THE National Airports Corporation (NAC) says the decision to introduce premium taxi services on its premises was not made lightly and is part of a broader public transportation evolution.
NAC Acting Managing Director and CEO, Dominic Kaumu said for more than 24 months NAC had engaged in public awareness, met with taxi operators and explained the new system, its benefits, the transparent selection process, and the transition of the service.
“Expressions of Interest were publicly advertised in The National, Post-Courier and on NAC’s website and Facebook page in 2024 and 2025.
“Three operators, ODESH Limited, Khoco Limited (Star Trip), and Pikup Ride Hailing Limited (Pikup PNG) were selected through a competitive process after meeting NAC’s requirements,” said Kaumu.
However, when the premier services were introduced at the Jackson’s domestic and international terminals, it caused a tension amongst other taxi operators who normally provide taxi services for arriving passengers.
NAC noted an incident on 29th July 2026, when a contracted premium taxi provider was physically assaulted at its designated curb side parking bay by a large group of public taxi operators.
NAC said this was not the first time such behavior had occurred at the International Airport and the actions of the operators on 29th July have now resulted in this closure until further notice.
The Premium Taxi services only apply for Taxi Services within Port Moresby with talks ongoing with the National Capital District Commission (NCDC) to improve public transportation throughout Port Moresby and the NCD.
NAC claims the Premium Taxi Service will introduce a safer transportation, cleaner vehicles, professional drivers, reliable services, and properly registered taxis, who will charge fares based on the ICCC-approved 2026 taxi fare structure.
“Port Moresby, a city of approximately 700,000 residents, cannot continue with poorly managed taxi practices such as unclean vehicles, unhygienic drivers, a lack of discipline and the absence of proper standards and expect meaningful change to occur. While some taxi operators provide excellent services, others unfortunately do not, “said Kaumu.
Travelling passengers are encouraged to use the ride hailing apps or booking platforms provided by the three service operators for convenience, reliability, and safety. NAC and airline staff are also available to assist passengers in accessing these services.
Kaumu said unfortunately, and as expected with any public change management program, some public taxi operators have resisted this change and engaged in unruly behavior.
“The message from NAC to public taxi operators is simple and clear, improve your conduct, attitude, behavior, services, reliability, consistency and standards and follow our rules and procedures, then you are welcome to operate into and out of Port Moresby International Airport (PMIA). This is about lifting the image of our gateway airport, our capital city and Papua New Guinea as a whole and aligning transport standards with international best practice,” Kaumu says.
