Solomon Airlines confirms one-way Honiara to Brisbane repatriation flight 19 June

With the approval of the Solomon Islands Government, Solomon Airlines will operate its next one-way repatriation flight from Honiara to Brisbane on Friday 19 June 2020.

The national carrier’s Airbus A320 aircraft will first operate a cargo-only flight from Brisbane to Honiara before cleaning and turnaround to operate outbound passenger Flight IE673 departing Honiara at 4:15 pm arriving in Brisbane at 6:30 pm.

All Solomon Islands citizens and residents intending to travel on the special service must be approved to travel by the Solomon Islands Government COVID-19 Oversight Committee. Government staff are not permitted to travel on this service.

The timing of the one-off flight is planned to allow for various connections to New Zealand, Europe, North America, and South East Asia through Brisbane. The airline recommends booking as soon as possible to allow time for the necessary approvals and exemptions required to enter Australia.

Solomon Airlines has advised that all flights will fully comply with COVID-19 regulations. Crew will wear facemasks and gloves for the duration of service and catering will be minimal to reduce contact between passengers and crew.

Bookings can be made online, in the Solomon Islands (phone: 177 or email [email protected]) or through Solomon Airlines Sales Offices via phone or email.

Solomon Airlines is also seeking regulatory approval for further repatriation flights in late June and early July, and are subject to confirmation. Further updates will be provided on their website and through the airline’s social media channels.

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Check Honiara to Brisbane 19 June fare details

Check our latest flight schedules online here

Exemptions to Australia’s Border Measures 

Foreign nationals transiting through Australia to another country don’t need to apply for an exemption to travel restrictions if they are booked on a connecting flight from the same airport and they are not going to leave the airport. If a traveller does plan to leave the airport before boarding their connecting flight, they will need to apply to the Commissioner of the ABF for a travel exemption. Click here for the online exemption request form.

State and Territory Quarantine Requirements 

If a traveller cannot remain in the airport before their connecting flight departs, they must follow the quarantine and isolation requirements in the state or territory they have arrived in. Travellers must do this, even if they have an exemption from the ABF Commissioner. State and territory authorities will consider exemptions to the mandatory 14 day quarantine period on a case by case basis. Click here for information on exemptions to the 14 day mandatory quarantine period.

Click here for Queensland Government Advice

Click here for NSW Government Department of Health Advice

New Zealander or Pacific Islander transiting to Australia

If you are a New Zealander, citizen of a Pacific Island Forum country, Timor Leste citizen or resident of New Caledonia or French Polynesia transiting through Australia on your way to or from New Zealand or a Pacific Island Forum Country, you do not need a transit exemption if you have booked a connecting flight to depart Australia within 72 hours of your arriving flight.

Due to domestic travel restrictions, your outbound connecting flight must be departing from the same airport in Australia as your arrival flight, unless an exemption has been granted. 

If your connecting flight means you will spend longer than 72 hours, you are not considered to be transiting Australia and will need to apply online to the Commissioner of the ABF for an exemption from the travel restrictions.

More information regarding transiting to Australia is available here