The Papua New Guinea Independent Consumer and Competition Commission (ICCC) has recommended placing airport operator National Airports Corporation (NAC) and air navigation services provider NiuSky Pacific Limited (NSPL) under independent economic regulation, following a comprehensive inquiry into the country’s aviation sector.

The regulator argued this would address concerns over pricing transparency, service quality, and investment coordination in parts of the industry it considers natural monopolies. It also aims to ensure more predictable aeronautical charges and improved accountability across aviation services.

The recommendation was included in ICCC's final report after an inquiry concluded in April 2026.

The report's second recommendation is the establishment of a high-level Airport Investment Steering Committee to coordinate major airport infrastructure decisions.

"Over time, airlines should face more predictable and efficient aeronautical charges, enabling better planning and more sustainable operations. Consumers should also gain clearer information, more consistent standards and stronger consumer protection oversight," ICCC commissioner and chief executive Roy Daggy said.

The regulator said the changes are intended to support a safer, fairer, and more efficient aviation sector underpinning PNG’s economic and social development.

NAC operates 22 airports in Papua New Guinea, although only four are profitable: Port Moresby, Lae Nadzab, Mount Hagen, and Rabaul. NSPL provides air traffic services across upper airspace, approach sectors, and aerodrome control zones within the country's flight information region.