Air Niugini announced (13-Jan-2022) plans to resume Kieta service from 25-Jan-2022. Services to Kieta had been suspended at the direction of the Regional Pandemic Controller for Autonomous Region of Bougainville (AROB) since Oct-2021 due to increasing coronavirus case numbers, however this direction was revoked on 13-Jan-2022. In addition, the Regional Pandemic Controller for AROB has advised that, effective from today, COVID tests are no longer required for travellers to AROB, however other public health measures must be observed. The service will be operated twice weekly, connecting Kieta with Port Moresby, Rabaul/Tokua, and Buka. Air Niugini already operates six weekly Fokker jet services to Buka. [more - original PR]