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January 8, 2026
January 8, 2026
January 8, 2026
Travellers flying into Aishalton in Region Nine will now land on a newly rehabilitated 2,500-foot airfield, replacing a laterite strip that for years posed safety risks and limited access to essential services for residents.The airstrip, once overgrown and prone to flooding, made landings hazardous, particularly after heavy rainfall. Evening flights were largely impossible, and residents often had to travel several hours to Lethem—up to five hours during the rainy season—to access air services for medical care, supplies and transportation.
On Thursday, the community marked the commissioning of the G$920.399 million upgraded airfield, an investment aimed at improving connectivity, lowering transportation costs and expanding economic opportunities in the hinterland.
President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali delivered the feature address at the ceremony, attended by hundreds of residents, and said the project reflected a commitment to inclusive, people-centred development.“We don’t believe in ruler-based leadership. We believe in servant-based leadership,” the president said.
The rehabilitation was carried out by the Ministry of Public Works’ Special Projects Unit, working with International Import & Supplies and the Aishalton Village Council. At least 60 residents from the village were employed during construction, including skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled workers.
Work began on October 2, 2025, and was completed on December 15, 2025. The airfield can now accommodate all local aircraft except the Beechcraft, which requires a longer runway.
President Ali said the upgraded facility would address long-standing weather-related disruptions that previously affected medical evacuations, food supplies and scheduled flights.“That is no longer and that would no longer be the case,” he said.
He also announced plans for a modern terminal building at the site, unveiling artist’s impressions during the ceremony. The proposed G$50 million terminal will house immigration and police services and is intended to support tourism development in the community.
“This one investment is stimulating another investment,” the president said.
The commissioning coincided with the first shipment of mangoes departing Aishalton via the rehabilitated runway, improving market access for local farmers. President Ali said the government is targeting annual production of 150,000 pounds of mangoes in Regions Eight and Nine as part of its food security and import substitution strategy.
“The first shipment of mango is going out from
your airstrip today,” he said, noting that several thousand pounds of produce were transported.
The president reiterated a call for airline operators to reduce fares to hinterland communities, arguing that residents should benefit directly from public investment.
“You’re not doing them a favour. You have a responsibility,” he said.
He announced that Jags Aviation will reduce fares to Aishalton and Paramakatoi effective February 1, becoming the first airline to respond to the request.
President Ali also reaffirmed plans to construct at least 35 additional airstrips in hinterland communities, along with a new modern airport in Lethem, as part of a wider effort to integrate Regions Eight and Nine into the national transportation network.
“As we open this airstrip in Aishalton, we are saying clearly and confidently that geography will no longer decide who gets ahead and who is left behind,” he said.
“This is how we ensure that development is not coastal-centric, but nationally inclusive.”
Earlier this week, a former laterite landing strip in Paramakatoi, Region Eight, was also commissioned after being upgraded to a concrete surface runway at a cost of approximately G$800 million. (DPI)
