MOUNT HAGEN (KAGAMUGA) AIRPORT BEGINS RUNWAY UPGRADE

BY LETHISA KOLOKOL

THE National Airports Corporation (NAC) yesterday gave the official greenlight to the China Harbor Engineering Company (CHEC) to begin replacing the old seal with a durable asphalt concrete overlay to fix recurring surface defects of the Mount Hagen (Kagamuga) Airport.

This project is valued at K39.4 million fully funded by the NAC, designed to handle heavier aircraft like the Boeing 737 and the new Airbus A220.

A delegation led by the Minister for Civil Aviation, Hon Wake Goi, accompanied by NAC Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive (CEO), Mr Dominic Kaumu, Air Niugini CEO, Alan Milne, Civil and Safety Authority (CASA) CEO, Benedict Oraka, Rural Airstrip Agency (RAA), Kim Opiti, along with others were welcomed at the airport today for the official groundbreaking ceremony.

Minister for Civil Aviation, Hon Wake Goi stressed on the significance of the airport, saying upgrading the Mount Hagen (Kagamuga) Airport is critical to the economic and operational stability of the Highlands region.

“Mount Hagen Airport is the second busiest airport in the country, acting as the main link for travellers and cargo moving between the Highlands and the capital, Port Moresby”, Minister Goi said.

Western Highlands Governor, Hon Wai Rapa arrived after the delegation was welcomed, airing out frustrations over the delay of what he says is a significant milestone for the province.

The Governor also urge the contractors to speed up works and get the airport up before the peak travelling period in December.

Meanwhile the NAC Acting MD and CEO, Mr Kaumu in his remarks commended the national government for their vision in connecting Papua New Guinea, by investing in the building sustainable infrastructures.

In addition to Mt Hagen Airport, the Port Moresby International Airport, Domestic Terminal Building, Apron and Airport Access Road reconfiguration and upgrade as well as the Tokua airport runway extension and associated airside works will be carried out under CADIP III, anticipated to commence in 2027 whilst Tokua airport new terminal and associated landside works is expected to commence in 2030 under JICA funding.

Backed by the national government, the NAC is focused on long-term regional connectivity and building resilient and sustainable infrastructures.