Palau International Airport has received funding from the U.S. Trade and Development Agency to upgrade critical aviation infrastructure. The technical assistance will update the airport’s master plan to help it prepare for long-term growth, including analysis of how to extend the existing runway to accommodate larger planes, and will provide guidance on determining the specifics of airport development needs across the country.
Pacific Island countries like Palau are among the world’s most air-dependent economies due to their remote location. Airline connectivity is critical for driving tourism, as well as education, employment opportunities, healthcare access, and the delivery of goods and services. Improved and expanded ROR infrastructure will facilitate economic development, including by ending logistical constraints limiting the size of aircraft that can use ROR and by developing other airstrips in the country.
Palau’s officials emphasised how this initiative will support the country’s long-term growth and connectivity goals.
Minister Charles Obichang, Palau Ministry of Public Infrastructure and Industry said: “Palau’s future depends on safe, reliable and sustainable air connectivity for our people and visitors alike, and this partnership helps us take a major step in that direction. USTDA’s support is truly catalytic for our island nation, because it gives us the high quality planning and technical expertise we need up front to unlock larger investments in our aviation infrastructure. By working with American innovators and experts, we are strengthening our airport and economy, we are also deepening our long-standing partnership with the United States, and contributing to a more secure and open Pacific region that benefits our people and the world.”
“Our support to strengthen Palau’s aviation infrastructure using high-quality U.S. solutions deepens our steadfast partnership on matters of mutual strategic interest,” said Thomas Hardy, USTDA’s Deputy Director. “USTDA’s work helps strengthen the sovereignty of partner countries like Palau, while enhancing a free and open Indo-Pacific region more broadly.”
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