Lomlom Airport in Reef Island Re-opens

The re-opening of the airport was made possible after the Civil Aviation Authority of Solomon Islands (CAASI), Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA) and members of the Airport Task Force made a successful test flight with a DASH8 aircraft to the airfield on Sunday 30th September 2018.

With very little resources at its disposal the Taskforce was successful because the team visited the people of Reef island at their homes, listened and took on board their concerns while bringing to light the benefits that the airfield’s communities stand to enjoy when government services and business opportunities are made available through the accommodation of such infrastructure.

Chairman of the Airport Task Force, Mr. Moses Virivolomo who is also the Permanent Secretary of the MCA took part in the test flight and was elated to meet with the residents of surrounding communities on landing. The people of the reef Islands have experienced hardships in having to travel by sea all the time to access needed services and do business at Lata and Honiara.

He acknowledged the continuous support by the leaders of the community, resource owners and Ngaube Landowners Association for working with the Government to allow commercial flights back to Lomlom. Further more, he also assured the resources owners that MCA will work with them to resolve any outstanding issues related to the construction of the airport.

Mr Virivolomo added that the re-opening of the airfield is a step in the right direction towards facilitating whatever development aspirations there are, not only for Reef Islands, but also Temotu Province and Solomon Islands generally.

Flights to Lomlom airport are on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.