The Solomon Islands comprises a breathtaking South Pacific archipelago that boasts stunning beaches alongside lush rainforests which together with its vibrant cultural heritage make it exceptional. The geographical layout of the area makes air travel the main transportation method between islands. International airports in Solomon Islands coexist with smaller domestic airports throughout these islands to serve both visiting tourists and local residents. This guide details the prominent airports in Solomon Islands and describes their amenities alongside available travel options to assist you in exploring this stunning island nation effectively.
Top Airports In Solomon Islands
Here is a list of the top airports in Solomon Islands catering to both international and domestic travelers for seamless island connectivity and travel.
1. Honiara International Airport / HIR
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Honiara International Airport which goes by the name Henderson Field holds the position of being the most active airport in the Solomon Islands. The airport stands as the main entry point for international visitors on Guadalcanal Island. Honiara International Airport provides air travel links between the Solomon Islands and neighbouring destinations including Australia, Papua New Guinea, Fiji, and Vanuatu. The airport may be compact but provides travellers with vital services like a duty-free shop as well as car rental facilities and a cafe.
Location: Honiara, Guadalcanal Island
Facilities: Duty-free shops, rental cars, currency exchange
Major Airlines: Solomon Airlines, Fiji Airways, Virgin Australia
International Flights: Australia, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu
2. Munda Airport / MUA
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The western Solomon Islands host Munda Airport, which is their second international airport. Munda Airport received upgrades in 2018 to enable international flights that primarily connect to Brisbane, Australia. The important tourism connection at Munda Airport provides visitors with convenient access to Roviana Lagoon’s renown beauty, wartime wrecks from WWII and excellent diving locations. The strategic location of Munda Airport and Western Province’s growing tourism sector are turning it into one of the Solomon Islands’ most notable airports.
Location: New Georgia Island, Western Province
Facilities: Immigration, baggage services, customs
Major Airlines: Solomon Airlines, Air Niugini
Best Nearby Attractions: Roviana Lagoon and WWII relics
3. Gizo Airport / GZO
Photo: Ken Fielding / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The main airport for Gizo which serves Western Province’s capital has two names: Gizo Airport and Nusa Tupe Airport. The airport stands on a small island from which travellers must take a brief boat journey to get to Gizo town. Diving enthusiasts recognise this airport as it serves world-class diving locations such as Dive Gizo and Kennedy Island. The Solomon Islands airport network includes this popular hub that allows passengers to travel between Honiara and various islands thereby improving access to the remote yet beautiful area.
Location: Nusatupe Island, near Gizo
Facilities: Boat transfer services, waiting area
Major Airlines: Solomon Airlines
Nearby Attractions: Kennedy Island, Dive Gizo, Skull Island
4. Auki Airport / AKS
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Malaita Island in the Solomon Islands hosts Auki Airport which serves as a key domestic airport despite its small size. This airport serves as the main link between Auki and Honiara which is crucial for business operations and government trips. Despite its outdated infrastructure, the airport serves as an essential facility for local residents. The artificial islands and cultural heritage of Malaita make Auki a key tourist destination. The airport cannot support large planes because of its brief unpaved runway yet remains indispensable for transport functions.
Location: Auki, Malaita Island
Facilities: Small terminal, waiting area
Major Airlines: Solomon Airlines
Nearby Attractions: Langa Langa Lagoon, Alite Reef, and cultural villages.
5. Santa Cruz Airport / SCZ
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Lata Airport functions as Santa Cruz Airport which serves Temotu Province located as the easternmost part of the Solomon Islands. The province’s extreme remoteness makes this air link essential for Honiara connectivity. The airport accommodates both passenger travel and cargo shipments while transporting essential medical supplies. Temotu stands out from other regions in the Solomon Islands because of its Polynesian cultural influences. The Santa Cruz Airport plays a crucial role as an important domestic airport in the Solomon Islands despite its small size by connecting this distant region to the rest of the country.
Location: Lata, Temotu Province
Facilities: Small waiting area, cargo services
Major Airlines: Solomon Airlines
Interesting Fact: Santa Cruz Islands have distinct Polynesian cultural influences
6. Kirakira Airport / IRA
Photo: RH D 22 / Wikimedia Commons
Kirakira Airport functions as the primary air transit centre for Makira-Ulawa Province and serves as an essential connection point to Honiara. The airport operates with basic amenities but continues to serve as an essential hub for both locals and tourists. Kirakira becomes an essential eco-tourism destination due to Makira Island’s stunning natural features and its unique wildlife. Kirakira Airport does not rank among famous airports in the Solomon Islands but it remains an essential component of the country’s air travel infrastructure.
Location: Kirakira, Makira Island
Facilities: Basic terminal, local transport access
Major Airlines: Solomon Airlines
7. Choiseul Bay Airport / CHY
Photo: Dylan Agbagni (CC0) / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Choiseul Bay Airport plays a crucial role in offering air connectivity to one of the country’s most remote regions. The small airport serves as a vital link between Choiseul Province and Honiara while facilitating resident mobility and local commerce. Lacking contemporary infrastructure because of its remote location the airport remains vital for transportation services and emergency medical evacuations. Travellers who seek out undiscovered locations will find Choiseul Province’s pristine natural landscapes highly rewarding.
Location: Choiseul Bay, Choiseul Province
Facilities: Basic airstrip, local transport access
Major Airlines: Solomon Airlines
Nearby Attraction: Kolombangara Island, known for its volcanic landscapes
8. Seghe Airport / EGM
Photo: Aeroprints.com / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Seghe Airport functions as a significant domestic air travel hub for the Solomon Islands and caters to passengers travelling to the Western Province. The airport gives travellers entrance to the renowned Marovo Lagoon which is recognised as the largest saltwater lagoon globally and stands as a candidate for UNESCO World Heritage status. Flights from Honiara and surrounding islands use this airport, which has become a central stop for eco-tourism and diving activities.
Location: Western Province, Solomon Islands
Nearby Attractions: Marovo Lagoon, Uepi Island, Mbulo Caves
Airlines: Solomon Airlines (domestic flights)
Facilities: Basic terminal, airstrip, local transport connections
Airports in Solomon Islands serve as essential links between its dispersed islands by providing options for both internal flights and international travel. Flying into Honiara International Airport or navigating to secluded airstrips makes air travel the fastest way to discover this island paradise. The Solomon Islands’ airports function as entry points to stunning landscapes and cultural richness for adventure enthusiasts. Ready to book your flight? Use TripXL to easily organise your ideal journey while exploring the renowned airports throughout the Solomon Islands.
Cover Photo: Darryl Toepfer / Wikimedia Commons