Papua New Guinea: A group of eight armed men raided the aircraft of Tropicair Airlines and took all cargo.

Tropicair airline representatives today said the group of eight armed men had approached its plane when it was refueling in Gasmata, New England Island, Papua New Guinea.

The bandits forced the pilot to fly to an abandoned runway, then stole all cargo and fled the scene, said Matthew Brutnall, Tropicair spokesman.

Brutnall added that at the time of the robbery there were no passengers on board. The captain was fortunate not to be injured and the plane was also returned to Moresby in its original condition.

Royal Papua New Guinea Police are investigating the case.