Goi announces K4 billion airport upgrade plan

Civil Aviation Minister Wake Goi has announced an ambitious plan to modernize Papua New Guinea’s key airports, with a major focus on Jacksons International Airport in Port Moresby.

The upgrade is designed to expand capacity, modernize facilities, and support the country’s growing economy.

Minister Goi said the top priority will be the expansion of Jacksons Airport’s runway, with the project covering five key areas: runway extensions, new parking bays, infrastructure upgrades, the development of an ‘Airport City’ and a full redesign of existing facilities.

As part of the plan, two additional runways will be constructed alongside the current one to ensure flight operations can continue uninterrupted, even during emergencies. The project, estimated at between K200 million to K300m, will soon be open for bidding.

Other airports will also benefit, with Mount Hagen’s Kagamuga Airport among those earmarked for improvements to handle larger aircraft.

Minister Goi said the Airport City concept is a transformative vision for PNG’s aviation future, projecting an investment of K3 billion to K4b. The initiative will deliver international-standard facilities for travelers and create a commercial hub of hotels and shops stretching towards the Gateway Hotel, improving convenience and access for passengers.

The project will be managed by the National Airports Corporation [NAC], which will generate revenue through taxes and land leases. Goi said investors with land titles would also benefit, as the NAC would provide returns on their investments once sufficient funds are generated.