PNG air service to Aust to stop if safety obligations not met: CASA

International air travel between Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Australia could stop at the end of this month unless PNG's civil aviation authority conforms to international air safety standards.

Air Niugini currently operates a daily service from Port Moresby to Cairns.

PNG's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has been warned by Australian authorities to produce a safety audit of its fleet traveling to Australia or it could face blanket restrictions on air traffic by the end of month.

Civil Aviation Safety Australia (CASA) general manager Arthur White says Air Niugini's Australian Air Operator's Certificate may not be renewed this month, if PNG's flag carrier does not conform to safety obligations under international civil aviation conventions.

CASA has expressed its concern over the capacity of PNG'S aviation authority to maintain crucial air safety standards.