Solomon AirlinesIE

Solomon Airlines is the flag carrier and sole domestic airline of the Solomon Islands, providing essential air connectivity across an archipelago of over 900 islands spread across 1,600 km (1,000 miles) of the South Pacific Ocean. Headquartered in Honiara, the capital, the airline is wholly owned by the Solomon Islands government and serves as the lifeline for remote communities where sea travel is often the only alternative.

Founded in 1968 as Megapode Airways (later renamed SOLAIR before becoming Solomon Airlines in 1984), the airline has evolved from a small inter-island operator to a regional carrier connecting the Solomon Islands to Australia, Fiji, and Vanuatu. Solomon Airlines operates a mixed fleet including an Airbus A320 for international routes, De Havilland Canada DHC-8 (Dash 8) turboprops for longer domestic services, and DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft for remote airstrips where larger planes cannot land.

The airline plays a critical role in the Solomon Islands' economy and infrastructure, serving islands where roads are nonexistent and maritime travel can take days. Solomon Airlines operates to approximately 20 domestic destinations, many with unpaved airstrips carved into hillsides or along beaches. The carrier's slogan, "Connecting the Solomon Islands to the World," reflects its dual mission of international gateway and essential domestic service provider.

Solomon Airlines maintains codeshare partnerships with Qantas and Fiji Airways, enabling convenient connections through Brisbane and Nadi to the wider world.

Carry-On Allowance

Personal Item (free on all fares):

• Handbag, laptop bag, or small personal item
• Must fit under the seat in front of you

Cabin Bag (overhead bin):

Class	Pieces	Weight	Dimensions
Economy	1 bag	7 kg (15 lbs)	56 x 36 x 23 cm (22 x 14 x 9 in)
Business	1 bag	7 kg (15 lbs)	56 x 36 x 23 cm (22 x 14 x 9 in)

Important: Twin Otter and small aircraft have very limited cabin space. Soft-sided bags are recommended for domestic flights. Overhead bins may not accommodate standard carry-on sizes.

Checked Baggage

Standard Size: 158 cm (62 in) linear maximum

International Routes (Brisbane, Port Vila, Nadi):

Fare Class	Bags Included	Weight per Bag
Economy	1 bag	23 kg (50 lbs)
Business	2 bags	30 kg (66 lbs) each

Domestic Routes:

Aircraft	Weight Limit	Notes
DHC-8 Dash 8	16 kg (35 lbs)	Main domestic routes
DHC-6 Twin Otter	16 kg (35 lbs)	Remote airstrips; strict limits
A320 (Honiara-provincial)	20 kg (44 lbs)	Where applicable

Critical Note on Domestic Baggage: Weight restrictions on domestic flights are not arbitrary policies but operational necessities. Many remote airstrips have short runways, and Twin Otters must calculate exact weight for safe takeoff. Excess baggage may be offloaded to a later flight if the aircraft is at maximum weight.

Extra Baggage Fees

Route Type	Extra Bag Fee
Domestic	SBD 350 (USD 42) per bag
International	AUD 100 (USD 65) per bag

Tip: Pre-purchase excess baggage when booking. Airport rates are higher, and availability is not guaranteed on small aircraft.

Overweight Bags

Condition	Fee
24-30 kg (international)	SBD 500 (USD 60) per bag
Over 30 kg	May not be accepted
Over 16 kg (domestic)	Must be split or sent on later flight

Special Items

Item	Fee	Notes
Surfboard	Standard	Advance booking required; subject to capacity
Diving equipment	Standard	Popular for WWII wreck diving
Bicycle	Standard	Rare due to aircraft size constraints
Car seat	Free	Advance notice appreciated
Stroller	Free	Gate-check available
Wheelchair/mobility aids	Free	Notify airline in advance

Surfboards & Dive Gear: The Solomon Islands are increasingly popular for surfing and WWII wreck diving. Contact Solomon Airlines in advance to confirm space, especially on small domestic aircraft.

Fees as of January 2025. Verify at flysolomons.com.

Business Class (International)

Solomon Airlines offers Business Class on its Airbus A320 international services to Brisbane, Port Vila, and Nadi.

Airbus A320 (International routes):

Feature	Details
Configuration	2-2 (Business section)
Seat Type	Recliner
Seat Pitch	38" (97 cm)
Screen	Personal entertainment
Power	USB ports

Business Class Features:

• Wider recliner seats with additional legroom
• Priority check-in and boarding
• Enhanced meal service featuring Pacific cuisine
• Complimentary beverages including wine and beer
• Extra baggage allowance (2 x 30 kg)

Economy Class (International)

Airbus A320:

Feature	Details
Configuration	3-3
Seat Pitch	30-31" (76-79 cm)
Seat Width	17.5" (44 cm)
Entertainment	Overhead screens
Power	USB charging (select seats)

Economy Class Features:

• Complimentary meal and beverages on all international flights
• Selection of beer, wine, and soft drinks
• Pacific-inspired cuisine featuring local ingredients
• In-flight duty-free shopping

Domestic Fleet

DHC-8 Dash 8:

Feature	Details
Configuration	2-2
Capacity	36-50 seats
Seat Pitch	30" (76 cm)
Entertainment	None

DHC-6 Twin Otter:

Feature	Details
Configuration	1-1 or 2-2
Capacity	19 seats
Seat Pitch	28" (71 cm)
Entertainment	None

Domestic Flight Features:

• Light refreshments on longer routes
• Spectacular aerial views of islands, lagoons, and reefs
• No assigned seating on some routes
• Weight and balance may affect seat assignment

The Domestic Experience

Flying domestic in the Solomon Islands is unlike commercial aviation elsewhere. Expect:

• Scenic flights over pristine coral reefs, volcanic islands, and dense rainforest
• Grass or coral airstrips at many destinations
• Short flights (typically 30-60 minutes) but essential for reaching remote communities
• Flexible schedules that may adjust based on weather and demand
• Cargo and passengers sharing cabin space on smaller aircraft
• Warm, personal service from crew who often know passengers by name

Booking:

• Book directly with Solomon Airlines for domestic flights; for international, compare prices with Qantas and Fiji Airways codeshares
• Book well in advance for domestic flights, especially to popular destinations like Munda and Gizo
• Consider travel agents familiar with the Solomon Islands for complex itineraries
• Expect to pay in Solomon Islands Dollars (SBD) locally; USD and AUD widely accepted

Currency:

• Solomon Islands Dollar (SBD): Approximately SBD 8.3 = USD 1
• Most tourist-facing businesses accept USD and AUD
• ATMs available in Honiara; cash preferred in outer islands

Packing for Domestic Flights:

• Pack light—weight limits are strictly enforced
• Use soft-sided bags that can be squeezed into tight spaces
• Bring essentials in your carry-on in case checked bags are delayed
• Waterproof bags recommended (tropical rain and unpaved airstrips)

At Honiara Airport:

• Arrive early for international flights; processing can be slow
• Limited food options; eat before arriving or bring snacks
• Small duty-free shop for international departures
• No lounge access available

Connections:

• Via Brisbane (BNE): Best option for connections to North America, Asia, and Europe via Qantas and oneworld partners
• Via Nadi (NAN): Good option for Pacific Island-hopping and connections to New Zealand
• Via Port Vila (VLI): Connect to Vanuatu destinations
• Allow generous connection time (minimum 3-4 hours) when connecting through Brisbane

Domestic Travel:

• Reconfirm all flights 24-48 hours before departure
• Schedules can change; build flexibility into your itinerary
• Weight restrictions are real—do not overpack
• Weather delays are common, especially during wet season (November-April)
• Some destinations have limited accommodation—coordinate with your hotel

Best Time to Visit:

• Dry season (May-October) offers best flying conditions
• Wet season (November-April) sees more delays and cancellations
• Book early for ANZAC Day period (late April) when Australian visitors increase

For Divers & Surfers:

• Contact Solomon Airlines in advance to book space for boards and dive gear
• Munda is the main dive hub; book flights early
• Surf spots in Western Province require small aircraft connections
• Gear may need to travel on separate flights during peak periods

Common Issues:

• Flight cancellations: Weather and mechanical issues can ground flights; have backup plans
• Weight restrictions: Take these seriously; excess bags may not travel with you
• Limited communication: Confirm bookings in person if possible
• Time zone: Solomon Islands is UTC+11; no daylight saving

Regional Connections:

• Solomon Airlines + Fiji Airways enables exploring multiple Pacific nations
• Consider Nadi as a hub for multi-country trips (Fiji, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Samoa)
• Qantas codeshare provides seamless connections to Sydney, Melbourne, and beyond

Last verified: January 2025. Information subject to change. The Solomon Islands are a remote destination—always verify details before travel.