Air Niugini (PX, Port Moresby) has resumed services to and from Hoskins in Papua New Guinea's West New Britain province, following a second suspension of operations due to the eruption of Mt Ulawun on August 4.

An initial closure lasted from June 26 until July 5. The eruption deposited volcanic ash across a significant area including the airfield. However, the flag carrier said in a social media post that it was now operating its full schedule.

“We acknowledge the National Airports Corporation and the business houses in Hoskins for their continuous efforts in removing the volcanic ash from the runway and taxiway,” a statement from the airline said on August 18.

Hoskins currently sees two airlines, Air Niugini and PNG Air (CG, Port Moresby). Both carriers have now resumed their flights to Hoskins which, according to the ch-aviation capacities module, connect it with Lae Nadzab (Air Niugini, 4x weekly; PNG Air, daily), Rabaul (Air Niugini, 4x weekly; PNG Air, daily), and the capital Port Moresby (Air Niugini, 4x weekly; PNG Air, daily, mostly operating via Lae).

Buka Airport in Bougainville, however, is to remain closed until September 12, Radio New Zealand reported. This is due to ongoing concerns for safety and security due to animals and people wandering onto the tarmac. The National Airports Corporation stopped flights to the airport last week, as the fences around the airport have long been considered inadequate.

Air Niugini, meanwhile, said it would maintain its 2x weekly scheduled flights to Kieta, also located in Bougainville, rather than increasing frequencies as had previously been reported.