Mangi Kutubu” has begun a new two-weekly service to Moro, easing travel for landowners and project communities in Southern Highlands. Health & Community Wins: Ialibu District Hospital has restored X-ray services after nearly eight years, bringing diagnostic care closer to rural communities. Tourism & Events: A Philippines medical tourism fair is set for Vision City Mega Mall in Port Moresby (June 5–6), while Tourism Solomons backs “Aelan Riddim 26” in Honiara with a strong PNG line-up. Marine Nature Note: New research finds reef manta rays in southeastern Papua New Guinea dive deeper during storms to feed and survive, with most staying close to Milne Bay.

Port Moresby Airport Upgrade: The National Government and National Airports Corporation have launched a major redevelopment and expansion of Port Moresby International Airport, a project tipped to cost up to K2.5 billion and strengthen PNG’s role as a regional aviation hub. Highlands Air Access: Work has started on Kagamuga (Mt Hagen) Airport’s runway rehabilitation, aiming to support Airbus A220 and Boeing 737 services by end-2026, with operations continuing during construction. PNG Air Ticketing Goes Nationwide: PNG Air has relaunched its partnership with Post PNG, letting travellers buy tickets at Post PNG outlets (starting in Port Moresby, then rolling out to the Highlands and beyond). Southern Highlands Flight Boost: PNG Air’s “Mangi Kutubu” has begun a two-weekly service to Moro, easing travel for landowners tied to the Kutubu project area. Health & Travel-Linked Services: Ialibu District Hospital has restored X-ray services after nearly eight years, reducing the need for long-distance referrals. Culture & Tourism Events: Vision City in Port Moresby hosts a two-day Philippines medical tourism fair, while Tourism Solomons backs “Aelan Riddim 26” with new PNG artists joining the lineup. Wildlife Tourism Interest: New research finds reef manta rays in Milne Bay dive deeper during storms to feed and survive—good news for eco-travel and conservation.

Aviation Access Boost: PNG Air has relaunched its partnership with Post PNG, letting travellers buy PNG Air tickets at Post PNG outlets nationwide, starting in Port Moresby (Konedobu, Rainbow, UNIPNG campus, Nine Mile, Waterfront and Brian Bell Plaza) with further rollout to the Highlands and other regions in coming weeks. Runway Upgrade for Bigger Planes: Mt Hagen’s Kagamuga Airport runway rehabilitation began June 4, aiming to handle Airbus A220 and Boeing 737 aircraft by December 2026, with resurfacing, drainage upgrades and new markings. Southern Highlands Health Win: Ialibu District Hospital has restored X-ray services after nearly eight years, reducing costly referrals to Mendi and Mt Hagen for remote communities. Tourism & Travel Partnerships: Vision City Mega Mall in Port Moresby hosts a two-day Philippines medical tourism fair (June 5–6) with hospitals and Philippine Airlines. Wildlife & Nature: New satellite-tracking research finds reef manta rays in southeastern PNG dive deeper during storm events to feed and survive, staying close to Milne Bay. Community Sport Pathways: Gulf communities backed the Cathy Neap rural talent programme using rugby league to build confidence and send six young women to Port Moresby for further development.

Aviation & Access: PNG Air has relaunched its ticketing partnership with Post PNG, letting travellers buy PNG Air tickets at Post PNG branches nationwide, starting in Port Moresby (Konedobu, Rainbow, UNIPNG, Nine Mile and Gordons) with more locations rolling out to the Highlands and beyond. Air Travel Upgrade: National Airports Corporation has begun a runway rehabilitation at Mt Hagen’s Kagamuga Airport, aiming to handle Airbus A220 and Boeing 737 aircraft by December 2026—good news for Highlands connectivity. New Route for Southern Highlands: PNG Air’s “Mangi Kutubu” has launched a two-weekly service to Moro in Southern Highlands, easing travel for landowners around Kutubu, Kikori, Semberigi and Hela. Tourism & Culture: Tourism Solomons is backing ‘Aelan Riddim 26’ in Honiara, with PNG artists Tasik Yard and Danielle joining the regional line-up. Community Travel Moments: A historic Marimari Lutheran Church in Port Moresby is set for deconsecration after 52 years, as congregations prepare for a new building. Sport Pathways: Gulf communities are using a rural rugby league talent programme to empower young women, with selected players heading to Port Moresby for further development.

Homecoming & Medical Travel: Baby Sawong Kevin Mitian has returned to Papua New Guinea after six months in Australia for life-saving treatment, with his journey involving multiple medical evacuations and community support. Aviation Access Boost: PNG Air has relaunched its partnership with Post PNG, letting travellers buy tickets at Post PNG outlets nationwide, starting in Port Moresby. Air Network Upgrade: Mt Hagen’s Kagamuga Airport runway is being rehabilitated to support Airbus A220 and Boeing 737 services by end-2026, with operations continuing during works. Fleet Modernisation: PNG Air is expanding its fleet and phasing out Dash 8 aircraft as it brings in newer aircraft, including Mangi Kutubu. Health System Clarity: The Health Minister clarified Port Moresby General Hospital’s classification as a Level Six National Referral Hospital under PNG’s six-level standards. Marine & Nature Tourism Angle: Research finds reef manta rays in southeastern PNG dive deeper during storm events to feed and survive, with satellite tracking showing they stay close to Milne Bay. Women’s Sport Pathways: Communities in Gulf unite through a rugby league talent programme for young women, with selected players heading to Port Moresby for further development. Connectivity Risk Watch: New research highlights how subsea cable faults near island coastlines make small island nations especially vulnerable, underscoring the importance of resilience planning for tourism and essential services.

Aviation Access Boost: PNG Air has relaunched its partnership with Post PNG, letting travellers buy PNG Air tickets at Post PNG outlets nationwide, starting with Port Moresby locations like Konedobu, Rainbow, UNIPNG and Gordons, with further rollout planned for the Highlands and other regions. New Routes for Southern Highlands: ‘Mangi Kutubu’ (PNG Air) has made its first flight to Moro, kicking off a two-weekly service that should ease travel for landowners across Southern Highlands and Hela project areas. Fleet Upgrade Push: PNG Air says it’s expanding its fleet as it phases out Dash 8 aircraft and brings in newer aircraft, including Mangi Kutubu, to strengthen connectivity. Highlands Airport Upgrade: Mt Hagen’s Kagamuga Airport runway rehabilitation has started (June 4), aiming to handle Airbus A220 and Boeing 737 by December 2026, with resurfacing, drainage upgrades and new markings. Health System Clarity: In Parliament, the Health Minister clarified Port Moresby General Hospital is now classified as a Level Six National Referral Hospital under PNG’s six-level health standards. Culture & Tourism Support: The national government signed an MOU with Enga Province to preserve cultural heritage, including funding for the Enga Cultural Show and Cultural Centre.