Tau Airstrip

The primary reason for the closure was economic and logistical. Like hundreds of other remote airstrips in Papua New Guinea, Tau Airstrip was closed due to a lack of consistent funding for maintenance. This resulted in the deterioration of the runway surface, with significant vegetation overgrowth, erosion, and the development of soft spots, rendering it unsafe for aircraft operations. There is no evidence to suggest it was closed due to a specific accident, military conversion, or major local conflict.

The site of the former airstrip is completely non-operational and has been reclaimed by nature. Satellite imagery confirms that the runway clearing is still visible but is heavily overgrown with tall grass and other vegetation. The runway is unusable for any form of aviation. The area is not actively used for any other formal purpose, although it may be used by local villagers for foot traffic or as an open common area.

Tau Airstrip served as a vital lifeline for the remote community of Tauhimbier in the East Sepik Province. When active, it handled operations by small, single-engine STOL (Short Take-Off and Landing) aircraft, such as the Cessna 206, Pilatus Porter, and Britten-Norman Islander. These flights, often conducted by third-level airlines or missionary organizations like Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF), were essential for:
- **Medical Evacuations:** Providing emergency transport for the sick and injured to regional hospitals.
- **Supply Chain:** Delivering essential goods like medicine, food staples, educational materials, tools, and mail.
- **Connectivity:** Transporting personnel such as teachers, healthcare workers, government officials, and church workers to and from the isolated village.
Essentially, the airstrip was the community's primary link to the outside world, overcoming the challenges of dense jungle and difficult terrain.

There are currently no known official plans or active projects to reopen Tau Airstrip. The rehabilitation of rural airstrips in Papua New Guinea is managed by the Rural Airstrips Agency Ltd (RAA). Reopening would require a significant community-led initiative to clear the runway, followed by a formal assessment and substantial investment for resurfacing and ongoing maintenance to meet safety standards. While the RAA has successfully reopened many airstrips, priority is typically given based on population size, community engagement, and available funding. The prospects for Tau Airstrip's reopening are therefore considered low at present and are dependent on future local demand and the securing of external funding.