The Hoskins Airport Upgrade Project in West New Britain Province is 78% complete, with the National Airports Corporation (NAC) confirming the runway has been extended to 1,580 metres under the latest construction stage.
NAC said airside works under Method of Work Plan (MOWP) stages 1 to 8 have been completed, initially providing 1,280 metres of available runway.
Following approval from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority of Papua New Guinea (CASA PNG), NAC opened stages 9 and 10, increasing the available runway length to 1,580 metres.
The extended runway can now accommodate Q400, ATR-72 and similar aircraft, according to NAC.
Work on MOWP Stage 11 began on 27 September 2026 as construction continues towards completion of the runway upgrade by late 2026, subject to weather conditions.
NAC said the temporary aerodrome restrictions would remain in place during construction and that it would notify airline operators, business communities and other stakeholders of any changes to the construction schedule or operational procedures.
The upgrade is intended to improve the safety and security of airport operations while increasing the reliability and efficiency of services at Hoskins Airport.
The K51.70 million project is being implemented by NAC under the Civil Aviation Development Investment Project II (CADIP II), funded by the Papua New Guinea government and the Asian Development Bank.
NAC said it appreciated the patience and cooperation of passengers, airline operators, businesses, stakeholders and communities in West New Britain during the ongoing works.
