The revamped multimillion-dollar Munda International Airport terminal has been officially opened in Honiara, Solomon Islands signaling a new chapter for the Solomon Islands’ tourism prospects.
It was constructed at a cost of USD23.6 million, co-funded by the Solomon Islands Government, the World Bank and the New Zealand Government.
The airport’s original infrastructure has been completely transformed with a new terminal building for both domestic and international traffic and a runway extension enabling much larger aircraft to land there.
Munda serves as a vital gateway to several key tourism hotspots in the Solomon Islands’ western region, including the picturesque Marovo Lagoon and Gizo, both ‘destinations within the destination ‘renowned for their natural beauty above and below the waterline and rich ‘living’ cultural heritage.
Tourism Solomons Acting CEO, Dagnal Dereveke, said the airport development presents a huge opportunity to highlight the country’s stance as a premier destination for cultural exploration and eco-tourism.
“Munda, with its cultural heritage and world-class attractions including, diving, fishing, surfing, and bird watching, has always proven a magnet for international tourists,” Mr Dereveke said.
The expanded runway and airport facility has enabled Solomon Airlines to re-initiate direct services from Munda to Brisbane with services departing on Saturdays.
These meld with a domestic schedule adjusted to offer same-day services to Munda, Gizo, Seghe and other domestic destinations.
Construction of the Munda Airport Improvement Project was undertaken by the China Harbor Engineering Company and the China Civil Engineering Company (CCEE).
