K692mil Nadzab opens today

By GLORIA BAUAI
THE K692 million newly redeveloped and renamed Nadzab Tomodachi International Airport will be opened today by the Prime Minister James Marape, Japanese government representatives and the Morobe government.
The Nadzab Airport Redevelopment Project (NARP) is the single largest airport investment undertaken by National Government, implemented by the National Airports Corporation Ltd, with support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica)’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) loan.
NAC acting managing director and chief executive officer Joeseph Kintau said construction commenced in 2016, spearheaded by contractor, Dai Nippon-Nippo Joint Venture and culminated in its completion in July 2023 which is a testament to persistence and commitment to excellence by the National Airports Corporation, the contractor and sub-contractors and other stakeholders.
“The new domestic and international terminal at Nadzab and the upgraded facilities, is set to meet the growing demands for air transportation in Lae and the region, by accommodating larger jet aircraft and establishing Nadzab as a vital alternate airport to Port Moresby’s (Jackson) International Airport,” he said.
Kintau said the re-development included the construction of an international and domestic passenger terminal building, the expansion and reinforcement of runways and aprons and comprehensive upgrades, adhering to civil aviation rules and international aviation standards.
The three-year development has upgraded it to a standard capable of unlimited Boeing 737 operations and as an alternate for Port Moresby’s international airport B767 type aircraft.
The completion of the terminal now allows for direct international flights into Lae.
Amidst local concerns of the name change, the National Government has maintained its position that Tomodachi was a gesture of a strong lasting bilateral relationship.
NAC said they were aware of rumors of a protest to disrupt the programme and had taken the necessary measures to ensure the day without incident.
PNG Tourism Promotion Authority and Morobe authorities applauded the milestone which they agreed would allow for improved tourism and business opportunities into Morobe and connecting provinces.
Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso, Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Walter Schnaubelt and Morobe Governor Luther Wenge are also expected to attend.
The event will also be witnessed by the Japanese government’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs Iwao Horii, who has travelled from Japan with his delegation to attend the opening.