The Santa Cruz (Lata) Airport Runway and Terminal Project has been completed and handed over. At the handover ceremony in Lata, Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Communication and Aviation Hon Frederick Kologeto said airports that were safe and reliable were basic to keeping remote island communities in touch with the rest of the country.
The work was delivered under the Solomon Islands Road and Aviation Project 2 (SIRAP 2). It covered the surfacing of the runway, a new airport terminal building and an Aeronautical Ground Lighting (AGL) System.
Mr Kologeto said the sealed runway would be smooth, durable and resistant to weather, making aircraft operations safer and air services more reliable. With the lighting in place, he said, safety on the ground would also improve and the airport would be better placed to meet Civil Aviation Regulations.
The Acting Prime Minister called Santa Cruz the Eastern Gateway to Solomon Islands, and said the upgrade would help take forward the Mota Lava Treaty between Solomon Islands and Vanuatu by making it easier for Temotu Province and Vanuatu's Torba Province to trade and work together.
"Improved connectivity has the potential to facilitate cross-border trade, encourage the movement of people and goods, promote tourism and strengthen relationships between neighboring island communities," he said.
Mr Kologeto thanked the World Bank, government agencies, the Temotu Provincial Government, project teams and contractors for their part in the work, and urged agencies, service providers and communities to join in looking after public infrastructure for the generations to come.
Source: Statement issued by the Government Communication Unit and published on the Solomon Islands Government portal on 2 November 2026. https://solomons.gov.sb/lata-airport-upgrade-opens-new-opportunities-for-temotu-acting-pm-kologeto/