Mt Ulawun volcanic eruption forces closure of Hoskins airport and suspension of Air Niugini flights

Papua New Guinea's air traffic management company Niusky Pacific has issued a notice closing down Hoskins airport due to volcanic ash fall on the runway and taxiway and in the vicinity of the airport.

The airport closure has also affected the daily operations of Air Niugini and other third-level airlines into West New Britain.

The nearby Mt Ulawun erupted on Monday afternoon, spewing ash over Navo and Ulamona Catholic mission and displacing close to 13,000 men, women and children.

In a statement released at midday on Tuesday, Air Niugini says it is monitoring the situation carefully and will issue further updates as the situation develops and more information becomes available.

The national airline has asked passengers holding tickets for flights to or from Hoskins to re-book their travel for later dates.