Solomon Airlines extends suspension of regular international flights

Solomon Airlines has announced a further extension of the suspension of regular scheduled international passenger flights to 30 October 2021.

The airline had previously suspended all scheduled international flying until 27 March 2021.

The national carrier will continue to operate weekly cargo flights on Fridays on the Brisbane-Honiara-Brisbane route and currently has Government approval to continue to offer limited passenger seating on these services.

Approved commercial international charter flights and domestic operations to all 23 destinations in the airline’s network within the Solomon Islands will continue.

Colin Sigimanu, Commercial Manager for Solomon Airlines said the further suspension of regular, scheduled international services was prudent in the current environment to minimise disruption to passengers.

“As Governments around the world carefully manage the roll-out of the first COVID-19 vaccines and taking into account ongoing border restrictions, we must be realistic and hasten slowly,” he said.

“Our decision to extend the suspension of regular, scheduled international services until the end of October takes many factors into account,” he said.

“We will implement regular services when it is permitted and safe to do so, and by doing so ensure passengers can book available flights with the certainty they will be able to travel.

“An example of this is between Brisbane and Honiara where we are able to offer regular travel opportunities under Government approved arrangements where seating capacity is limited.  These arrangements are reviewed regularly and updated in accordance with Government restrictions.

“We will also continue to work with all Governments to provide repatriation and charter flights and to review opportunities for regular services as border restrictions change within the Pacific,” he added.

For up-to-date details on the current status of travel to the Solomon Islands visit Solomon Airlines Travel Advice page.

All Solomon Airlines flights comply fully with the COVID-19 regulations. Solomon Airlines crew onboard the airline’s A320 aircraft also wear facemasks and gloves for the duration of service and catering is minimal to reduce contact between passengers and crew.

Policy details for affected ticketed international passengers here

Previous international flight suspension advice is available here

Unscheduled flight expression of interest form here