Misima Airstrip Runway Works to Begin in March After Contract Award

Work on the Misima Airstrip runway is scheduled to commence in March, following the award of a K2.6 million contract to local firm Mickey’s Carrier Limited. The project is a critical step toward restoring air services to the remote island, which have been suspended for over three years.

The contract, facilitated by the Rural Airstrips Agency (RAA), aims to bring the airstrip up to the standards required by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) of Papua New Guinea. The rehabilitation has been a long-awaited development for residents of Misima Island in Milne Bay Province, who have largely relied on sea transport since the airstrip's closure to commercial flights in 2020. This project represents a key part of broader efforts to maintain and upgrade vital rural aviation infrastructure across the nation.

Project Details and Timeline

The formal contract award ceremony took place in Alotau, marking the official start of the project's mobilization phase. According to Sharon Mua, Acting Provincial Administrator for Milne Bay Province (MBP), the contractor is preparing to begin on-site work shortly. "The company is mobilizing... work will begin in March and the project should be delivered by the end of the year," Mua stated.

The funding for the rehabilitation was allocated to the RAA in 2023. This work is the most significant component needed to satisfy the compliance requirements for recertification. Mua added, "These runway works is the big portion of compliance requirements by CASA for certification and resumption of normal flight operations into Misima."

Background of the Closure

Misima Airstrip was closed to third-level airline operations in August 2020 after the issuance of a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM). A NOTAM is an official advisory from an aviation authority alerting pilots to potential hazards or changes affecting flight operations. The notice effectively halted services from carriers like PNG Air, a key operator serving remote communities in the country.

The closure highlighted the challenges of maintaining aviation infrastructure in Papua New Guinea's rugged and dispersed geography. For the past several years, the lack of air access has created significant logistical and economic challenges for the local population, impacting access to essential services and goods.

The Broader Context of Rural Aviation in PNG

Rural airstrips are a lifeline in Papua New Guinea, a country where difficult terrain makes road construction impractical in many areas. According to the Asian Development Bank, Papua New Guinea has over 600 rural airstrips, although not all are consistently operational. Research indicates that these airstrips serve approximately 14% of the country's population, providing crucial access to healthcare, education, and economic markets.

The government has recognized the importance of this infrastructure, prioritizing upgrades through initiatives like the Civil Aviation Development Investment Programme (CADIP). The RAA itself operates as a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), a model used to effectively manage the maintenance and restoration of these remote airfields. This collaboration between the government and organizations like Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) is central to the strategy for keeping remote communities connected.

Path to Resumption

Successful completion of the runway rehabilitation by the end of 2024 is the primary prerequisite for lifting the NOTAM and beginning the recertification process with CASA PNG. Under the Civil Aviation Act 2000, CASA is the sole authority responsible for aerodrome certification, ensuring that facilities meet stringent national safety standards.

Once the airstrip is certified, it will be up to airlines like PNG Air to assess the commercial viability and operational requirements for resuming scheduled flights. The restoration of the runway is expected to clear the main regulatory hurdle, paving the way for the return of essential air services to Misima Island, likely in early 2025, subject to regulatory approvals.

Why This Matters

This development at Misima Airstrip is a significant indicator of the ongoing effort to address infrastructure challenges in Papua New Guinea's aviation sector. It underscores the critical role of specialized agencies like the RAA in executing targeted projects that have a direct impact on the livelihoods of remote populations. For the aviation industry, it demonstrates a tangible step toward restoring and expanding the nation's domestic air network, which is fundamental to its economic and social stability.

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