The World Bank has approved additional funding for aviation projects in Tonga and Kiribati.
The Bank says Tonga will receive a total of US$7.5 million in additional grant and credit support to fund further investment in airport operations and security compliance to meet international standards.
It says Kiribati Aviation Investment Project will get US$12.5 million in additional grants under a two-year extension to improve the operational efficiency and financial sustainability of Kiribati's two international airports.
This will include the upgrade of the Bonriki terminal in South Tarawa and a larger terminal and more sophisticated screening facilities at Cassidy International Airport on Christmas Island.
The funding will also allow for the completion of seawall works on the Tarawa runway to protect from coastal erosion.