Work on the second phase of the Munda airport in Western province is expected to start early next year.
Ministry of Communication and Aviation permanent secretary, Moses Virivolomo confirmed this when he appeared before the Public Accounts Committee (pac) in Parliament on Sunday.
Virivolomo said the second phase is likely to start January or February next year.
He explained the delayed is due to the reform by the Democratic Coalition for Change (DCC) government which wants to go into Public Private Partnership and State Owned Enterprise (SOE) deal to look after all the airstrips in the country.
Mr Virivolomo said the Unexplosive Ordinance team had started removing unexploded ordinance on sites where the lights and also extension will take place.
He said the contracts have also being awarded to contractors that will do fencing, navigational aids and fire station.
Both New Zealand government and Solomon Islands government are funding this project.
Meanwhile, Virivolomo said the reopening of Manaoba airport in North Malaita is delayed because a caveat was imposed on the site.
However, he said Parasi airport in South Malaita is progressing well with only one group left for consultation.
He said this is same for Lomlom airport.
