The National Airports Corporation (NAC) advises the travelling public, airline operators, business community and all stakeholders that Kiunga Airport Upgrade Project in Western Province is continuing. Significant progress has been achieved on both the airside and landside components with an overall accomplishment of 48% to date. The next phase of runway works now focused on MOWP Stages 7 to 9.
Airside works for MOWP Stages 1 to 6 have been completed up to the application of temporary runway line marking (first coat). These completed sections remain subject to inspections and confirmation prior to the application of the final and permanent line marking (second coat), which is targeted for completion towards the end of June 2026.
MOWP Stages 7 to 9 are scheduled to be undertaken concurrently from the first week of July 2026. These works are targeted for completion in the first week of September 2026, after which commercial flights can commence, subject to satisfactory inspections, safety assessment and commissioning clearance by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority of Papua New Guinea (CASA PNG).
Kiunga Airport has a total runway length of 1,200 metres. During the ongoing runway restriction period, Regular Public Transport (RPT) operations, including Dash 8 series aircraft operations, will remain temporarily suspended. The aerodrome will continue to remain operational for smaller General Aviation aircraft, subject to the applicable NOTAM, operational restrictions and safety requirements.
NAC acknowledges the continued impact of the temporary runway restriction on passengers and cargo movements in and out of Kiunga. The main reason for the extended restriction period is the prolonged dry season, which has resulted in low water levels and affected the procurement and delivery of construction materials to site. This has impacted the timely completion of the remaining runway pavement and associated works.
The travelling public, business community and airline operators are advised to take note of the revised programme and make alternative travel and cargo arrangements where necessary. NAC will continue to provide updates as the works progress and as commissioning arrangements are confirmed.
The runway upgrade remains a critical investment in strengthening aviation infrastructure in Western Province and supporting safe, reliable and long-term regional connectivity into the future.
NAC apologises for any inconvenience caused and thanks the airline operators, stakeholders, travelling public, and the people of Western Province and Papua New Guinea for their continued patience, understanding and cooperation.
The Kiunga Airport Upgrade project is implemented by NAC under the Civil Aviation Development Investment Project II (CADIP II) and is funded by the Government of Papua New Guinea and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
Approved for Release
Dominic Kaumu, ML OBE – Acting Managing Director/CEO National Airports Corporation Ltd
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