THE National Airports Corporation (NAC) has signed a contract with China Railway Construction Group Co. Ltd (CRCG) to upgrade the Finschhafen Airstrip in Morobe Province, marking a significant step toward improving rural aviation infrastructure in Papua New Guinea.
The contract, valued at K12,896,754.62 (inclusive of GST), was signed in Port Moresby today and covers pavement strengthening, terminal refurbishment, and associated works. The project is expected to be completed within 18 months, with a target completion date of November 2027.
The upgrade will include:
- Strengthening of the runway, turning nodes, taxiway, and apron
- Application of a three-coat bituminous chip seal on aircraft movement areas
- Refurbishment of the existing terminal building and improvements to car parking facilities
- Additional associated works
The Finschhafen project is the third of four rural airstrips identified for upgrading under the Civil Aviation Development Investment Program Phase II (CADIP II). The initiative is being implemented by NAC in partnership with the Department of Transport, with funding support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Government of Papua New Guinea.
Other airstrips currently undergoing upgrades include Hayfield Airstrip in East Sepik Province and Jacquinot Bay Airstrip in East New Britain Province. Both projects commenced in January 2026 following contract awards in November 2025. The Tapini Airstrip in Central Province is also scheduled for improvement under the same program.
These developments form part of the government’s Connect PNG initiative under the Medium-Term Development Plan IV (2023–2027), aimed at enhancing connectivity across rural and remote areas.
Morobe Governor and Member for Finschhafen, Renbo Paita, welcomed the project, emphasizing its importance to rural communities.
He noted that approximately 80 percent of Papua New Guinea’s population resides in rural districts, and investments in air transport infrastructure are essential to ensure equitable development.
“This shows that while we are building national airports, we are not forgetting the rural population, which remains the foundation of this country,” Paita said.
He also acknowledged the continued support of the Asian Development Bank, describing it as critical for improving transport infrastructure in a geographically challenging nation.
The Finschhafen District Development Authority (DDA) has indicated plans to stimulate economic activity once the airstrip becomes operational. This includes a proposed K1 million subsidy program for airfares to encourage tourism and improve accessibility.
NAC expressed confidence in working with CRCG to successfully deliver the project, highlighting its importance in improving safety, efficiency, and compliance with international aviation standards.