Airline operators and passengers using Hoskins Airport will face temporary operational restrictions as runway upgrade works enter the next construction phase, according to the National Airports Corporation (NAC).
In a statement, NAC confirmed that the project has now reached 57 per cent completion.
Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Dominic Kaumu said significant progress has been achieved across both airside and landside components of the Hoskins Airport Upgrade Project in West New Britain Province.
Mr. Kaumu said contractors have completed airside works under Method of Working Plan (MOWP) Stages 1 to 7 and are now awaiting approval from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority of Papua New Guinea (CASA PNG) to proceed to Stage 8.
He said inspections, certification and commissioning are required before the completed sections can be brought into operational use due to the airport’s upgraded physical characteristics and aviation safety requirements.
“Works under MOWP Stage 8 are scheduled to commence on 23 June 2026, subject to approval by CASA PNG,” Mr. Kaumu said.
He said once Stage 8 begins, the available runway length will increase to 1,090 meters, allowing operations by DHC-8-300 aircraft, ATR-42 aircraft and smaller aircraft types.
Mr. Kaumu said the staged approach means larger aircraft will gradually be introduced as runway rehabilitation continues.
“Upon completion of the rehabilitation works, the airport will be capable of accommodating modern jet aircraft such as the Airbus A220, improving connectivity, passenger capacity and the reliability of air services,” he said.
He noted that future aircraft operations will remain subject to airline operational planning and regulatory approvals.
Mr. Kaumu said construction is currently scheduled for completion before the 2026 festive season, provided weather conditions remain favorable.
He said any adjustments to construction timelines or airport operating restrictions would be communicated to stakeholders as works progress.
“These significant upgrade works are necessary to maintain safety, security, reliability and efficiency of services at the airport,” Mr. Kaumu said.
He acknowledged the temporary inconvenience created by the restrictions and thanked passengers, airline operators, businesses and the people of West New Britain and Papua New Guinea for their patience and cooperation.
The Hoskins Airport Upgrade Project is being delivered by NAC under the Civil Aviation Development Investment Project II (CADIP II) and funded through the Government of Papua New Guinea and the Asian Development Bank.