Prime Minister Hon. James Marape will tomorrow officially open the upgraded Gurney Airport in Alotau, Milne Bay Province, marking the successful completion of the first major airport redevelopment under the Civil Aviation Development Investment Program Phase II (CADIP II).
The opening underscores the Government’s ongoing commitment to building a modern, safe and efficient aviation network that connects Papua New Guinea and drives national development. CADIP II, valued at US$171.5 million and signed in 2022, is jointly financed by the Government of Papua New Guinea and the Asian Development Bank. The programme follows the original Civil Aviation Development Investment Program (CADIP I), first agreed in 2008. After taking office, the Marape Government deliberately re-engaged with the Asian Development Bank in 2021 and 2022 to continue this important partnership through CADIP II.
Implemented by the National Airports Corporation, the programme extends well beyond Gurney Airport. It includes upgrades to five major airports, improvements to rural airstrips, modernisation of weather, communications and navigation systems, and investment in the capacity of Papua New Guinea’s civil aviation sector.
At Gurney, the redevelopment has delivered a newly asphalted runway, apron and taxiway, a modern Type B passenger terminal capable of handling up to 200 passengers, advanced airfield lighting, upgraded standby power and water systems, enhanced fire services, staff housing and improved cargo facilities. The upgraded apron can now accommodate larger aircraft, including the Fokker 100, Boeing 737 and Air Niugini’s new Airbus A220 fleet.
Prime Minister Marape is expected to emphasise that Gurney is only one component of a nationwide aviation infrastructure programme. Major works are also progressing at Aropa Airport in Autonomous Bougainville, Wewak Airport in East Sepik Province and Kiunga Airport in Western Province. At the same time, rural and remote airstrips—including Palmalmal Airstrip in Pomio District, East New Britain Province—are being upgraded to improve access for isolated communities.
He is expected to say these projects provide the enabling infrastructure needed to support tourism, stimulate investment, improve transport links and complement the Government’s broader economic growth agenda.
This multifaceted programme is being delivered across Papua New Guinea to create the foundations of a modern economy and better connect our people, the Prime Minister is expected to say. Prime Minister Marape is also expected to outline his Government’s long-term vision for Gurney Airport, saying Milne Bay is well positioned to become an international tourism gateway as well as an important domestic aviation hub.
He is expected to announce plans to progressively develop the airport for dual-use operations by incorporating the necessary immigration, customs, quarantine and aviation safety facilities required for international services. This would enable direct tourism flights, including potential services from Brisbane, helping attract more Australian visitors to Milne Bay.
“We want to position Gurney Airport as an international gateway that captures the growing Australian tourism market while continuing to serve the domestic travelling public,” the Prime Minister is expected to say.
The Prime Minister will acknowledge the partnership between the Government of Papua New Guinea, the Asian Development Bank, the National Airports Corporation, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority of Papua New Guinea and China Railway Construction Engineering Group in delivering this landmark national project.
He is expected to highlight Milne Bay Province’s enormous tourism and economic potential, noting that improved air connectivity will strengthen trade, encourage investment, support local businesses, create employment and generate long-term economic growth.
The official opening ceremony will be attended by national and provincial leaders, development partners, aviation stakeholders and members of the Milne Bay community.