Civil Aviation Minister Davis Steven

Steven was responding to questions in Parliament on Tuesday from West Sepik Governor Amkat Mai.    

The Civil Aviation Minister said Tadji Airport is not under the 22 certified airports overseen by National Airport Corporation (NAC) but will seek clarification and response in writing to the governor.     

Steven said the redevelopment will start when funding is released to NAC.  

He added that over K46 million had already been paid to the contractor before work stalled. 

Civil Aviation Minister Davis Steven stated this during the aviation safety and security conference in Kokopo, East New Britain, recently.

Minister Steven says this is a reason for stepping up efforts to ensure aviation operators, airports and passengers are secure, up to 2018 and beyond.

He urged the aviation industry to be educated and kept informed about the trends in aviation security to minimise such risks.

“Aviation security risks remain a constant threat for all countries, including PNG,” he said.

This point was highlighted by Civil Aviation Minister Davis Steven and emphasised by National Airports Corporation (NAC) Managing Director, Joseph Tupiri, to statements by East New Britain Governor Ereman ToBaining that Tokua Airport needs an upgrade.

Governor ToBaining revealed this when welcoming Steven and those participating in the third Aviation Safety and Security Annual Conference in Kokopo.

He said the Tokua Airport last underwent an upgrade seven years ago on its runway, which is now in need of repair.