Solomon Airlines confirms 26 May repatriation flight to bring Solomon Islanders home

• Flight from Brisbane to Honiara scheduled to support global connections
• Repatriation flights to Vanuatu and Fiji still under review

With the approval of the Solomon Islands Government, Solomon Airlines will operate a single repatriation flight from Brisbane to Honiara on Tuesday 26 May, making it possible for Solomon Islands citizens who have been stranded offshore, to return home.

Solomon Airlines Flight IE663 will depart Brisbane at 12.30, scheduled to land in Honiara at 16.45. 

The flight is now open for bookings via www.flysolomons.com or via Solomon Airlines Reservations Team on 1300 894 311 (Australia) or 177 (Solomon Islands) or their global Sales offices.

Solomon Airlines advised that Solomon Islands citizens are able to travel assuming they meet all foreign requirements. Non-Solomon Island citizens wishing to travel on the flight will only be accepted once they have approval to travel granted by the Solomon Islands Prime Minister’s Office. 

As a requirement under the Solomon Islands Government COVID-19 Action Plan, all passengers who travel on the flight will be mandatorily required to quarantine for 28 days on arrival, at a Government approved facility in Honiara.

Solomon Airlines said the airline will accept existing tickets from passengers who were booked on flights cancelled due to COVID-19 border restrictions.

Solomon Airlines has advised that the flight will comply with all COVID-19 regulations in accordance with Australia and Solomon Islands Government requirements.

The aircraft will be fully cleaned and sterilised prior to operating both flight sectors. Social distancing will be monitored throughout the check-in and boarding process, and seating will be allocated to allow for spacing as far as possible. Solomon Airlines crew will wear facemasks and gloves for the duration of service and catering will be minimal to reduce contact between passengers and crew.

TRAVELLING FROM AUSTRALIA

Australian Citizens or Permanent Residents must have approval to leave Australia. See further information regarding restrictions and exemption requirements here. Connecting flights from throughout Australia must be booked directly with other airlines or through a travel agent. If travelling to Brisbane from interstate a Border Pass will be required to enter Queensland.

TRAVELLING FROM NEW ZEALAND AND OTHER COUNTRIES

Passengers wishing to return to Solomon Islands from New Zealand are advised that Air New Zealand Flight NZ 0145 departing Auckland 9.15 am arriving Brisbane 11.00 am will connect with Solomon Airlines Flight IE663 to Honiara, but that availability is limited. Connecting flights from New Zealand must be booked directly with other airlines or via any travel agent.

Passengers from other countries will need to check their country’s requirements and availability with airlines currently operating. If connecting travel from overseas incurs transit in Brisbane of more than 8 hours, a Queensland Government Health Exemption will also be required.

ASSESSING VANUATU AND FIJI REPATRIATION FLIGHTS

Solomon Airlines confirmed the airline is currently also liaising with the Fiji and Vanuatu Governments to review the potential operation of repatriation flights from Port Vila and Nadi to Honiara. Although flights have been tentatively planned to assist with this approval process, nothing is firm, and these flights are still subject to regulatory approval.

Colin Sigimanu, Manager Commercial for Solomon Airlines said “This action has been taken in consultation with the Solomon Islands Government. We will continue to closely consult with the relevant governments and will provide further updates as they come to light”.

ONE-OFF HONIARA-BRISBANE FLIGHT 27 MAY, 2020

Solomon Airlines will additionally operate a return flight from Honiara to Brisbane on 27 May Flight IE667 departing Honiara at 18.00 arriving in Brisbane at 20.15.

This will be a one-off flight for those wishing to leave the Solomon Islands. This follows the recent announcement that Solomon Airlines scheduled international passenger flights are suspended until 15 July 2020.

“Any remaining foreign citizens and residents who wish to leave Solomon Islands, will be provided the opportunity on this service, and can book online or contact our Reservations team. “Sigimanu added.

The Australian High Commission has issued the following comprehensive advice to Australians and third-country nationals in Solomon Islands who may wish to fly to Australia or transit through Australia.

Refer to this advice for Australia in the previous repatriation news article

FIND OUT MORE

Check Brisbane to Honiara 26 May fare details

Check Honiara to Brisbane 27 May fare details

Check our latest flight schedules online here