AROPA AIRPORT RUNWAY SHORTENED TO ALLOW FOR MAJOR AIRPORT UPGRADE

NATIONAL Airports Corporation is advisinghas advised travellers to Aropa in Kieta in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville of the temporary restrictions to allow for upgrade works at the Airport.

In a media release, NAC Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dominic Kaumu, says upgrade works at the Aropa Airport is progressing well with the physical works at the airside and landside almost complete.

Under the Method of Works Plan (MOWP) Stage 4, airport runway lengths will be reduced to allow for major important upgrade. The upgrade will commence next week.

Mr Kaumu said the Aropa airport has a length of 1,525 meters and once the restrictions commence, it will be reduced to 810 meters to allow for the works to begin.

Mr Kaumu said during this stage, Regular Public Transport flights may be discontinued, subject to the airline’s determinations.

The NAC says the runway upgrade is critical to ensure the long-term safety and continued operations of the Aropa Airport.