Runway upgrade works at Kieta (Aropa) Airport are progressing steadily, with 78 percent of the project now completed, the National Airports Corporation (NAC) announced today.

Of the airport’s 1,525-meter runway, a total of 1,170 meters has been successfully completed, with the remaining 355 meters currently under active construction. The critical runway upgrade is on track to be finalized by the end of October 2026. Commercial airport operations are anticipated to resume in November, subject to favorable weather conditions.

The airport remains temporarily closed under a published Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) to ensure construction activities proceed safely and efficiently. The NAC advises all airline operators, passengers, and industry stakeholders to comply with published NOTAMs and directly verify future flight availability with their respective airlines prior to travel.

Simultaneously, construction of the airport's brand-new terminal building has advanced well, reaching 70 percent completion as of September 2026.

The K58.2 million infrastructure modernization project is co-funded by the Government of Papua New Guinea and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) under the Civil Aviation Development Investment Project Phase II (CADIP II). The NAC is implementing these comprehensive upgrades to modernize the region’s aviation infrastructure, boost capacity, and uphold long-term international aviation safety and security standards.

The NAC acknowledges the significant economic and logistical impact that these temporary travel restrictions have had on airline operators, passengers, and local businesses, and sincerely apologizes for the ongoing inconvenience.

The corporation extends its gratitude to the people of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville and the wider Independent State of Papua New Guinea for their continued patience, cooperation, and support as these vital infrastructure works near completion.