National Airports Corporation (NAC) advises the travelling public that Stage 1 of the current maintenance work at the Tokua Airport Runway is anticipated to be completed by Wednesday 16th December 2020, weather permitting.
Stage 1 of the works represents 200 metres of the runway at Tokua Airport which was closed off to allow urgent maintenance work. This works include, removing the existing seal, replacing this seal with suitable basecourse and then resealing of the runway.
NAC had anticipated to complete the full maintenance work at Tokua Airport in 6 weeks (both stage 1 and 2), dependent on weather conditions in East New Britain Province, however, we understand that the current maintenance work has affected normal flights in and out of East New Britain Province during this peak period. Considering this and in the interest of the travelling public, the NAC Management has approved the reopening of the runway back to its full length. However, to protect the pavement and to ensure that it is not damaged, only aircrafts similar to the ATR 72 and Q400 will be allowed to operate into Tokua. These aircrafts carry up to 74 passengers each, which will help during this period.
Stage 2 of these maintenance work will resume after the New Year, at this stage it is planned for the second week of January 2021.
NAC would like to reaffirm that our priority is the safety of aircrafts and passengers in and out of Tokua Airport. NAC’s objective is to ensure that all 22 national airports in PNG operate in a secure aerodrome environment that is compliant to PNG Civil Aviation Rules and Regulations. NAC appeals for your understanding and patience during this time as it works towards completing this urgent maintenance on the runway.
Approved for release by:
Mr. Ephraim Wasem
Acting Managing Director and CEO
National Airports Corporation
