K2.6m Misima runway work to begin in March

Misima airstrip will undergo maintenance next month by Mickey's Carrier *(Image: Supplied)*

The long awaited work on the Misima Airstrip in Milne Bay Province will finally see a start come March.

The K2.6 million contract was officially awarded to local company Mickey’s Carrier Limited in Alotau on Monday. The project is seen as a critical lifeline for the district, which has been without reliable air travel for nearly six years.

The Misima Airstrip has been closed to third-level airlines, including PNG Air, since August 2020. At that time, a Notice to Airmen [NOTAM] was issued to cease operations due to the deteriorating state of the runway, forcing locals to rely on sea travel between Alotau and Misima.

Facilitated by the Rural Airstrips Agency [RAA], the project is funded to bring the airstrip into compliance with Civil Aviation Safety Authority [CASA] standards.

Milne Bay Acting Provincial Administrator and Chairlady of the Provincial Procurement Committee, Sharon Mua, said the project was a major relief for the province.

"The people of Misima have been long awaiting this project to get off the ground," Mua said.

"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, so I want to thank our contractor Mickey's Carrier Ltd. We are trusting this major project into your hands."

Acting PA and Chairlady Provincial Procurement Committee Sharon Mua shakes on it with contractor rep from Mickeys Carrier Ltd *(Image: NBC News / Priscilla Waikadi)*

The contractor is currently mobilizing equipment and personnel, with an expected completion date set for the end of this year.

Meeting these runway specifications is one primary requirement for CASA to certify the airstrip for the resumption of regular commercial flight operations.

RAA Chief Executive Officer, Kim Rose Opiti, expressed satisfaction that the technical and administrative hurdles had been cleared.

"We have held the funds until today and are actually very glad to finally come here and have this happen," Opiti said.

"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."

Once completed, the upgraded runway is expected to significantly lower travel risks and boost the local economy in the island district.