PNG MP Demands Action on Stalled Madang Airport Redevelopment

A member of Papua New Guinea's Parliament has publicly called on the National Government to restart the delayed redevelopment of Madang Airport (MAG), highlighting the facility's deteriorating condition as a major obstacle to provincial development.

During a parliamentary session, Madang provincial MP Ramsey Pariwa questioned Prime Minister James Marape about the protracted and inconsistent progress on the airport's upgrade. Pariwa contrasted Madang's situation with recent aviation infrastructure successes in neighboring provinces, such as the new Boram Airport in Wewak, East Sepik. The MP argued that while other regions receive modern aviation hubs, Madang, a key center for tourism and commerce, is left with a dilapidated terminal, creating a significant bottleneck for the local economy.

Infrastructure Disconnect

The core of Pariwa's grievance is the apparent disconnect between major national infrastructure initiatives and the state of the provincial airport. He specifically referenced the multi-million kina Connect PNG road project, which is funding a new four-lane road in the province.

"This road will lead us from a high-standard road down to a run-down terminal and into a culvert where the Dash 8 aircraft come," Pariwa stated in Parliament. "It doesn't make sense."

This inconsistency undermines the broader goals of the Connect PNG program, which aims to improve connectivity and stimulate economic growth across the country. The MP's comments suggest that without a functional and modern airport, the benefits of improved road access will be severely limited.

Pariwa also raised critical operational concerns regarding the government's recent acquisition of new aircraft, referred to as the 'People’s Planes'. He questioned the utility of this fleet for his constituents, given the current limitations of Madang Airport's runway.

"These 'People's Planes' cannot land at Madang Airport now," he said. "So, the people of Madang will just watch them fly by."

Government Assurances

In response to the pointed questions, Prime Minister James Marape acknowledged the frustrations and reaffirmed the government's commitment to the project. Marape assured Pariwa that the redevelopment of Madang Airport remains a key priority within the national infrastructure framework.

"I hear the Governor’s frustration… however, I want to assure him that the current plans are not just about a 'small' terminal," Marape said. He emphasized that the government is planning a "comprehensive upgrade" designed to reflect Madang's importance as a strategic hub.

The Prime Minister confirmed that the National Airports Corporation (NAC) and the Ministry of Civil Aviation are actively working on the project's technical aspects. A primary focus is ensuring the runway specifications are upgraded to safely accommodate the new, larger aircraft being introduced into the national fleet. According to Marape, funding for the comprehensive upgrade is being secured, and he expects to see more consistent progress on the project in the coming months.

What Comes Next

While Prime Minister Marape requested patience as technical details are finalized, the immediate next steps involve the NAC completing its work on runway and terminal specifications. The government has indicated that funding is allocated, but a definitive timeline for the commencement of major construction work was not provided. The progress will be closely watched by provincial leaders who see the airport as essential for unlocking Madang's economic potential. The successful upgrade is contingent on the finalization of these technical plans and the subsequent deployment of secured funds.

Why This Matters

This situation at Madang Airport highlights a common challenge in national infrastructure planning: ensuring that large-scale projects, like new highways and aircraft fleets, are supported by corresponding upgrades to critical local infrastructure. For Papua New Guinea, the failure to modernize key regional airports like Madang could hamper the growth of tourism and trade, directly impacting the return on investment from other major infrastructure expenditures. The outcome of this project will serve as a bellwether for the government's ability to execute a truly integrated national development strategy.

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