Plans underway for new airport to compliment Tokua

 THE East New Britain provincial executive council has approved the setting up of another airport at Tavilo, Kerevat.

The Tavilo airport will be the alternative airport to Tokua which is prone to volcanic ash from Mt Tavurvur. The Tokua airport is often closed when ash from the volcano is carried by strong winds towards it. It forces the suspension of flights causing a lot of inconvenience to the people.

In February, Minister for Civil Aviation Davis Steven, inspected the state land at Vunakanau and Tavilo to cater especially for Dash-8 flights.

The council, however, ruled out Vunakanau because it too is prone to volcanic ash.

The provincial council is focused on developing the local economy and the opening of an alternate airport will boost that.

The Tavilo site is within the Kerevat growth centre and will provide the air transport service that will benefit the development of the growth centre and the Gazelle district.

The project will be funded by the Government  to complement the development of Kokopo as the tourism hub of PNG.