Australia has offered Papua New Guinea (PNG) humanitarian and disaster relief assistance to support PNG’s response to Tropical Cyclone (TC) Maila. This comprises of lifesaving assistance to vulnerable communities, including delivery of humanitarian relief supplies and technical assistance.
As part of Australia’s support, the Defence Cooperation Program (DCP) has been working closely with the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) in the aftermath the cyclone. Australia has responded to a request to utilise a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) aircraft that regularly works in PNG under the Defence Pacific Air Program.
The C-27J Spartan aircraft will allow PNGDF specialists to conduct aerial surveys of the islands around Alotau to support assessment and planning of the local response, as coordinated by the National Disaster Centre (NDC) and Provincial Administration.
In addition, a PNGDF PAC-750 aircraft and a contracted PNGDF Bell 412 helicopter will support the mission by transporting key members of the PNGDF and NDC workers to affected areas for local assessment and community engagement as required. The DCP will also assist with movement of essential supplies from Port Moresby to Alotau.
Australia continues to work side by side with PNG to support the humanitarian and disaster relief response following TC Maila.
ENDS
RAAF C-27J preparing for departure from Air Transport Wing in Port Moresby to support the response to TC Maila,15 April 2026.
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100