Geotech Works for New Airport at Vanikoro Island

Geotechnical work begins on Far East Vanikoro Island for a new airport under Solomon Islands’ NTP 2017–2036

The initial phase of geotechnical activities has commenced on Far East Vanikoro Island, Temotu Province, in preparation for the construction of a new greenfield airport. This planned airport aligns with the government’s National Transport Plan (NTP) 2017–2036, which aims to expand transportation infrastructure across the remote islands of the Eastern Solomons.

The Ministry of Infrastructure Development’s (MID) Quality Assurance and Control Laboratory team, in coordination with the Civil Aviation Authority of Solomon Islands (CAASI) under the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA), has successfully carried out critical geotechnical investigations since the beginning of this month. These activities included soil sampling and technical assessments essential for the design of airport pavements and foundation construction.

Two laboratory officers conducted soil testing using the Dynamic Cone Penetration (DCP) method. This technique measures in-situ soil strength and identifies subsurface soil layer properties, ensuring that pavement design standards meet the required levels of stability and safety for the new airport.

Temotu Province currently has two operational airports: Lata Airport, which is undergoing upgrades under the Solomon Islands Road and Aviation Project (SIRAP) 2, and Lomlom Airport in the Reef Islands.

Currently, inter-island travel between Vanikoro and the provincial centre at Lata, Santa Cruz—approximately 118 km (73 miles)—remains challenging due to unpredictable weather conditions and high fuel costs. The proposed greenfield airport aims to provide a safer, more reliable option for domestic flights from Honiara, benefiting nearby atolls such as Utupua, Tikopia, and Anuta.

SOURCE : Ministry of Infrastructure Development