K39.4 MILLION CONTRACT FOR MT HAGEN AIRPORT UPGRADE

THE National Airports Corporation recently signed a K39.4 million contract to deliver asphalt overlay works at Mt Hagen Airport, which currently does not have asphalt surfacing.

The project is a key National Government investment aimed at strengthening runway infrastructure and improving aviation safety in the Highlands region.

The upgrade will enable Mt Hagen Airport to safely accommodate Boeing 737 and Airbus A220 aircraft, directly supporting Air Niugini’s re-fleeting program and the NAC’s wider airport modernisation agenda. Among those present at the signing were Civil Aviation Minister Wake Goi, Finance Minister Thomas Opa, State Enterprises Minister William Duma, and Western Highlands Governor Wai Rapa.

Construction is scheduled to commence in February 2026 and will involve milling the existing runway surface and laying a 75-millimetre hot mix asphalt overlay along the 2,190-metre runway, including runway grooving to enhance aircraft safety.

The works will be delivered by China Harbour Engineering Company PNG Limited and are expected to take 36 weeks, with completion targeted for November 2026.

The NAC says it will work closely with airlines, regulators, and stakeholders to minimise disruption during construction. The project is seen as a critical intermediate investment to maintain safe and reliable airport operations, while longer-term upgrades, including runway extension and terminal expansion under the proposed Civil Aviation Development Investment Program Phase Three, continue to be progressed.