AGP Executive Report

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.

Airport Upgrades: National Airports Corporation has started a runway rehabilitation at Mt Hagen’s Kagamuga Airport, targeting Airbus A220 and Boeing 737 operations by December 2026, with resurfacing, grooving, new markings, drainage upgrades and improved parking. Air Access Boost: PNG Air has relaunched its ticketing partnership with Post PNG, letting travellers buy PNG Air tickets at seven Post PNG locations in Port Moresby, with wider rollout planned. Fleet Modernisation: PNG Air says it’s expanding its fleet and network, adding the Mangi Kutubu aircraft and beginning to phase out Dash 8s to support more reliable domestic connectivity. Tourism & Investment Push: Prime Minister James Marape opened the 5th EU-PNG Business Forum in Port Moresby, urging European investors to look beyond mining and into areas including agriculture, renewables, fisheries, tourism, digital connectivity and infrastructure. Culture & Community Travel: An Enga cultural partnership MOU backs heritage work in the province, including funding for the Enga Cultural Show and the Enga Cultural Centre—good news for visitors planning to experience PNG’s live traditions.

Bougainville Independence Row: Bougainville VP Ezekiel Masatt says PNG MPs are calling the shots on ratification “premature” and “foolish,” arguing key ABG–National Government negotiations aren’t finished, including the Melanesian Agreement and the Post Referendum Consultations Report. Solomon Islands–Australia Reset: New PM Matthew Wale is pushing a “reset” with Australia, aiming for a new comprehensive treaty and signalling a shift away from the previous pro-China security approach. Pacific Media in Port Moresby: NBC is hosting the 2026 Pacific Media Partnership Conference at APEC Haus, bringing Pacific and Asia broadcasters together under “Resilient Voices,” with a focus on safer journalism and stronger regional storytelling. PNG Chiefs Momentum: PNG Chiefs CEO Lorna McPherson is spotlighted as a game-changer for women in sport, while separate coverage frames the Chiefs as a major nation-building and tourism-linked economic boost ahead of their 2028 entry. Port Moresby City Upgrade: NCDC’s plan to modernise Port Moresby for the PNG Chiefs era gets PM James Marape’s backing, positioning the capital as a national stage for visitors. Culture & Community Tourism: Enga and the national government sign an MOU to preserve Enga culture, with funding for the annual Enga Cultural Show and the cultural centre. Border Security Focus: Pacific customs leaders meet in Nadi to tackle drug trafficking and other cross-border threats, aiming to strengthen cooperation across the region.

Pacific Media in Port Moresby: The National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) is hosting the 16th Pacific Media Partnership Conference at APEC Haus, bringing together Pacific and Asia media leaders under “Resilient Voices,” with a focus on safer journalism, sustainability, and stronger regional collaboration as digital disruption and misinformation grow. Bougainville & Tourism: Tourism minister Belden Namah weighed in on Bougainville’s future and the referendum debate, stressing it’s part of Papua New Guinea. PNG Chiefs Momentum: PNG’s NRL franchise is framed as a major nation-building project, with new Chiefs recruitment talk adding to the build-up toward entry in 2028. Port Moresby Upgrade Plan: NCDC’s vision to modernise Port Moresby for PNG Chiefs 2028 got Prime Minister James Marape’s backing, positioning the city as a national stage for visitors. Culture Funding in Enga: A new MOU between national and Enga governments supports cultural development, including K750,000 for the Enga Cultural Show and Cultural Centre. Border Security Focus: Pacific customs leaders meet in Fiji to scale up cooperation against drug trafficking, organised crime, and other cross-border threats. Jobs & Mobility: PNG-Australia Approved Employers Expo highlights growth in the PALM labour mobility scheme, with PNG reporting 2,000+ active workers in Australia.

Pacific Media & Digital Resilience: PNG is hosting the 16th Pacific Media Partnership Conference in Port Moresby, with broadcasters focused on tackling misinformation and digital disruption. Sports Tourism & City Readiness: NCDC’s plan to transform Port Moresby into a safe, modern capital is backed by PM James Marape, timed to welcome the PNG Chiefs’ NRL push. NRL Chiefs Momentum: Connor Watson has agreed to join the PNG Chiefs from 2028, adding another high-profile recruit to the franchise build-up. Culture on the Move: Enga and the National Government have signed an MOU to fund cultural preservation, including support for the Enga Cultural Show and Cultural Centre. Border Security for Travellers: Pacific customs leaders meet in Nadi (June 2–4) to scale up border protection against drugs, crime, and smuggling. Nature-Based Tourism Spotlight: The Tree Kangaroo Conservation Programme marks 30 years in Lae, highlighting community livelihoods and conservation in the YUS area. Work & Travel Pathways: The PNG–Australia Approved Employers Expo in Port Moresby spotlights growth in the PALM labour mobility scheme, with thousands of PNG workers already in Australia.

Digital Travel: Digi Yatra is moving toward international deployment after an IATA-led trial showed it can interoperate with global aviation systems and digital wallets, including remote biometric enrolment, airport entry, security checks and boarding using e-passport-linked verifiable credentials. Investment & Infrastructure: PNG Prime Minister James Marape used a video address to reassure investors at the Australia–PNG Business Forum in Brisbane, urging firms to look beyond mining and petroleum while promising support on policy issues that affect profitability and growth. City Readiness: Port Moresby’s NCDC unveiled its plan to transform the capital into a safe, modern, future-ready city ahead of the PNG Chiefs’ entry, with the Prime Minister backing the “One Plan” approach. Culture & Tourism: Enga and the National Government signed an MOU to preserve cultural heritage, with K750,000 pledged for the Enga Cultural Show and Cultural Centre support. Border Security: Pacific customs leaders meet in Nadi (June 2–4) to tackle drug trafficking, organised crime and other cross-border threats. Conservation Spotlight: The Tree Kangaroo Conservation Programme marked 30 years in Lae, highlighting community livelihoods and protection of the YUS conservation area. Healthcare Access: Jayapura Central General Hospital says it aims to become a Western Pacific referral hub by upgrading facilities, strengthening human resources and expanding services like cancer care. Travel Jobs & Mobility: PNG’s Approved Employers Expo in Port Moresby highlighted growth under the PALM labour mobility scheme, with PNG reporting over 2,000 active skilled workers in Australia. Sports Travel Buzz: The 2026 Kokoda Cup boxing show in Port Moresby features youth bouts and an international contingent from NSW and Queensland.

Port Moresby Makeover: NCDC’s plan to transform the capital into a “safe, modern” city ahead of the PNG Chiefs’ entry has been backed by Prime Minister James Marape, with improvements framed as a national showcase for visitors and locals. Culture Funding Boost: Enga Province’s cultural centre partnership is set to receive K750,000 from the National Government, including support for the annual Enga Cultural Show and heritage centre maintenance. Regional Border Security: Pacific customs leaders will meet in Nadi (June 2–4) to tackle drug trafficking, organised crime and other cross-border threats affecting travel and trade routes. Conservation Tourism Spotlight: Lae’s Tree Kangaroo Conservation Programme marks 30 years, protecting over 130,000 hectares in the YUS area and supporting community livelihoods like coffee and cocoa. Air Niugini & Events: Air Niugini backs regional artists for Solomon Islands’ Aelan Riddim Festival, while PNG performers are also set to take part—good news for culture-led travel. Sports Travel Buzz: The 2026 Kokoda Cup boxing show in Port Moresby (Sunday) brings youth and elite bouts plus visiting fighters from NSW and Queensland.