Misima Airstrip K2.6m Runway Rehabilitation to Begin in March

Work on the Misima Airstrip in Papua New Guinea's Milne Bay Province is set to begin in March, following the award of a K2.6 million (Papua New Guinean Kina) contract to a local firm. The project aims to restore critical air services to the island district, which has been without reliable air travel for nearly six years due to a deteriorated runway.

The rehabilitation, facilitated by the Rural Airstrips Agency (RAA), is a crucial step toward recertifying the airfield under the standards of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) of Papua New Guinea. Since the airstrip's closure, residents of Misima Island have been forced to rely on often hazardous sea travel, making the project a vital lifeline for economic activity, healthcare access, and personal travel.

Contract Award and Project Scope

The K2.6 million contract was officially awarded to Mickey’s Carrier Limited, a local company based in Alotau. The contractor is currently mobilizing equipment and personnel to commence the runway rehabilitation work in March, with an expected completion date by the end of this year.

The project's significance was highlighted by Milne Bay Acting Provincial Administrator, Sharon Mua. "The people of Misima have been long awaiting this project to get off the ground," Mua stated. "They have faced stormy weather; Misima is a cyclonic area and they have always been on boats coming and going. It is long awaited for our people."

The RAA, which operates as a not-for-profit Public-Private Partnership to maintain rural airstrips, has been holding the project funds pending the finalization of the procurement process. RAA Chief Executive Officer, Kim Rose Opiti, expressed relief that the project was moving forward. "We are delighted that we are finally going to be delivering the project for the people that really need this service, given the obstacles and the sea travel that is not very conducive," Opiti said.

A History of Closure and Isolation

The Misima Airstrip has been unserviceable for third-level airlines for several years. The closure was formalized through a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), an official alert issued by aviation authorities to warn pilots of potential hazards. The source article notes a NOTAM was issued in August 2020 due to the runway's deteriorating state.

Corroborating this timeline, regional carrier PNG Air confirmed it suspended flights to Misima effective January 18, 2021, directly citing the poor runway conditions. The situation was compounded when a further NOTAM was issued by NuiSky, PNG's air navigation service provider, on February 2, 2023, which led to the continued suspension of services. These regulatory actions effectively cut off the island from the national air transport network, isolating its communities.

Regulatory Path to Reopening

The primary objective of the runway work is to bring the airstrip into compliance with the safety and operational standards mandated by CASA PNG. Meeting these regulatory requirements is the most critical prerequisite for the resumption of regular commercial flight operations. Once the contractor completes the physical upgrades, the airstrip will be subject to inspection and certification by CASA PNG.

This project exemplifies the importance of rural aviation infrastructure in a country like Papua New Guinea, where rugged terrain and limited road networks make air travel essential. The RAA's involvement highlights a collaborative model for development, partnering public funds with private sector execution to restore lifelines for remote communities. The successful completion of this project will serve as a key test case for similar rural airstrip restoration efforts across the nation.

What Comes Next

With work scheduled to conclude by the end of the year, the earliest possible resumption of flights would be in early 2027, subject to timely completion, favorable weather conditions, and prompt regulatory approval from CASA. Upon certification, airlines such as PNG Air, which previously served the route, will be able to assess the viability of restarting scheduled services.

The reopening is expected to provide a significant boost to the local economy of the island district. It will lower travel risks, reduce travel time, and improve access to markets, education, and healthcare services for the residents of Misima, who have endured years of transportation uncertainty.

Why This Matters

This project highlights the critical role of rural airstrips in national connectivity and economic development in geographically challenging countries like Papua New Guinea. The investment underscores a commitment to restoring essential infrastructure that directly impacts community safety and well-being. For the aviation sector, it represents a small but significant step in maintaining the viability of regional air networks that serve as lifelines for remote populations.

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