Papua New Guinea: Fears for missing tourist plane

The missing plane was transporting tourists to the Kokoda Track (pictured), a trail linking the southern and northern coast of Papua New Guinea. Photo / Wikimedia Commons image by Luke Brindley

Grave fears have arisen in the hunt for a charter flight carrying 13 people in Papua New Guinea which failed to arrive at its destination.

The Twin Otter, twin engine, plane left the capital, Port Moresby, at 9.30am today (11.30am NZST) but had failed to return by this afternoon.

Airlines PNG in a written statement said intensive search efforts had begun in the Owen Stanley Ranges north of Port Moresby for one of its planes.

"The airline advises that there are 11 passengers and two crew members aboard the missing plane," a spokesperson said.

It is not clear whether the passengers included tourists or other New Zealanders or Australians.

"The last communication from the missing aircraft was received as it approached Kokoda and an extensive search and rescue mission was activated after it failed to land."

Major Australian Kokoda tourism companies say none of their clients are believed to be on board the missing plane.

Adventure Kokoda chief executive Charlie Lynn said all his clients are accounted for, despite earlier reports that eight Australians from Adventure Kokoda were on the plane.

"One of our planes did land at Kokoda today and there are 14 of our trekkers in Kokoda.

"A second plane couldn't get in because of weather. Those 12 trekkers have returned and they're safely in Port Moresby.

"There is an Airlines PNG plane missing. They have helicopters out there searching for it but I've been told there are no Adventure Kokoda people on it at all."

Queensland-based tour operator Kokoda Spirit said none of its clients were involved, as did Perth-based Kokoda Treks and Tours.

Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith told Australia's parliament Airlines PNG had informed the relevant authorities that the plane had failed to arrive and was considered missing.

Mr Smith said a search for the missing plane was underway.

"We are, of course, concerned for all of the passengers and the crew," he said.

"Given the destination, our fear and concern, of course, is that Australians may have been on board."

"A search is now underway for the aircraft. I am advised that weather conditions are making that search very difficult," he said.

- AAP

Papua New Guinea

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