Aropa Airport Redevelopment launched
A groundbreaking ceremony was held yesterday at Aropa Airport, Central Bougainville to officially launch a major redevelopment project under the Civil Aviation Development Investment Project II (CADIP II).
The National Airports Corporation (NAC), in partnership with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of Papua New Guinea, will upgrade and modernize Aropa Airport’s infrastructure to improve air connectivity and support economic growth in the region.
The project will include:
- Aircraft pavement repair and strengthening
- Bituminous chip seal resurfacing
- Construction of a new terminal building and carpark facilities
- Installation of a new Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI)
- Upgrades to airport power, water supply, sewerage systems, and electrical systems
Acting NAC Managing Director Mr. Dominic Kaumu said the project is timely and aligns with PNG’s Medium-Term Development Plan IV (2023-2027), which prioritizes improved transport infrastructure across the country.
“The Aropa Airport facilities have been in dire need of major improvements after it was upgraded more than ten years ago, and this project is timely to upgrade the facility and infrastructure,” Mr. Kaumu stated.
Mr. Kaumu revealed that Aropa Airport will be the first in the country to install solar panels to power the facility, marking a milestone in sustainable airport operations in PNG.
“This is a first in NAC’s history, and we thank the ADB for supporting our plans to reduce operational costs through renewable energy,” Mr. Kaumu said.
The redevelopment contract, valued at K58.20 million, was awarded to China Railway Construction Group Co. Ltd (CRCG Ltd) on October 9, 2024, with project completion anticipated by 2027.
The project is one of five major airports being redeveloped under CADIP II, including Gurney Airport (Milne Bay), Kiunga Airport (Western Province), Hoskins (West New Britain), and Wewak (East Sepik).
The event was attended by Prime Minister Hon. James Marape, National Minister for Civil Aviation Hon. Wake Goi, ABG President H.E Ishmael Toroama, and other senior National Government and ABG officials.
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