Air New Zealand, Qantas, and Virgin Australia last month stopped flying to Port Vila's Bauerfield Airport citing concerns about the runway's safety.
The new prime minister, Charlot Salwai, says repairing the runway is one of his top priorities, and the public utilities ministry yesterday awarded the contract to New Zealand company Fulton Hogan.
The government is seeking a World Bank loan to carry out the work, which is estimated to cost about US$1.2 million.
