DIRECT international flights into Nadzab Tomodachi International Airport is a decision to be made by the airlines involved, says Australian Consul-General Brenton Kanowski.
“I know this has been raised multiple times by the business community but, honestly, it’s a commercially-driven question and this is one for the airline to answer – if they think there’s a market there,” he said.
“They also have to contend with their aircraft issues.”
During a business breakfast with the Australian Consulate hosted by the Lae Chamber of Commerce and Industry, counsellor Nellie McLay asked the Australian delegation if there was any progress on direct flights to Nadzab out of Australia.
Kanowski said it was a question for the airlines to answer.
“With the high quality airport and major economic stimulus, like Wafi-Golpu, that could be the kicker to get it going,” he said.
“We can raise the issue and encourage it. I know that bodies like Tradewinds Airlines out of Cairns are putting in writing what they see is the best business case and commercial advantage to that arrangement.”
The K692 million redeveloped airport facility was opened in October 2023 to “enhance the role of Nadzab and Lae as an economic hub, promoting social and economic development in the region and the nation”.
The facility designed, built and delivered by the government of Japan was fully operational in December 2023, but only for domestic flights.