Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has reaffirmed his government’s strong commitment to transforming Papua New Guinea’s aviation sector through the ongoing implementation of the Civil Aviation Development Investment Programme (CADIP), saying it is key to unlocking economic potential across the country.
Speaking from the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Prime Minister Marape said he chose to mark his sixth anniversary in office by launching a major new infrastructure project at Aropa Airport.
“Today, May 30th, 2025, marks the sixth anniversary since I was vested the responsibility of being Papua New Guinea’s Chief Servant by 101 Members of Parliament out of 111,” Prime Minister Marape said.
“I chose to spend this anniversary here in Bougainville for an important infrastructure groundbreaking—the brand-new terminal and airport development at Aropa. The needs in the Autonomous Bougainville Region, and across our 21 provinces, remain substantial. In 49 years, we have not developed much because our budget has been small while our development needs remain large.”
He said when he took office in 2019, the economy was in decline and development needs were critical across all sectors.
“Six years later, despite progress, much work remains outstanding. But I want to assure all Papua New Guineans that we are not resting—we are doing our best to grow our economy and develop our country,” the Prime Minister said.On the occasion of the Aropa Airport groundbreaking, Prime Minister Marape acknowledged the National Airports Corporation (NAC) for its long-standing commitment.
“From the airport context, I want to thank the NAC—an agency of State—for working consistently behind a vision of fully developing our airports in PNG,” he said.
Prime Minister Marape recalled that the foundation for this work was laid between 2005 and 2008 under the Somare-led National Alliance Government.
“In 2005 to 2008, a vision was birthed by the Somare Government. I remember when I was Vice Minister for Transport, Works and Civil Aviation in 2007/2008. Minister Don Polye brought CADIP 1 to NEC. Fifteen years later, I am privileged as Prime Minister, under my Pangu-led Government, to have sanctioned CADIP 2 and continued this important legacy,” he said.
“My government is also honouring our counterpart funding commitments to both CADIP 1 and CADIP 2.”
The Prime Minister highlighted the progress of airport upgrades under his government:
• Completed or Under Redevelopment: Manus, Kavieng, Mt Hagen (redevelopment ongoing), Goroka, Mendi, Vanimo, Tari, Madang, and Wapenamanda.
• Recently Launched: Kiunga, Hoskins, and Alotau.
• Currently Underway: Aropa in Bougainville, including a brand-new terminal and pavement development.
He also acknowledged bilateral partners for their ongoing support. “I want to thank the Government of Japan for the Nadzab Tomodachi Airport, and the Government of Australia for supporting Girua Airport in Oro Province,” Prime Minister Marape said.
Looking ahead, he said new phases of work under CADIP would soon reach other parts of the country.
“We will proceed to Pomio, Buka and Daru as we go through the next phase of CADIP. Tokua and Jacksons airports will see a major upgrade in due course, ” he said.
“After Aropa we will go to Wewak to launch its redevelopment. We will also develop Tokua and Port Moresby again too. These developments are not just about infrastructure—they are about connecting our people, opening up our economy, and laying down long-term enablers for national growth.”