HENGUAIPORO Airport to be Rehabilitated and Reopened.

Henguaiporo Airport in Ontong Java Atoll often referred to historically as Lord Howe Atoll of Malaita Outer Islands will soon undergo major rehabilitation works, paving the way for its long-awaited reopening and the restoration of vital air transport services for the people of that part of Solomon Islands again.

On behalf of the GREAT Coalition Government, the Ministry of Communication and Aviation with its mandated responsibility and effort to bridging and connecting our Islands together through rehabilitation and re-opening of existing airports and constructions of new Greenfield Airports, remains committed to investing in critical transport infrastructure that promotes inclusive development and improves the quality of life for all citizens. The rehabilitation of Henguaiporo Airport reflects this commitment and demonstrates the Ministry’s continued focus on airport developments in various rural and remote areas of the country.

The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to allow the rehabilitation works on Henguaiporo Airport to proceed was held at the Head Office of the Ministry of Communication and Aviation on Friday 26^th June, 2026. The parties involved as signatories to this MOU are the Ministry of Communication and Aviation, representing the Government of Solomon Islands, the Malaita Provincial Government as the support party and representatives of the various land-owning tribal groups as customary landowners of the Henguaiporo Airport land.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Communication and Aviation, Mr Alwyn Danitofea described the MOU as a milestone and a reflection of what can be achieved through partnership and mutual trust. He said the rehabilitation of Henguaiporo Airport demonstrates the Government’s commitment to ensuring that rural communities are not left behind in national development.

He further added that Henguaiporo Airport is more than just an airstrip, it is a lifeline for the people of the Islands of the Lord Howe Atoll. The Airport once rehabilitated and reopened will connect the remote communities of the Lord Howe Atoll to Honiara and to the rest of the Solomon Islands. The People of Lord Howe will again be experiencing essential flight services and can also venture into other economic activities that will help them to generate income and be contributors also to the country’s economic growth.

Speaking on behalf of the Malaita Provincial Government, Provincial Secretary, Mr Eric George welcomed the signing of the MOU, describing it as a significant achievement for the province and particularly for the people of Ontong Java Atoll. He said improved transport infrastructure such as an airport is fundamental to delivering government services and stimulating local economic development. He further high-lighted that due to difficulties with transportation, provincial services delivered by the Malaita Provincial Government were often slow to reach the people of these islands of Lord Howe Atoll. Re-opening of the Henguaiporo Airport will pave the way for more official visits by the Provincial Government to these outer islands of Malaita.

The Provincial Secretary thanked the Ministry of Communication and Aviation for its commitment to the project and acknowledged the constructive engagement of the customary landowners throughout the consultation process. He reaffirmed the Provincial Government’s commitment to working alongside the national government to ensure the successful delivery of the rehabilitation works.

Malaita Outer Island Constituency Development Officer (CDO) Philemon Kaola on behalf of the customary landowning groups, expressed appreciation for the initiative undertaken by the Ministry of Communication and Aviation on behalf of the Government to rehabilitate and reopen Henguaiporo Airport.

CDO Kaola said that for many years, the closure of Henguaiporo Airport has posed considerable challenges for the people of the Lord Howe Atoll. Communities there have relied heavily on sea transport, which can be affected by weather conditions, travel time, and availability of sea vessels. He emphasized that reopening of the airport will surely bring to the communities of the Lord Howe Atoll benefits as reduced travel time, improved access to essential government services such as education and healthcare and new opportunities for trade and investment.

The CDO encouraged community members to continue supporting the project and maintain peace and cooperation throughout the rehabilitation works. It is good to see development return to our communities while respecting customary ownership and ensuring that everyone works together in good faith, said Mr Kaola.

Rehabilitating Henguaiporo Airport is not merely an infrastructure project. It is an investment in people, economic opportunity, national unity, and sustainable development.

MCA’s Permanent Secretary, Alwyn Danitofea welcomed the Representatives of the Henguaiporo Airport Land and speaks on-behalf of his Ministry, representing the National Government.

Provincial Secretary, Malaita Province, Mr Eric George speaking on-behalf of the Malaita Provincial Government during the MOU signing.

MCA’s Permanent Secretary, Alwyn Danitofea and Malaita Provincial Secretary Eric George signing the Memorandum of Understanding for the Rehabilitation and Reopening of Henguaiporo Airport.

Malaita Outer Islands Constituency Development Officer, Philemon Kaola thanking the National Government through the Ministry of Communication and Aviation while speaking on behalf of the Land-owning Tribes of Henguaiporo Airport land.

Representatives of the Tribal groups owning the Henguaiporo Airport land witnessing the signing of the MOU.