THE National Airports Corporation (NAC) has announced that the Hoskins Airport Upgrade Project is now 57 per cent complete, with temporary operational restrictions to remain in place as rehabilitation works progress.
Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Dominic Kaumu said the upgrade project is advancing steadily on both airside and landside components, with construction works under Major Ongoing Works Programme (MOWP) Stages 1 to 7 now completed.
Mr Kaumu said the completed airside works are awaiting inspection, certification and commissioning by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority of Papua New Guinea (CASA PNG) before they can be brought into operation.
“Due to the new physical characteristics of the aerodrome and in accordance with CASA PNG regulations, the completed works must be inspected, certified and commissioned prior to use,” he said.
He said works under MOWP Stage 8 were scheduled to commence on June 23, 2026, subject to regulatory approval from CASA PNG.
Under Stage 8, the available runway length will be reduced to 1,090 metres, allowing only DHC-8-300, ATR-42 and smaller aircraft to operate at the airport.
Mr Kaumu said larger aircraft would gradually return to Hoskins Airport as runway rehabilitation works progressed.
“Upon completion of the rehabilitation works, the airport will be capable of accommodating modern jet aircraft such as the Airbus A220, improving connectivity, passenger capacity and the reliability of air services, subject to airline operational requirements and regulatory approvals,” he said.
NAC expects the runway works to be completed by the 2026 festive season, provided weather conditions remain favourable.
The corporation said any changes to the construction programme or operational restrictions would be communicated to stakeholders and the public.
Mr Kaumu said the upgrade works were essential to ensuring the continued safety, security, reliability and efficiency of airport services.
“NAC apologises for any inconvenience these temporary restrictions may cause and thanks the travelling public, airline operators, business community and the people of West New Britain and Papua New Guinea for their patience and cooperation during the upgrade works,” he said.
The Hoskins Airport Upgrade Project is being implemented by NAC under the Civil Aviation Development Investment Project II (CADIP II) and is jointly funded by the Government of Papua New Guinea and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
The project is expected to significantly improve aviation infrastructure in West New Britain Province and enhance air transport services for residents, businesses and visitors.