The Solomon Islands government has taken a key step towards enhancing connectivity in the country’s remote eastern islands with the completion of community consultations and preliminary site surveying for a proposed Greenfield Airport on Vanikoro Island, Temotu Province.
From 9–30 October 2025, an official team led by the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA), in collaboration with the Ministries of Infrastructure Development, Lands, Housing and Survey, Forestry, and Agriculture, conducted extensive consultations and technical assessments on a designated land area known locally as the Desert Land — the proposed site for the airport.
Upon arrival in Temotu Province, the delegation paid a courtesy call to the Provincial Office, where senior staff and Honourable members of the Provincial Assembly welcomed them. MCA Deputy Secretary Luke Mua, who led the mission, highlighted the significance of the project:
“The proposed Greenfield Airport at Vanikoro represents a transformative opportunity for Temotu Province. It will open new pathways for economic growth, enhance access to air transport services and strengthen the integration of remote communities into the national economy.”
He further explained the strategic value of the project: “One of the fundamental development priorities of the Ministry of Communication and Aviation is to connect and bridge our islands together."
"The proposed Vanikoro Greenfield Airport is a strategic investment that will contribute to this connectivity and accessibility. Such airport infrastructure will enable fast, efficient and safe travel for both people and goods, and offer vital support for education and medical services and even disaster relief. It will support tourism, foster economic growth, and provide access to air transport services for remote communities, in particular those of Temotu Vatud Constituency.”
Local leaders welcome initiative
Honourable John Fenua, Provincial Member for Anuta Ward, welcomed the government’s initiative, noting that previous proposals had not been realised.
“We welcome this project as it represents a significant step forward for Temotu Province. The initiative of developing an airport on Vanikoro Island was long known about but never delivered. Now that the current national government, through the Ministry of Communication and Aviation, has shown the effort and seriousness of implementing this airport infrastructure, it indicates that our people’s voices are heard. We look forward to continued collaboration as the project progresses.”
Community engagement and site assessments
The team held inclusive dialogues with local chiefs, elders, landowners, women, youth, and children across communities including Paiu, Emua, Muravai, Buma, Lavaka, and Lale. Discussions focused on the socio-economic benefits of the airport and addressed community concerns.
Technical officers conducted preliminary site surveys, assessing land suitability, environmental considerations, and infrastructure requirements. Soil testing, including Dynamic Cone Penetration (DCP) assessments and laboratory analysis of extracted soil samples, provided critical data on soil strength, density, and bearing capacity — key factors for airport construction.
Improving connectivity and economic opportunities
The proposed Greenfield Airport is expected to improve travel safety, reliability, and efficiency, particularly for the residents of Vanikoro Island and neighbouring islands in Temotu Vatud Constituency. Presently, travel relies on open boat marine (OBM) transport, which can be hazardous due to harsh weather conditions and high fuel costs. The airport is also seen as a catalyst for tourism and broader economic growth in the region.
The Ministry of Communication and Aviation reaffirmed its commitment to developing the airport sustainably, inclusively, and in a manner that benefits local communities while strengthening regional connectivity.
The Vanikoro Greenfield Airport is a government-led initiative aimed at improving air transport access for remote islands in Temotu Province, supporting tourism, trade, education, and emergency services, while providing safer, more reliable travel options for local communities.
