Kagamuga runway upgrade to handle bigger aircraft

The National Airports Corporation has officially launched the Mt Hagen Kagamuga Airport upgrade.

Work will soon start on the asphalt concrete overlay for the runway.

The project is part of NAC’s commitment to ensuring 22 airports meet ICAO standards under the Civil Aviation Development Investment Project, CADIP.

The 39.4 million kina investment, fully funded by NAC, will replace the existing bituminous seal with a durable asphalt concrete overlay. This will strengthen the runway pavement to accommodate Boeing 737s and Air Niugini’s newly acquired Airbus A220 fleet.

The project was awarded to China Harbor Engineering Company Limited, CHEC, in November 2025. Construction is set to begin this month, April 2026, and is scheduled for completion by December 2026.

The airport has faced operational challenges in recent years due to runway surface defects and deterioration. This upgrade will provide a long-term solution, restoring full capacity for larger aircraft and enhancing passenger experience.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony today in Mt Hagen, Governor Wai Rapa said, "This is a very important airport for the entire Highlands region."

The airport previously underwent a major redevelopment under the Asian Development Bank-supported Civil Aviation Development Investment Program, CADIP.

Mt Hagen Airport is one of four major national airports, along with Nadzab, Port Moresby and Tokua, earmarked for further expansion under ADB’s CADIP III program and the Japan International Cooperation Agency, JICA.

Feasibility studies for Mt Hagen are underway for a runway extension and new terminal facilities, with construction expected to begin in 2028.

In addition to Mt Hagen, the Port Moresby International Airport domestic terminal building, apron and airport access road reconfiguration, as well as the Tokua Airport runway extension and associated airside works, will be carried out under CADIP III, anticipated to commence in 2027.

The new Tokua Airport terminal and associated landside works are expected to commence in 2030 under JICA funding.

The focus on these major airports reflects NAC’s strategic plan to develop and transform key national hubs into sustainable airports, under the leadership of the NAC Board.