Honiara International Airport Upgrades Near Completion

Upgrades to the Honiara International Airport runway under the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2) are progressing well, with new surfacing and lighting expected to be completed by June 2024.

The runway improvements are one part of the World Bank supported SBD1.1 billion Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP) and SIRAP2. The works are being implemented by the Ministry of Communication and Aviation and will improve the climate resilience and safety of Honiara International Airport.

Ongoing improvements under the project include runway resurfacing and new airfield ground lighting installation. 83 percent of all upgrades are now complete which includes 97 percent of asphalt concrete pavement, 93 percent of permanent line markings, and 85 percent of piping and backfilling trenches. The contractor will complete the remaining works during night shifts and is set to increase the pace of works over the coming weeks.

Supervising Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Communication and Aviation, Mckinnie Dentana, said “the upgrades will prolong the life of Solomon Islands main link to the world and will make air travel safer and more reliable. These improvements to Solomon Islands major gateway will also provide benefits for tourism, fisheries, agriculture, health, and business.”

Other investments under SIRAP2 include constructing four new bridges in Malaita (Kolofe1, Kolofe2, Su’u Harbor, and Bira Bridges); upgrading roads in Noro; providing upgrades to Honiara, Munda, and Santa Cruz Airports; upgrading air navigation systems in Makira-Ulawa and Temotu Provinces; and supporting airport maintenance.

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