National Airports Corporation recently handed over the new Gurney Airport market and toilet facilities, to the Milne Bay Provincial Government to operate, manage and sustain under a Memorandum of Agreement with the Provincial Government.
Bearing in mind that Milne Bay Province is a tourist hub, the new market facility aims to encourage and promote community participation in selling products including arts and crafts to airport users including tourists.
The facilities are connected to electricity & water supply with a vehicle parking area and security fencing.
These facilities were built as part of the Gurney Airport Upgrade Project which was completed in 2020 under the Civil Aviation Development Investment Program (CADIP) at a cost of K30.6 million.
Other major improvements which were completed at Gurney Airport in 2020 included the Runway Pavement Strengthening and extension from 1700 metres to 1900 metres, refurbishment of the existing terminal, three NAC staff houses and a new Power House among others.
Further upgrade for Gurney Airport is included in the proposed CADIP Phase 2, which include a new terminal building, asphalt surfaced runway, taxiway and apron.
CADIP is implemented by the National Airports Corporation and is funded through the Asian Development Bank’s Multitranche Financing Facility (MFF) loan and counterpart funding from the Government of Papua New Guinea (GoPNG).
The developments taking place through CADIP, are in line with the Government’s Vision 2050 to provide improved airport infrastructure and services that will enable economic sustainability and growth.