Papua New Guinea: Opportunistic and localised raids likely to increase at remote airports

On 27 February, about 50 men armed with slingshots and arrows raided Boram Airport in Wewak, East Sepik Province, looting and vandalising property, including check-in computers and cargo from Air Niugini and PNG Air. The incident forced an indefinite closure of the airport and left hundreds of passengers stranded. Subsequently, on 28 February, police arrested six suspects during a joint police-military operation in Makun, Malasi, and nearby settlements. The Provincial Police Commander said the raid was opportunistic following the burial of a gang leader, rather than a landowner dispute. A similar incident occurred on 11 February where a vandalised telecommunication tower disrupted flights at the Gurney Airport in Alotau, Milne Bay Province.

Assessment: While the raids expose a clear vulnerability in PNG’s aviation infrastructure, they appear opportunistic and localised, rather than a coordinated attack to disrupt air operations. Similar attacks are likely to occur at remote airports where security is limited. Criminal gangs are likely to be emboldened to stage further local raids when they perceive limited consequences and poor security. The government may strengthen security through patrols, access control, and community liaison at regional airports to reduce the risk of attacks to aviation infrastructure.

Sources: “Six Boram Airport raid suspects in custody: Police,” The National, March 2, 2026; “Six arrested after Boram Airport raid,” NBC, February 28, 2026; “Vandalism of tower disrupts Alotau flights,” The National, February 13, 2026.