Solomon Islands’ Santa Cruz Airport upgrade complete

By Andrew Curran.

The World Bank-funded upgrade of Santa Cruz Airport in the Solomon Islands is complete, with the contractor handing the airport back late last week. The USD15.5 million project included runway sealing, pavement and shoulder improvements, airfield ground lighting and a new terminal building.

Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Communication and Aviation Frederick Kologeto said the airport project was a significant investment in connectivity, public safety, economic opportunity and access to essential services.

“Improved air transport infrastructure is important in creating better opportunities for trade, tourism, health services and social development,” he said.

Solomon Airlines links the Santa Cruz (SCZ) in Temotu Province to Honiara (HIR) twice a week using DHC-6-300 Twin Otters.

Air transport is critical for remote provinces such as Temotu, where air travel plays an important role in connecting scattered communities and supporting service delivery.

"For Solomon Airlines, better facilities mean better connections, and that’s what keeps our islands together," Solomon Airlines CEO Matthew Findlay told Aero South Pacific.

"Purposeful investment, that is both likely to be used, and useful are vital in ensuring we can operate sustainable air services, that aren’t burdened by unnecessary investment. This upgraded facility represents a useful investment, that will be most welcome for travellers and residents together."

The upgrade was part of the Government’s Ministry of Communication and Aviation-administered Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project Phase 2 (SIRAP 2) programme, which has also seen Taro Airport in Choiseul Province and Seghe Airport in Western Province recently upgraded.

At Santa Cruz Airport, construction work was undertaken by China Harbour Engineering Company, with construction supervision services provided by EGIS Singapore Ltd. The Solomon Islands Government has handed ownership of the airport to the Temotu Provincial Government.

The involvement of China Harbour Engineering Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of state-owned China Communications Construction Company, underscores the growing role of China in aviation and other infrastructure projects across the South West Pacific.

Construction of Vanikoro Airport to start in 2027

Meanwhile, at the official handover ceremony, Kologeto said construction of the new Vanikoro Airport would commence in 2027. Vanikoro, an island in the Santa Cruz group, does not have an active airport, and residents rely on sea transport or nearby regional airfields such as Santa Cruz. When complete, Vanikoro will become the easternmost airport in the Solomon Islands.

“The project represents another important commitment to improving connectivity across remote islands,” the Acting Prime Minister said. “It will strengthen the national aviation network and ensure communities in Temotu Province are better connected to essential services and economic opportunities.”

The airport will be built on a greenfield site and, when complete, will feature a 1,500-metre sealed runway capable of accommodating ATR42 aircraft.

Photo: Solomon Islands Government
Contact the writer: andrew@aerosouthpacific.com