Upgrades to Honiara International Runway Resurfacing and Lighting Progressing Well

Upgrades to the Honiara International runway and airfield ground lighting under the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2) are progressing well. The SIRAP2 aviation component is being implemented by the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA) and is supported by the World Bank.

MCA have contracted China Railway Construction Engineering Group to undertake the works that are expected to be completed in March 2024. This will provide new surfacing and lightings for the airport runway and runway end safety areas.

Milling has been conducted to a depth of 15 mm across a stretch of the runway which was cross-checked by Aviation Consultancy Group personnel to ensure compliance. This milling works involves grinding up the existing asphalt surface to the specified depth (15mm) to provide a smooth and even surface for repaving. There have been no cracks and potholes noticed to date. Painting line mark works started as well for the runway thresholds, centrelines and edge lines during the night shift.

In addition to the runway resurfacing, the existing runway ground lighting will be upgraded with energy-efficient approach lights. Most of the preparation and layout works for the new lighting is now complete.

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

The upgrades to the Honiara International Airport runway are one part of the SBD1.1 billion Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP) and SIRAP2 that are being financed by the World Bank. These projects are being implemented by MCA and the Ministry of Infrastructure Development to make the country’s airports safer, more efficient, and more climate resilient, while also delivering important upgrades to selected roads and bridges across the country.

Other investments under SIRAP and SIRAP2 include upgrades to Munda International Airport and Santa Cruz (Lata) Airfield, along with improvements for seven bridges in Malaita, and roads in Noro, Western Province.

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