Kiunga, Western Province – Prime Minister James Marape inaugurated the newly redeveloped Kiunga Airport terminal, highlighting the government’s focus on infrastructure development in remote regions. The project, part of the Civil Aviation Development Investment Programme II (CADIP II), aims to enhance connectivity and meet international aviation standards.

The K70 million upgrade, co-financed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Papua New Guinea government, includes the construction of a new terminal building, runway and apron enhancements, and associated infrastructure. The National Airports Corporation (NAC) is overseeing the project.

During the event, a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was signed between NAC, the Fly River Provincial Government, and China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), the contracted firm. CCECC has commenced preliminary work, with project completion scheduled within two years.

Prior to the CADIP II launch, Prime Minister Marape also opened a K7.8 million terminal, funded by the North Fly District Development Authority and the PNG Sustainable Development Programme.

In his address, Prime Minister Marape emphasized the strategic importance of Kiunga, positioning it as a key hub within Papua New Guinea’s “Midwest” region. He also reiterated the government’s commitment to equitable distribution of development funds, noting the allocation of over K5.6 billion to districts in recent years.

The CADIP II initiative encompasses upgrades at multiple airports across the country, including Aropa Airport (Autonomous Region of Bougainville), Hoskins Airport (West New Britain), and Wewak Airport (East Sepik), as well as air traffic control improvements and rural airstrip rehabilitation.

The Kiunga Airport previously received K10 million for security enhancements under CADIP I.

Prime Minister Marape acknowledged the ADB’s role as a development partner and expressed intentions to extend the Kiunga runway for night landings and larger aircraft. He further outlined plans for infrastructure development in other Southern Corridor towns, such as Daru and Kerema, and continued investment in rural airstrips.

The government’s stated aim is to enhance national connectivity and facilitate economic growth through infrastructure projects.