Gurney airport targets full flight operations by September

Normal flight operations into Gurney Airport are expected to resume by September, according to an update released this week as runway upgrade works intensify.

Gurney has faced months of flight disruptions and downgrades due to the ongoing K76.8 million Gurney Upgrade Project under the Civil Aviation Development Investment Project [CADIP II].

CADIP Program Director Wellington Warren confirmed that 33 percent of airside works have been completed and that, beginning this month, flights will be upgraded to at least the Dash 8-300 aircraft.

Mr Warren said the shortened runway length since May has restricted operations to the smaller Dash 8-200 aircraft, resulting in reduced passenger loads, limited cargo capacity, and some flight cancellations all in the interest of safety.

“The news of flight upgrades this month will be a relief for the travelling public,” he said.

“We are targeting the full runway length to be available by September. CASA inspectors are conducting full inspections, and we expect to switch runways in the coming week. Once that happens, larger aircraft will return.”

He thanked the people and government of Milne Bay for their patience and support, assuring them the disruptions are temporary and that the upgrades will bring long-term benefits to the province’s economy.

The entire upgrade, including a new terminal building, is scheduled for completion in 2026. The project is an initiative of the National Government through the National Airports Corporation, implemented by CADIP and supported by the Asian Development Bank and key partners.