The Papua New Guinea government is working on upgrading 21 national airports as part of its Vision 2050 Medium Development Plan (2023–2027). Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Walter Schnaubelt emphasized that these upgrades aim to modernize infrastructure, enhance safety, and ensure compliance with national and international aviation standards. The initiative also seeks to improve connectivity between rural and urban areas, fostering economic growth and better service delivery. The Asian Development Bank is contributing $171 million (K689 million) towards these projects, highlighting the importance of civil aviation for key sectors like mining, agriculture, and tourism.