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Santa Cruz Airfield Upgrade Reaches Key Milestones Toward Completion

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The Santa Cruz Airfield upgrade in Temotu Province is advancing steadily toward completion, marking a step in improving connectivity, safety, and climate resilience of the Solomon Islands’ aviation sector.

The upgrade, delivered under the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2), is funded by the World Bank and implemented by the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA), with China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) as the contractor and Egis as the construction supervision consultant.

Recent progress includes the application of prime coat on the final sections of the runway (CH1+260 to CH1+330). Shoulder treatment for the phase 1 works is complete except for areas near the temporary terminal building.

Ongoing works include: (i) rock revetment at the eastern end, with geo-bag installation reaching eighth of ten layers and scheduled for backfilling in mid-November 2025, and (ii) sealing of the remaining runway, with pre-coasting of aggregate underway and the remaining materials expected to arrive in the coming week.

Construction of the new terminal building and installation of airfield ground lighting are to commence shortly.

MCA Permanent Secretary, Alwyn Danitofea, commended the project team for their commitment, stating that “The progress at Santa Cruz Airfield reflects the strong collaboration between all stakeholders- from the project support team to the contractor, the supervision consultant, and the local community. Once completed, this upgraded infrastructure will greatly enhance connectivity, safety, and economic opportunities for the people of Temotu Province.”

In addition to the Santa Cruz Airfield upgrade, SIRAP2 is also supporting the construction of the Noro Roads and four new bridges in Malaita, upgrades to Honiara and Munda Airports and Suavanao Airfield in Isabel Province, investments in air navigation systems in Makira-Ulawa and Temotu Provinces, maintenance of regional airports, rehabilitation of 21km of East Road between Baratolo and Atori, and sealing of 12km of North Road between Auki Gwaunaru’u Airfield Junction and Kwaisuliniu Road Junction.

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–SIRAP2 Press Release 

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