How to get there
(Last updated April 2010)
The Solomon Islands, a group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, are located northeast of Australia and East of Papua New Guinea. Local time is GMT +11.
Depending on your origin of travel there are several international gateways to the Solomon Islands:
From Australia
Brisbane is the main gateway in Australia offering scheduled flights to Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands. Solomon Airlines and Pacific Blue have regular scheduled flights to Honiara. Solomon Airlines operates 4 flights per week and Pacific Blue 2 flights per week. The flight time from Brisbane to Honiara is just over 3 hours.
From North America
Los Angeles is the gateway for travel to the South Pacific Ocean. Air Pacific offers flight services between LAX and Nadi with connecting flights to Honiara. It is possible to connect straight through 3 times per week.
As there are daily flights between LAX and the East coast of Australia, Brisbane is also a good gateway for flight connections to Honiara. There are 6 weekly flights between Brisbane and Honiara. Stopover nights in Brisbane may be required.
From Asia/South Pacific
Coming from South East Asia, Brisbane in Australia is the best gateway. Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Thai Airways and Qantas offer regular schedules from various airports in Asia to Brisbane.
Limited flight schedules are also on offer from Port Moresby (PNG) and Port Vila (Vanuatu) to Honiara.
From Europe
Coming from Europe via Asia, Brisbane in Australia is the best gateway for Honiara in the Solomons.
Airfares
As part of your travel plan we will happily assist you in finding the most suitable flight connections to your dive destination. In many cases we can issue the tickets on your behalf.
Air taxes are subject to strong fluctuations and can change daily or until your flight ticket has been purchased. Taxes generally include local airport/security fees, departure taxes, ground handling fees and fuel surcharges.
Should the most convenient route involve instant purchase airfares we can still issue them with your authorisation. All airfares issued by us will attract a small service fee and might be slightly more expensive then the cheapest offers online.
In general, airfares available for purchase online depend on day of departure and time of travel. Those instant purchase airfares require full payment at time of booking. If you choose to arrange your own flights online, we won?t be able to provide any services for seat reservations, schedule or itinerary changes.
Baggage
Most airlines have restricted the amount of luggage to be checked in free of charge.
Solomon Airlines has a checked baggage allowance of 20kg (44lbs) plus a dive baggage allowance of an additional 10kg (22lbs).
Air Pacific, out of Nadi, is very strict in enforcing a 23kg (50lbs) checked baggage allowance. Excess baggage fees can be charged for carrying dive gear. For travellers coming from the US, the 2 piece system still applies. You are allowed to check in 2 pieces at 23kg (50lbs) per piece.
With Pacific Blue you can purchase a baggage allowance of 23kg (50lbs) with your ticket purchase for international flights to Honiara. Recently, Pacific Blue has withdrawn any additional sports baggage allowance with immediate effect. Excess baggage charges will apply once the purchased baggage allowance has been exceeded.
For domestic air travel in the Solomons a general checked baggage allowance of 16kg (35lbs) applies. All passengers connecting from an international gateway are entitled to have 20kg (44lbs) checked baggage. An additional dive baggage allowance of 10kg (22lbs) applies.
If you need to connect within Australia to join your Solomon Airlines or Pacific Blue flights, a strict baggage limit of 20-23kg (44-50lbs) applies for all domestic carriers.
Airlines are strictly enforcing their checked baggage limit and can charge excess baggage fees for additional checked pieces and dive gear.
Regulations can vary from airline to airline and with each tariff booked. Please let us know your specific requirements so we can advise you of the options at time of booking.
Airports
Honiara International Airport is your entry into the Solomons. Domestic and international flights operate out of the same passenger terminal building. The airport is 15-20 minutes away from Honiara town.
Visa & passport requirements
A valid passport for at least six months beyond the intended period of stay and a ticket for return or onward travel is required. Entry visas are granted on arrival for a stay of up to 3 months for nationals of most countries.
NOTE: As visa requirements can change at any time, we recommend you confirm visa requirements prior to your departure.
Health
The Solomons are a malaria zone. Anti malarial precautions are highly recommended.
Links to more information
