PRIME Minister Hon. James Marape officially opened the newly redeveloped Kiunga Airport terminal in North Fly District of Western Province today, marking a significant milestone in Papua New Guinea’s national infrastructure agenda and reaffirming the Government’s commitment to connecting remote communities through transformative public investments.
The occasion marked the launch of a K70 million infrastructure upgrade under the Civil Aviation Development Investment Programme II (CADIP II)—a flagship initiative co-financed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of Papua New Guinea, implemented by the National Airports Corporation (NAC).
This major project includes the construction of a new Type C terminal building, the strengthening and widening of the runway, apron and taxiway pavements, new aircraft parking pads and helipads, a new access road, and NAC staff housing, among other components. Once completed, the upgraded facilities will comply with International Civil
Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards and PNG Civil Aviation Rules, as administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA PNG).
“This is not just an airport project. It is a bold signal that Western Province is not forgotten,” Prime Minister Marape stated.
“Kiunga sits at the heart of what I call the ‘Midwest’ of Papua New Guinea—linking the Highlands, Southern, and Gulf regions. It is a growth centre in the making.”
The event also featured the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between NAC, the Fly River Provincial Government, and contractor China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC)—the firm awarded the contract in September 2024.
Preliminary works commenced earlier this month, with full project delivery scheduled for
completion within two years.
CCECC has mobilised to Kiunga and is progressing with site preparation. Upon completion, the upgraded runway and taxiway pavements are expected to last five to ten years without major maintenance. The new terminal facilities will improve passenger and cargo processing and create employment opportunities for local residents.
Prior to launching the CADIP II works, Prime Minister Marape inaugurated a newly constructed K7.8 million terminal, jointly funded by the North Fly District Development Authority (K4.5 million) and the PNG Sustainable Development Programme (K3.3 million). A commemorative plaque was unveiled to honour the occasion.
“I commend local leadership, particularly Hon. James Donald, for making prudent use of district funds to deliver real infrastructure for our people,” Prime Minister Marape added.
Prime Minister Marape reminded all Members of Parliament and development stakeholders that public funds must yield visible results. He emphasised that his government has transferred more than K5.6 billion directly to districts over the past six years—an unprecedented redistribution of national wealth from Waigani to the people.
“Districts that deliver results will receive more. Kiunga and North Fly are leading by example,” he said.
He urged citizens to hold elected leaders accountable for the effective use of district
development funding.
The Kiunga Airport Upgrade is part of a broader nationwide initiative to modernise Papua New Guinea’s aviation network under CADIP II. Other major works include:
- 1. Aropa Airport (Autonomous Region of Bougainville)
- 2. Hoskins Airport (West New Britain)
- 3. Wewak Airport (East Sepik)
- 4. Air traffic control upgrades at Port Moresby and Goroka airports by NiuSky Pacific Ltd
- 5. Rural airstrip rehabilitation through the Department of Transport
Kiunga Airport also benefited under CADIP I (Tranche 3), which provided K10 million for perimeter fencing and security upgrades.
“I thank ADB for remaining a true development partner,” said Prime Minister Marape.
“While others turned away, ADB stayed with us. Projects like this show what partnership, vision and commitment can achieve.”
Prime Minister Marape called for the extension of Kiunga’s runway to accommodate night landings and larger aircraft, noting the town’s growing significance with resource projects like P’nyang LNG and Stanley LNG.
He also reiterated the Government’s intent to invest in other strategic towns in the Southern Corridor, including Daru and Kerema, and to continue developing rural airstrips to improve access and service delivery.
“We are growing Papua New Guinea—one project at a time, one district at a time. We must keep moving forward with enabling infrastructure that connects our people and unlocks our nation’s full potential,” Prime Minister Marape concluded.