Commercial flights into Kiunga will remain temporarily suspended until at least September 2026 as major runway upgrade works continue at Kiunga Airport in Western Province.
The National Airports Corporation (NAC) announced that the next phase of the Kiunga Airport Upgrade Project will begin in July, with works expected to continue through to the first week of September.
According to NAC, the project has now reached 48 percent completion, with significant progress recorded on both airside and landside infrastructure.
Airside works under Stages 1 to 6 have already been completed up to the application of temporary runway line markings. Final inspections and permanent runway markings are expected to be completed by the end of June.
However, runway works under Stages 7 to 9 are scheduled to commence simultaneously from the first week of July and are expected to be completed in early September.
NAC said commercial flight operations will only resume after the completion of works and following safety inspections, assessments and commissioning clearance from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority of Papua New Guinea (CASA PNG).
Kiunga Airport's runway measures 1,200 metres in length. During the ongoing restrictions, Regular Public Transport services, including Dash 8 aircraft operations, will remain suspended.
The airport will continue to accommodate smaller General Aviation aircraft subject to operational restrictions and safety requirements.
NAC acknowledged the ongoing impact of the restrictions on passengers, businesses and cargo operators in Western Province.
The corporation said the prolonged dry season has significantly affected construction timelines by reducing river water levels needed to transport building materials to the project site.
"The main reason for the extended restriction period is the prolonged dry season, which has resulted in low water levels and affected the procurement and delivery of construction materials to site," NAC stated.
Travellers, businesses and airline operators have been advised to make alternative travel and cargo arrangements while construction continues.
Despite the delays, NAC said the project remains a critical investment in improving aviation infrastructure in Western Province and strengthening long term regional connectivity.
The Kiunga Airport Upgrade Project is being delivered by NAC under the Civil Aviation Development Investment Project II (CADIP II) and is jointly funded by the Government of Papua New Guinea and the Asian Development Bank.
Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Dominic Kaumu apologised for the inconvenience caused and thanked airline operators, stakeholders and the people of Western Province for their patience and cooperation as work continues on the airport upgrade.
