Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport Expansion Project

The Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport (PNLIA) has a runway of 1,850 meters (m) in length with a pavement width of 30m. The runway can accommodate Code C aircrafts such as B737 and A320, but operations of these aircrafts are under significant restrictions on payload because the length of the runway is short. The existing runway also does not have the ICAO specified Runway End Safety Areas (RESA), which is at least 90m long and required for safe aerodrome operation. These two issues pose challenges in route development of the PNLIA for better air connectivity of the country because airlines have to take into consideration commercial penalty by operating with reduced passenger load factors (i.e., less seat occupied) and consider extra safety measures. The current Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) is also in poor condition and does not fully meet the requirements even for the existing runway. The project will be aligned with the following impact: national productivity improved by ensuring better connectivity of its people within and outside of the country. The proposed outcome is improved efficiency and safety of goods and people's movements.