SANTA CRUZ PASSENGER TERMINAL AND AIRPORT UPGRADE MARKS ANOTHER MILESTONE IN GOVERNMENT’S AVIATION SECTOR.

03/11/2026

Guest of Honour and Acting Prime Minister, Hon. Fredrick Kologeto cuts the ribbon to officially open the newly constructed Passenger Terminal at the upgraded Santa Cruz Airport. Witnessing the ribbon cutting are the Deputy Premier for Temotu Province, Hon. John Mark Mekaboti, World bank Representative, Mrs. Alison Ofotalau and the rest of the official delegation.

SANTA CRUZ PASSENGER TERMINAL AND AIRPORT UPGRADE MARKS ANOTHER MILESTONE IN GOVERNMENT’S AVIATION SECTOR.

Lata, Temotu Province | Friday, 30 October 2026

The Government of Solomon Islands through the Ministry of Communication and Aviation has achieved another important milestone in the development of the country’s aviation sector with the official opening and handing over of the upgraded Santa Cruz Airport and new passenger terminal in Lata, Temotu Province, on Friday, 30^th October, 2026.

The upgrading of Santa Cruz Airport represents yet another achievement under the National Government’s airport buy-off policy, which is aimed at improving and modernizing provincial airport infrastructure, promoting safe and efficient airport operations, strengthen accessibility to air transport services and supporting economic and social development throughout the country.

Santa Cruz Airport joins a growing list of provincial airport infrastructure developments, including Munda Airport, which has been elevated to become the country’s second international airport, as well as the upgraded airports at Taro in Choiseul Province and Seghe in the Western Province. These developments demonstrate the Government’s continued efforts and commitment to expanding and strengthening the country’s aviation network, particularly in our rural and remote communities.

For the people of Temotu Province, the upgraded Santa Cruz Airport is more than just an improved aviation facility. It is a significant facelift for Lata as the provincial capital and a renewed gateway to Temotu Province and as it stands now the eastern gateway into the Solomon Islands. The modernized passenger terminal and improved airport facilities will provide a better travelling experience, enhance the movement of people and goods, and create opportunities for increased economic activities, tourism and investment.

The newly upgraded Santa Cruz Airport is also expected to contribute to improving and strengthening air connectivity between Temotu Province and other parts of Solomon Islands. Reliable air transport is especially important for remote provinces such as Temotu, where air travel plays a vital role in connecting scattered communities and supporting the delivery of services.

Furthermore, the upgrade of the Santa Cruz Airport also provides an important foundation for advancing the implementation of the Mota Lava Treaty between the Governments of Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. By improving air transport infrastructure in Temotu helps to create better condition for connectivity and economic cooperation between Temotu Province in Solomon Islands and Torba Province in Vanuatu. Paving the way for cross-border trade and strengthening the long standing relationship between the two Melanesian Island countries.

The successful completion of this important infrastructure project is a testament to the collaborative efforts and commitment of the National Government through the Ministry of Communication and Aviation, development partners, contractors, consultants and all stakeholders involved in its delivery.

The implementation of the Santa Cruz Passenger Terminal and Airport upgrading project was overseen by the Ministry of Communication and Aviation, with funding support from the World Bank through the Solomon Islands Roads and Aviation Project Phase 2 (SIRAP 2). The construction works were undertaken by China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), while construction supervision services were provided by EGIS Singapore Ltd.

One of the highlights of the handing over event was the presentation of gifts by both the National Government and the Provincial Government of Temotu Province to show appreciation and acknowledge the Ministry of Communication and Aviation, the World Bank, the China Harbour Engineering Company and Egis Singapore Ltd for the significant support each of these organisation has contributed to bringing the airport upgrade to completion and a successful delivery.

Further appreciation is extended to the SIRAP 2 Project Support Team, technical officers, engineers, workers, government agencies and all other stakeholders who have also contributed to making this important infrastructure project a success.

Recognition is also rendered to the Temotu Provincial Government, community leaders and the people of Temotu Province for the support, patience and cooperation throughout the implementation of the project. Moreover, special acknowledgement is extended to the customary landowners, whose gracious contribution and delivery of the land on which the upgraded passenger terminal and airport have been developed made this important project possible.

Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Communication and Aviation, Hon. Fredrick Kologeto is the Guest of Honour for the official handing-over ceremony. The occasion is further graced by the presence of the Honourable Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Patteson Oti and Madam Oti, Ministers of other Government Ministries, Representatives of our Development Partners and Senior Government officials who have accompanied the Guest of Honour and Acting Prime Minister, Honourable Fredrick Kologeto to the event. Also in attendance are Members of the Temotu Provincial Assembly, church leaders, traditional leaders and customary landowners.

The event is marked by a large turnout of people who came to witness the official opening and handing over of their newly upgraded Santa Cruz Airport. These include residents from Lata, surrounding communities of Gracious Bay, communities from nearby islands and people from the interior communities of Santa Cruz Island. This indicates the importance of this significant infrastructure development to the people of Temotu Province.

As the facility is formally handed over to the Temotu Provincial Government and the people of Temotu Province, the Ministry of Communication and Aviation encourages the responsible authorities, the travelling public and the good people of Temotu Province to take ownership of this important national asset, ensure its proper care and maintenance, and safeguard it for the benefit of present and future generations.

The opening of the upgraded Santa Cruz Airport is not simply the completion of an infrastructure project; it is a demonstration of the Government’s commitment to connecting our people, strengthening our provinces and building a more accessible, inclusive and prosperous Solomon Islands.

Congratulations to the Ministry of Communication and Aviation, the Temotu Provincial Government and the people of Temotu Province on this important achievement.

The PNG ATR-46 Plane which carried the official delegation from Honiara to Temotu to attend the opening and handing over ceremony arrives safely at the upgraded Santa Cruz Airport

Acting Prime Minister and Guest of Honour, Hon. Fredrick Kologeto is being met by the Temotu Provincial Police Commander along with a warriors welcome.

Hon. Fredrick Kologeto inspecting a Guard of Honour organized by Lata Police and Correctional Officers as part of welcoming him to this historical event.

Dancing warriors awaiting to lead the Acting Prime Minister and Guest of Honour, Hon. Fredrick Kologeto to the venue for the official handing-over ceremony.

Officials being greeted with welcome garlands as they are being led to the official venue for the handing-over ceremony.

Mrs. Alison Ofotalau delivers the speech on behalf of the World Bank.

Temotu Province Deputy Premier, Hon. John Mark Mekaboti delivers the speech on behalf of the Provincial Government and people of Temotu Province.

Guest of Honour, Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Communication and Aviation, Hon. Fredrick Kologeto delivering the Ceremony’s Keynote address through which he also high-lights some of the key priorities of the GREAT Coalition Government to be rolled out in 2027.

The World Bank

EGIS Singapore Ltd

China Harbour Engineering Company

The National Government of Solomon Islands through the Ministry of Communication and Aviation.

The World Bank

China Harbour Engineering Company

EGIS Singapore Ltd

The official delegation from Honiara.

Members of the Temotu Provincial Assembly, Church leaders, Chiefs, landowners, Community and Traditional Leaders attending the handing over occasion.

The Crew of the Hired PNG ATR-46 are also part of the handing-over ceremony.

Pastor Simon Melau of the Christian Outreach Centre (COC) Church in Temotu offers the dedication Prayer for the Santa Cruz upgraded Airport.

Guest of Honour, Hon. Fredrick Kologeto with the Official team from Honiara.

Crowds waiting patiently for the arrival of the Guest of Honour and the official team from Honiara via the PNG ATR-46.

Crowds waiting patiently for the arrival of the Guest of Honour and the official team from Honiara via the PNG ATR-46.

Crowds waiting patiently for the arrival of the Guest of Honour and the official team from Honiara via the PNG ATR-46.