A scheduled commercial flight out of Kavieng Airport was cancelled yesterday shortly after take-off due to a technical fault.
Residents of the township, especially relatives of passengers who were on that scheduled service took to social media immediately after expressing relief, that no one was hurt.
Air Niugini in its media statement said “Air Niugini’S flight, PX 275 out of Kavieng this morning did an air return shortly after take- off due to a technical fault.
“The pilot and the crew applied standard emergency operating procedure and landed the aircraft safely at Kavieng airport.
“As part of the aircraft inbuilt safety mechanism, one of the tyres deflated upon landing to bring the aircraft to a safe stop.
“ Passengers on this flight have been re-accommodated on the next available flight while repair work has been arranged.”
The airline management had assured, the aircraft would be back in service.“Safety is always of paramount importance in Air Niugini’s operations.