Gladys Kila
IN a surprising turn of events, PNG Air announced the cancellation of its scheduled flights into Mendi following an incident on April 28 involving an individual accused of disruptive behaviour at the airport.
In response, the alleged suspect, Warren Wak Temokang, has disputed the airline’s claims, insisting that the situation was misrepresented and did not warrant such drastic measures.
PNG Air’s CEO, Brian Fraiser, stated that the cancellation was necessitated by an incident involving “intoxicated, disruptive, and unruly behaviour” directed at staff.
He explained that the individual allegedly breached security protocols by driving into restricted areas and provoking a confrontation with security personnel.
“The safety of our assets, crew, and personnel is our utmost priority,” Fraiser emphasized, highlighting that services would resume only after a thorough safety assessment.
In contrast, Temokang provided his account of the incident, describing it as a miscommunication.
“I have never disrespected any business or individual in Mendi,” he asserted.
“Temokang explained that his interaction with a security guard over gate access spiralled into a brief but isolated confrontation, which he insists posed no real threat.
“It lasted less than two minutes and involved no public disturbance,” he noted.
When speaking to the newsroom, Temokang went on to give his account of the incident.
“On the morning of Monday, April 28th, I went to the airport terminal to collect my boarding pass. It was my first flight out of Mendi in 8 years.
“I was very excited about this trip. I had never been to the airport terminal since then, so this was my first time. I approached the first gate, where I was told by the security guard to access it via the next (second) gate.
“I then proceeded to the second gate, where a security guard asked me for a RED TICKET. I explained that I did not have a red ticket, but an e-ticket to collect my boarding pass.
“I was still parked outside the gate when the security guard began speaking to me in a humiliating tone. His response was disrespectful, not what I expected from a security guard in a service-oriented business.
“This led to a brief altercation between the security guard, lasting less than two minutes outside the gate and not involving anyone else, not even the public and me.
“Afterwards, I went home and returned to the airport 20 minutes later, hoping to collect my boarding pass.
“However, I was informed that the flight had been cancelled. I was shocked to hear that it was due to the earlier altercation I had with the security guard and miscommunication.
“I sincerely apologize to the PNG Air Chairman and Management Team, SHP Provincial Government, and the people of SHP.
“PNG Air can resume its services as normal. There is no threat whatsoever from me to cancel your flights. It was a false alarm.”