GROUNDBREAKING FOR CONSTRUCTION OF NEW AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL FOR GOROKA AIRPORT

BY LETHISA KOLOKOL

NIUSKY Pacific Limited (NiuSky) today officially broke ground on the construction of a new, purpose-built Air Traffic Control (ATC) Tower at Goroka Airport, a landmark investment in Papua New Guinea’s aviation future and a direct realisation of the company’s Corporate Plan and Strategic Direction 2025–2030.

The new Goroka ATC Tower will stand 28 metres tall, replacing the existing temporary facility with a modern, permanent structure built to international standards.

The project encompasses the full installation of advanced Communication, Navigation, Surveillance and Air Traffic Management (CNS/ATM) systems, delivering a complete, end-to-end upgrade of air traffic control capability at one of PNG’s most strategically important airports.

Goroka Airport serves as a vital gateway to the Highlands region, supporting passenger travel, agricultural exports, medical transport, and cargo logistics across some of PNG’s most populous and economically active provinces. This investment will directly strengthen connectivity, improve safety outcomes, and create an operational environment for air traffic controllers that meets world-class standards.

China Railway Construction will soon commence works on constructing Air Traffic Control and other related infrastructure upgrade at the Goroka Airport, with full funding support from the Asian Development Bank through a K15.7 million grant under the Civil Aviation Development Investment Program (CADIP II).

The existing air traffic control is a small structure that has been in operation for 20 years.

Minster for Civil Aviation, Wake Goi officially launched the groundbreaking works today at the Goroka, on behalf of Prime Minister James Marape, stating over the past 2 years, his ministry has been increasing the standard of aviation in the country.

He conmended the Niu Sky Pacific Ltd Managing Director and CEO, Graham Blythe for his leadership.