Airport Disruptions: Air Niugini is adjusting flights to Mt Hagen, Hoskins and Kiunga as runway rehabilitation limits operations, with Dash 8s restricted at Kagamuga until around October and Hoskins also capped to Dash 8s before Q400 services resume mid-September; the full works are set to finish in early December, opening the door for larger aircraft. LNG Pressure on Landowners: Global energy firms are pushing to move Papua LNG forward, with Elk-Antelope gas in Gulf Province still untapped since 2006; the project has faced delays, cost blowouts and landowner disputes, but new EPC steps show momentum. Freshwater Security: Solomon Islands has launched the PacFresH2O programme to protect freshwater and build climate resilience across Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea, citing drought, shifting rainfall, flooding and saltwater intrusion as today’s realities. Climate Impacts on Schools: El Niño is forcing half-day schedules and earlier closures in parts of PNG, with schools told to manage heat risks, clear dry grass and monitor water supplies. Digital Trust Laws: PNG is consulting on data protection, cybersecurity and verifiable credentials bills, including tighter rules for biometric data and penalties for breaches. Conservation & Waterways: SPREP’s board meeting in Samoa reaffirmed work tackling climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution as linked “triple planetary crises.”