HONIARA, Solomon Islands — Steady progress is being made on the new Honiara Aviation Complex Building, a key infrastructure component under the Second Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project (SIRAP2). The initiative is being implemented by the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA) with support from the World Bank.
The contractor, China Railway Construction Engineering Group (CRCEG), has already completed the workers’ resting and storage areas and installed site noticeboards. Construction of the site office is also advancing steadily, while temporary utilities — such as water and electricity — are nearing completion.
Behind the scenes, technical work is moving forward. The finalisation of the Geotechnical Investigation Report marks a significant milestone, ensuring that the future structure will rest on solid, resilient foundations. In addition, final design documents have been submitted and are currently under review by the supervision consultant, Egis.
Foundation excavation works have also begun, signalling the transition into the next phase — structural construction. This brings actual progress under the design-and-build contract to 13 percent.
MCA Permanent Secretary Alwyn Danitofea underscored the importance of the facility in enhancing public service delivery.
“This new aviation complex building for MCA, CAASI, and Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine will ensure aviation work can be conducted faster and more efficiently,” he said.
The complex is being developed at Honiara International Airport and is seen as a critical investment to improve aviation management, operational coordination, and border control processes.
Looking ahead, the project team is focused on securing final stakeholder approvals for the design, implementing soil replacement in accordance with geotechnical specifications, and commencing concrete foundation works.
While early in its construction journey, the Honiara Aviation Complex is already laying the groundwork — literally and figuratively — for a more efficient and resilient air transport sector in the Solomon Islands.
The aviation complex is one of several transformative infrastructure projects being delivered under the SIRAP2 programme, which aims to improve connectivity, enhance safety, and unlock economic opportunities across Solomon Islands.
Other key projects include the construction of four new bridges in Malaita Province — Kolofe 1, Kolofe 2, Su’u Harbour, and Bira Bridges — to improve road connectivity and resilience; upgrades to major airports and airfields, including Honiara and Munda Airports, as well as the Santa Cruz (Lata) Airfield, to ensure safer and more reliable air transport; investments in air navigation systems in Makira-Ulawa and Temotu Provinces to enhance the safety of domestic flights; and support for regional airport maintenance to strengthen aviation infrastructure across the country.
