Commercial flights to Misima Island are expected to resume after Misima Minerals Limited (MML) signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Milne Bay Provincial Government to operate the Misima Aerodrome.
The agreement was signed in Alotau on June 19. It paves the way for the rehabilitation of the aerodrome, which has been restricted to small charter aircraft since 2020 after third-level airline operations, including PNG Air services, were suspended.
Under the agreement, MML will operate the aerodrome under lease from the Milne Bay Provincial Transport Authority while coordinating upgrades needed to meet Civil Aviation Safety Authority of Papua New Guinea (CASAPNG) requirements.
The company in a statement said the upgrades will include improvements to the runway surface and other safety features, with work to be carried out by MML, the Provincial Transport Authority, the National Works Department and local contractors.
The project is targeted for completion before the end of 2026.
Once completed, the upgraded aerodrome is expected to allow larger commercial airlines to resume services to Misima, improving transport links, boosting economic activity and supporting the delivery of health and other essential services throughout the Samarai-Murua District.
Misima Minerals Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Ok Tedi Mining Limited, has already begun early infrastructure works to support the proposed Misima Gold Project and benefit host communities.
The company acquired the project from Kingston Resources in May 2025 and has developed a five-year plan covering feasibility studies, construction and eventual mine-productions.
Early works began in February this year and include the establishment of accommodation, a health clinic, dining facilities and other basic infrastructure to support exploration and feasibility activities.
Environmental and social impact studies, together with mine development plans, are also progressing as part of efforts to secure an environmental permit and mining lease.
Other planned infrastructure projects include upgrading access roads to the mine site for both project operations and community use.
MML also plans to upgrade and equip the Misima District Hospital to serve local communities as well as company staff.
The hospital will also conduct pre-employment medical examinations to support employment opportunities for people from Misima.