Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project

Construction of the Air Traffic Control Tower at Honiara International Airport is progressing steadily. The project has now reached the first-floor level, with beam and slab reinforcement works, along with mechanical and electrical (M&E) rough-ins, currently underway in preparation for concrete casting.

Exciting progress for Temotu Province.

The new Santa Cruz AirfieldTerminal Building is now nearing full completion under the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2), implemented by the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA) with funding support from the World Bank.
Once completed, the modern facility will provide a safer, more comfortable, and more efficient experience for passengers travelling to and from Temotu Province. The new terminal will also improve airport operations, strengthen connectivity, support tourism growth, and create new opportunities for economic development in the province.
This important infrastructure investment demonstrates MCA's commitment to improving aviation services and strengthening transport connectivity for communities across the Solomon Islands 🇸🇧✈️

𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐄𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 (𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐀𝐬𝐢𝐚 𝐏𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭) 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐧 𝐈𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐯𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐒𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐬.

The World Bank Environment and Social Framework (ESF) Practice Manager for the East Asia Pacific Region has completed a series of technical site visits to key project sites under the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2) in Henderson, Honiara.

Commencing on 26 May 2026, the visit focused on reviewing civil works progress, environmental and social safeguards, and strengthening coordination between government counterparts, contractors, and supervision consultants.

The World Bank team, together with the SIRAP2 Project Support Team (PST), contractors, and the supervision consultant, inspected the Air Traffic Control Tower, Fire Service Station, and Aviation Complex Building sites.

The team commended the strong progress achieved, particularly the successful completion and handover of the new Fire Service Station, which marks a significant milestone in strengthening aviation safety and security in Solomon Islands.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Communication and Aviation, Mr. Alwyn Danitofea, acknowledged the continued partnership with the World Bank, noting that the developments will enhance aviation safety, improve operational efficiency, and support long-term economic growth and connectivity.

SIRAP2 is funded by the World Bank and jointly implemented by the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) and the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA), supporting improved transport safety, climate resilience, and sustainable connectivity across Solomon Islands.

Santa Cruz Airfield Update ✈️

Installation of roofing on the new terminal building at Santa Cruz Airfield is progressing well as works continue on site. The development marks another important milestone toward improving airport infrastructure and services for the people of Temotu Province and travelling public.

𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐚𝐫𝐚 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚 𝐀𝐢𝐫 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐥 𝐓𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐬.

Construction of the new Air Traffic Control Towers (ATCT) at Honiara and Munda International Airports are progressing well under the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2). Funded by the World Bank and implemented by the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA), the towers are being constructed by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, with Egis Asia providing construction supervision.
A key milestone has been achieved at both sites with the successful transition from substructure to superstructure works. Following backfilling, work has continued to the ground and first-floor levels. Current activities include masonry block works, reinforcement detailing, and formwork installation for columns and shear walls.
At Honiara (Lot 1), masonry block wall is being constructed on the ground floor, columns have been cast up to the structural slab. Preparations are ongoing for shear wall casting and reinforcement detailing on the first-floor beams and slabs.
At Munda (Lot 2), works have advanced to the first-floor level, including reinforcement detailing for shear walls and column, alongside formwork installation for the parapet and stairway structure leading to the second floor.
Concurrently, close monitoring and coordination of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) works continue at both sites to ensure compliance with project specifications and quality standards. Procurement of key building components such as doors and windows is also being finalized to support upcoming stages.
Permanent Secretary of MCA, Alwyn Danitofea, highlighted the strategic importance of the towers stating, “the construction of these new ATCT at Honiara and Munda International Airports will significantly enhance air traffic management, improve operational efficiency, and support safer aviation services for both domestic and international operations.”
The contractor aims to accelerate progress in the coming months, focusing on reinforcement detailing, MEP installations, and casting of first-floor beams and slabs at both sites. Once completed, the towers will strengthen aviation safety, improve operational efficiency, and support the continued growth in the Solomon Islands aviation sector.

𝐄𝐧𝐝//////

📢 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐔𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 | 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚 𝐂𝐫𝐮𝐳 (𝐋𝐚𝐭𝐚) 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐓𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠.

Construction of the new Santa Cruz (Lata) Terminal Building under the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2) has now reached approximately 70% completion marking another important milestone for aviation development in Temotu Province.

Funded by the World Bank and implemented by the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA), the project is being delivered by China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) with construction supervision by Egis Asia.

✅ Major completed works include:
• Superstructure and substructure works
• Concrete slabs for arrival, departure and canopy shed extension
• Installation of roof hardwood rafters and purlins

🔨 Ongoing works include:
• Doors and windows installation
• Interior and exterior wall finishes
• Carpentry works at the check-in area
• Toilet waterproofing
• Electrical and plumbing works
• Water tank base installation
• Passenger ramp construction
• Parking area compaction

MCA Permanent Secretary, Alwyn Danitofea, said the new terminal will improve passenger comfort, support safer and more efficient airport operations, and strengthen economic growth and connectivity for the people of Temotu Province.

The project continues to progress steadily towards completion, bringing long-term benefits for local communities, businesses, and connectivity across Temotu Province and the wider Solomon Islands.

✈️🏗️ 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐯𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐱 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐈𝐑𝐀𝐏𝟐

Construction of the new Aviation Complex Building under the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2) is progressing steadily and remains on track under the updated construction schedule. 🇸🇧

Funded by the World Bank and implemented by the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA), the project is being constructed by China Railway Construction Engineering Group (CRCEG), with Egis Asia providing supervision. 👷‍♂️🏢

Current works include:
🔹 Installation of curtain wall frames and panels
🔹 Block wall plastering and column finishing
🔹 Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) works
🔹 Roof waterproofing and toilet tiling
🔹 Construction of septic tanks, guard house, access road and drainage system 🚧

MCA Permanent Secretary, Alwyn Danitofea, commended the steady progress, saying the facility will strengthen aviation infrastructure, improve operational efficiency, and provide a modern working environment to better support aviation services in Solomon Islands. ✈️🌏

Once completed, the Aviation Complex Building will stand as a major milestone toward delivering modern, resilient, and efficient aviation facilities for the country.

✈️ 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐚𝐫𝐚 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐢𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐞 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 🚒

A newly constructed Rescue Fire Service Station at Honiara International Airport has been officially handed over to the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA) in a ceremony held on Friday, 24 April 2026.

The event was officiated by the Minister for MCA, Hon. Alfred Tuasulia, and attended by World Bank Country Representative to Solomon Islands, Mr. Bernard Harborne, along with government ministers, representatives from Guadalcanal Province, senior officials, project stakeholders, and invited guests.

Delivered under the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2) in partnership with the World Bank, this modern and gender-inclusive facility is a major boost to aviation safety in the country. Equipped with advanced firefighting and rescue capabilities, the station will strengthen emergency response at the airport, ensure compliance with international aviation standards, and improve the safety and reliability of air transport services across Solomon Islands.

Construction was undertaken by China Railway Construction Engineering Group, with Egis Asia providing construction supervision.

Speaking at the event, Hon. Tuasulia highlighted the importance of the facility:
“The Rescue Fire Service Complex we commissioned will serve as the operational home for a team of highly skilled and dedicated aviation firefighters who stand ready to respond whenever duty calls.”

World Bank Country Representative, Mr. Bernard Harborne, reaffirmed continued support:
“The World Bank is proud to support investments that strengthen aviation safety and improve connectivity across Solomon Islands. Facilities like this are essential for safe, reliable, and resilient air transport services especially for our remote island communities.”

This milestone reflects the Government’s strong commitment to investing in critical infrastructure to deliver safer, more resilient aviation services for all Solomon Islanders.

To the general public please take note.

The Santa Cruz Airport Terminal Update.

Current works are nearing the final stages, and the project remains on track for completion in May 2026. Once finished, the upgraded terminal is expected to significantly improve passenger experience, enhance operational efficiency, and support safer and more reliable air travel services in Temotu Province.