THEÂ National Airports Corporation (NAC) is set to commence a major upgrade of the runway at Mt Hagen (Kagamuga) Airport, replacing the existing bituminous seal with a more durable asphalt concrete overlay.
The K39.4 million project, fully funded by NAC, aims to strengthen the runway pavement to accommodate larger aircraft, including the Boeing 737 and Air Niugini’s newly acquired Airbus A220 fleet. The A220 has a seating capacity of 138 passengers, compared to 100 for the Fokker 100, enabling increased passenger and cargo capacity.
This upgrade is expected to enhance safety and improve operational reliability, meeting current demand while supporting future growth.
The contract was awarded to China Harbour Engineering Company Limited (CHEC) in November 2025. Construction is scheduled to begin in April 2026 and is expected to be completed by December 2026.
A groundbreaking ceremony was held to mark the start of the project, attended by Civil Aviation Minister Wake Goi, Acting NAC Managing Director Dominic Kaumu, Air Niugini CEO Alan Milne, Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Director Benedict Oraka, Western Highlands Governor Wai Rapa, and representatives from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The event highlighted the government’s commitment to positioning Mt Hagen Airport as a key aviation hub serving six Highlands provinces and surrounding regions.
In recent years, the airport has experienced operational challenges due to runway surface deterioration. The upgrade will provide a long-term solution, restoring full operational capacity for larger aircraft and improving the overall passenger experience.
Mt Hagen Airport is one of four major national airports alongside Nadzab, Port Moresby, and Tokua, which is earmarked for further expansion under the Asian Development Bank’s CADIP III program and support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
Feasibility studies are currently underway for a runway extension and new terminal facilities at Mt Hagen Airport, with construction expected to begin in 2028.
Additional developments under CADIP III include upgrades to Port Moresby International Airport’s domestic terminal, apron, and access road, as well as a runway extension and airside works at Tokua Airport, expected to commence in 2027. A new terminal and landside developments at Tokua Airport are planned for 2030 under JICA funding.
These initiatives reflect NAC’s strategic vision to modernize and transform key national airports into sustainable aviation hubs.