NAC Commits to Full Funding of Kagamuga Airport Runway Rehabilitation

The National Airports Corporation (NAC) has formally confirmed that the rehabilitation of Kagamuga (Mt Hagen) Airport will be fully funded by NAC marking a major milestone for aviation infrastructure in the Highlands region.

NAC Chairman Mr Jacob Anga made the announcement in Port Moresby during a press conference held at the Gateway Hotel, where key national and provincial stakeholders gathered for the formal contract signing of the runway asphalt overlay works.

Mr Anga announced that NAC will finance the project until completion, reinforcing the Corporation’s commitment to improving aviation safety, reliability, and operational efficiency at one of Papua New Guinea’s most critical regional airports.

Civil Aviation Minister Hon. Wake Goi, speaking at the press conference, welcomed the milestone and described it as part of the Government’s broader national aviation modernization agenda. He acknowledged the support and patience of communities and leaders of Western Highlands and other upper highlands provinces, as well as the role of development partners and stakeholders in strengthening critical regional aviation hubs.

Minister Goi said the Mt Hagen runway rehabilitation aligns with the Government’s long-term infrastructure vision, noting that the works will enhance safety, regulatory compliance, and operational reliability while supporting airline operations and regional connectivity as further development plans are progressed.

Under the agreement, a K39.4 million contract has been awarded to China Harbour Engineering Company (PNG) Limited to deliver comprehensive runway rehabilitation works at Kagamuga Airport, which currently lacks full asphalt surfacing.

The project will involve milling the existing runway surface and constructing a 75-millimetre-thick hot mix asphalt overlay along the airport’s 2,190-metre runway, including runway grooving to enhance aircraft safety and braking performance.

Construction is scheduled to commence in February 2026 and will run for approximately 36 weeks, with completion targeted for November 2026.

According to NAC Acting Managing Director Mr Dominic Kaumu, the runway upgrade is a critical step in strengthening Kagamuga Airport’s infrastructure to safely accommodate Boeing 737 and Airbus A220 aircraft operations.

Mr Kaumu also commended Chairman Jacob Anga’s leadership, noting that despite his recent appointment, his dynamic chairmanship has enabled significant progress within a short period of time.

“This project directly supports Air Niugini’s re-fleeting program and will significantly improve operational reliability, reduce flight delays, and enhance safety for passengers travelling between Port Moresby and Mt Hagen,” Mr Kaumu said.

The project is being delivered through a partnership between NAC, State-Owned Enterprises, and the Western Highlands Provincial Government, and is expected to ease persistent flight disruptions while improving air service consistency for the Highlands.

Western Highlands Governor Wai Rapa, Hagen Open Member and SOE Minister William Duma, and Finance Minister Thomas Opa jointly acknowledged the strategic importance of Kagamuga Airport to the region.

“Hagen serves as the gateway for the other five Upper Highlands provinces. The rehabilitation and asphalt overlay of Kagamuga International Airport is a big win for the entire region,” the leaders said in a unified statement.

Mr Duma added that improved airport infrastructure would stimulate economic activity and create a win-win outcome for NAC, Air Niugini, and state-owned enterprises.

Governor Wai Rapa welcomed NAC’s swift intervention and commended the Board and Management for reaching this milestone.

Finance Minister Thomas Opa reaffirmed the Marape–Rosso Government’s commitment to improving aviation services nationwide, assuring that government support and funding will be made available to NAC to ensure the project is completed on time.

NAC has confirmed it will work closely with airlines, regulators, and stakeholders to ensure continuity of operations and minimise disruption during construction.

NAC noted that other airports already supporting Boeing 737 and Airbus A220 operations include Port Moresby International Airport, Nadzab Tomodachi International Airport, Kavieng, Momote (Manus), and Gurney Airport. At Tokua Airport in East New Britain, the first layer of asphalt was completed in 2024, with a second layer planned to further strengthen the runway.

Representatives from China Harbour Engineering Company (PNG) Limited were present at the Gateway Hotel to formally sign the contract documents, sealing all formalities ahead of the project’s commencement in 2026.

NAC reiterated its commitment to building resilient, compliant, and sustainable airport infrastructure across Papua New Guinea, ensuring regional airports operate as part of an integrated national aviation system that supports economic growth, connectivity, and social development.