The Santa Cruz Airfield upgrade in Temotu Province has achieved a key milestone in substantially completing Phase 1 works and a proving flight conducted by the Civil Aviation Authority of Solomon Islands (CAASI).
The upgrade, delivered under the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2), is set to enhance safety, reliability, and connectivity for communities in the eastern part of the country.
Funded by the World Bank and implemented by the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA), the work is being executed by China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), with Egis providing construction supervision services.
The runway was temporarily closed from July 14, 2025, to August 10, 2025, allowing critical construction works to proceed.
The Phase 1 works, which cover 950 meters of the runway, are substantially complete, with only airfield ground lighting and final line marking remaining.
Phase 2 works are now underway, with site clearing and removal of loose soil, apron and taxiway earthwork embankment, and stripping of 260 meters of topsoil complete and earthworks excavation of the existing 350 meters of the runway ongoing.
On August 10, 2025, CAASI conducted a proving flight, successfully landing and taking off twice from the upgraded runway.
This milestone enabled the reopening of Santa Cruz Airfield, with the first passenger flight taken on August 14, 2025.
MCA Permanent Secretary, Alwyn Danitofea said, “The progress at Santa Cruz Airfield reflects the strong collaboration among the government, our partners, the contractor, the supervision consultant, and community. Once complete, the upgraded airfield will improve connectivity, safety, and reliability for Temotu Province, unlocking greater social and economic benefits for the community.”
The Santa Cruz Airfield upgrade is part of the broader SIRAP2 initiative, which aims to strengthen transport infrastructure across Solomon Islands, improve climate resilience, and support inclusive development.
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.
– SIRAP
