Passengers leaving internationally on Air Niugini will now be expected to take a 45-minute COVID-19 test prior to check-in.
The airline said in a statement that the new provision, which went into effect recently would affect all passengers flying to Australia, as well as Singapore, Hong Kong, Manila, and all other foreign destinations served by Air Niugini.
This is in addition to the previous condition, which required passengers to show a negative PCR test within three days of flight.
Air Niugini recognizes that on occasional occasions, a passenger can test negative at the initial PCR test (taken within three days of travel) but then test positive at check-in.
If a passenger tests positive at check-in, they will be unable to fly due to limitations, but Air Niugini will immediately rebook them for a later date at no cost.
Passengers checking out of hotels in Port Moresby should have a contingency plan in place in case they test positive.
The checks will be performed for free by the International SOS in the parking lot adjacent to the international terminal (between the terminal and the plaza area).
Passengers who do not understand or read English or Tok Pisin must bring an interpreter with them to the testing, according to Air Niugini. The test requires about 45 minutes to finish, so passengers can arrive between 4 and 2 and a half hours before their scheduled flight departure.
Only passengers and workers will be allowed entry to this car park area and the international terminal for workplace health and safety reasons.
Passengers should remember to wear a mask in all airports and on all international flights.
Failure to adhere carries severe consequences. Air Niugini continues to fly six times a week to Brisbane, Sydney on Mondays, and Singapore, Hong Kong, and Manila.
Owing to international border limits, flights to other international destinations have been halted.
