HOSKINS AIRPORT RUNWAY SHORTENED FOR UPGRADES

The National Airports Corporation (NAC) has announced that the Hoskins Airport Upgrade Project in West New Britain is now 57 percent complete.

Following approval from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, airside works have officially advanced to Stage 8.

As a result, the available runway has been temporarily shortened to 1,090 meters. During this period, only Dash-8-300, ATR-42, and smaller aircraft are permitted to operate at the airport.

This phase is expected to conclude at the end of July, increasing the runway length to 1,240 meters and allowing Q-400 aircraft to resume flights.

NAC Acting Managing Director and CEO, Mr Dominic Kaumu says the entire project remains scheduled for completion by the end of 2026, subject to favourable weather conditions.

He added that the security and safety upgrades are funded by the Government of Papua New Guinea and the Asian Development Bank under the CADIP Two program.

Meanwhile, NAC apologizes for any inconvenience caused and thanks the public and business community for their cooperation.