Construction of the new state of the art terminal building for the Gurney Airport in Milne Bay province is well underway. The new terminal building is currently 68% physically complete. Once finished, it will be equipped with modern technology designed to significantly improve passenger and cargo movement, while enabling more efficient aircraft turnaround times.
The new terminal building is spacious and can accommodate more than 100 people simultaneously thus making passenger congestion issues a thing of the past. It is designed to provide a smooth and comfortable passenger journey from carpark to aircraft when departing, and from air to land on arrival.
On departure, passengers will move seamlessly from the carpark into the check-in area, before progressing through security into the departure lounge. The terminal features two levels accessible to all passengers via lifts, including those living with disabilities. Passengers with lounge access can enjoy the dedicated VIP lounge, while general passengers benefit from spacious waiting areas across both levels. Coffee shops, souvenir kiosks, toilet facilities, and a baby room are conveniently located, creating a comfortable environment and ensuring a smooth transition from ground to air.
On arrival, the modern terminal greets passengers and guides them efficiently from aircraft to baggage collection. The baggage carousel, supported by a cooled arrival hall provides a calm and comfortable luggage collection experience. Hire car and hotel kiosks are located within the arrivals area, allowing passengers to make onward travel arrangements indoors, without exposure to sun or rain.
The new terminal building also includes security screening systems, CCTV, and conveyor belts to support efficient cargo and baggage movement. It also includes a separate immigration section to serve the international flights that operate in and out of Milne Bay province purposely for tourism.
The contractor has completed the major works of the new terminal building and is currently in the process of installing services and fit outs. This is done simultaneously with the carpark.
Currently a temporary terminal is being used by the airline operators to process passengers and cargoes after the demolition of the existing one in 2025.
Among other ongoing works undertaken include the installation of the Airfield Ground Lighting system, which will enhance safety and provide visual cues during landing, take off or when taxing at night and during adverse weather conditions.
Most of the works on the airside including the asphalting of the 1,960 meters length of the runway was completed in October 2025. Normal operations on the airside were reintroduced in November 2025 after successful inspections and certification by the National Airports Corporation (NAC) and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority of PNG (CASA PNG). The airport is now accommodating the operation of Regular Public Transport (RPT) jet aircrafts such 737 and A220 -300.
The overall project progress on both the airside and the landside is currently 75% complete and is anticipated to be completed by mid-2026 with plans to open the new terminal building before the country’s 51st Independence Celebrations.
The National Airports Corporation acknowledges the Government of Papua New Guinea and the Asian Development Bank for making funds available to upgrade the airport facility which is valued at K76.84 million. Furthermore, NAC acknowledges the continued support of the Provincial Government in rolling out activities under the MOA.
NAC would like to thank all stakeholders and the travelling public for their patience and cooperation during the implementation of this significant project. It further assures the traveling public of Milne Bay Province and the country that it will deliver the project per schedule.
Approved for release
_____________________ Dominic Kaumu, ML OBE Acting Managing Director & CEO National Airports Corporation