Bolovip Airstrip

The closure was not due to a single event but rather a gradual decline caused by economic and maintenance issues. Like many remote airstrips in Papua New Guinea, Bolovip likely closed due to a lack of consistent funding for runway maintenance (grading, grass cutting, and drainage). The high operational costs for aircraft serving such a small, isolated community became unsustainable, leading to a cessation of flights and the subsequent reclaiming of the runway by nature.

The site of the former airstrip is completely abandoned. The runway is no longer visible on the ground and is fully overgrown with dense jungle vegetation, making it entirely unusable for any form of aviation. The land has reverted to bush and does not appear to be used for agriculture or any other purpose. The nearby village of Bolovip remains, but without air access.

When active, the Bolovip Airstrip was a critical lifeline for the remote Faiwol community in the rugged Star Mountains of Western Province. It was the primary means of connection to the outside world, overcoming the region's otherwise impassable terrain. Operations were likely handled by missionary aviation groups (like Mission Aviation Fellowship - MAF) and third-level commercial carriers. The airstrip facilitated the delivery of essential goods like food, fuel, and medicine; enabled medical evacuations for emergencies; and provided transport for government officers, health workers, and church personnel. For the local population, it was the sole access point to higher education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.

There are no known plans or prospects for reopening the Bolovip Airstrip. The cost to reclaim the land from the jungle, rebuild the runway surface to safe standards, and have it recertified would be substantial. Without a significant new economic driver (such as mining or a large-scale agricultural project) or a specific government or NGO initiative, the reopening of such a remote and long-abandoned airstrip is considered highly improbable.