Upgraded Airport Unveiled

Solomon Islands Takes Delivery of completed Honiara International Airport upgrades

THE GOVERNMENT of Solomon Islands took delivery of a new international terminal on March 15th, thanks to the government and the people of Japan. Although smaller than the old terminal, the new one is cleaner and less complicated to navigate, with important areas such as the security screening area and the immigration section being easier to identify. The new terminal includes a large departure area, duty-free shops, a business lounge area, a VIP lounge, and several cafeterias.

In his speech as the guest of honor, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare thanked the government and the people of Japan for the wonderful gift. PM Sogavare stated that the construction of the new terminal had been a long time coming and that it would address important areas such as increasing efficiency, reducing risk to facilities, and improving the safety of the traveling public and aircraft.

The Prime Minister went on to say that the real test of the new terminal would be during the Pacific Games in December this year when thousands of athletes and officials will depart. PM Sogavare also highlighted that the government is always committed to tourism development, and the hope is that the Ministry of Communication and Aviation will be able to manage passengers and cargo effectively.

PM Sogavare further stated that with increased airport efficiency, Honiara International Airport would be promoted as a destination within the region.

The Prime Minister also expressed that the Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement is always ambitious in its plans and visions. To cater to the plan to tap the huge Asian market, the current Honiara International Runway must be extended. However, if the runway is not extended, then consideration must be made to building a bigger international airport in another province.

The Prime Minister added that the country's population is one of the fastest-growing in the Pacific region and that by 2030, the country's population will be second to Fiji. In addition, the increasing number of seasonal workers traveling to Australia and New Zealand means that infrastructure must be able to accommodate this growth.

PM Sogavare thanked the government and the people of Japan for their assistance in addressing connectivity in the transport sector.

“The increasing assistance by Japan in the Transport Sector is a very clear sign of strength of partnership between our countries and we hope that our partnership will continue to grow,” the Prime Minister added.

The Prime Minister further expressed that the development of the transport sector is crucial to the development and that DCGA will continue to work with the government of Japan and other development partners to develop the sector.