Prime Minister James Marape will officially open the upgraded Gurney Airport in Alotau, Milne Bay Province tomorrow, marking the completion of the first major airport redevelopment project under the Civil Aviation Development Investment Program Phase II (CADIP II).
The upgraded airport is expected to significantly improve air connectivity into Milne Bay while supporting the Government’s plans to position the province as a major tourism and economic hub.
CADIP II, valued at US$171.5 million, was signed in 2022 and is jointly financed by the Papua New Guinea Government and the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The program is being implemented by the National Airports Corporation (NAC).
The Gurney Airport redevelopment includes a newly asphalted runway, apron and taxiway, a modern Type B passenger terminal capable of handling up to 200 passengers, advanced airfield lighting, improved standby power and water systems, enhanced fire services, staff housing and upgraded cargo facilities.
The upgraded apron can also accommodate larger aircraft including the Fokker 100, Boeing 737 and Air Niugini’s new Airbus A220 fleet.
The Government says Gurney forms part of a much broader national aviation infrastructure development program, with major works also progressing at Aropa Airport in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Wewak Airport in East Sepik and Kiunga Airport in Western Province.
Rural and remote airstrips, including Palmalmal Airstrip in Pomio District, East New Britain, are also being upgraded to improve connectivity and access for isolated communities.
Prime Minister Marape is expected to outline the Government’s long-term vision to progressively develop Gurney Airport into an international tourism gateway, while maintaining its important role as a domestic aviation hub.
Under the proposed development, immigration, customs, quarantine and aviation safety facilities would be established to enable international services, including the possibility of direct tourism flights from Brisbane, Australia.
“We want to position Gurney Airport as an international gateway that captures the growing Australian tourism market while continuing to serve the domestic travelling public,” Marape is expected to say.
The Prime Minister is also expected to acknowledge the partnership between the PNG Government, ADB, NAC, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority of PNG and China Railway Construction Engineering Group in delivering the project.
The Government believes improved air connectivity will help unlock Milne Bay’s tourism and economic potential by strengthening trade, attracting investment, supporting local businesses and creating employment opportunities.
National and provincial leaders, development partners, aviation stakeholders and members of the Milne Bay community are expected to attend the official opening ceremony.