Solomon Airlines Returns to Papua New Guinea, Reviving Regional Route After 15-Year Break

Regional air travel in the southwest Pacific has received a fresh boost with Solomon Airlines reinstating direct passenger services between Honiara and Port Moresby after an absence of 15 years, restoring one of Melanesia's key aviation links.

The relaunch coincided with celebrations marking the Solomon Islands' 48th Independence anniversary, as officials from both countries welcomed the arrival of the inaugural flight at Jacksons International Airport and highlighted its potential to deepen trade, tourism and people-to-people connections.

 Solomon Airlines Returns to Papua New Guinea, Reviving Regional Route After 15-Year Break

Speaking during the launch, Solomon Airlines Commercial Manager John Wopereig said flights would operate every Tuesday, reconnecting neighbouring countries whose economic, cultural and family ties have remained strong despite the long suspension of direct services.

He said Port Moresby plays a strategic role in regional aviation because it connects Pacific travellers to major Asian centres including Manila, Guangzhou, Hong Kong and Singapore. Those connections, he said, would help attract more visitors to the Solomon Islands while expanding travel choices for passengers across the region.

Mr Wopereig noted that the airline's first returning service also carried the Solomon Islands Under-16 national football team to Papua New Guinea before the squad continued to Oceania Football Confederation qualifiers, illustrating how improved aviation links benefit sporting and regional engagement.

He expressed gratitude to the governments of both countries, tourism bodies, airline partners, diplomatic missions, business organisations and the media for helping restore the service.

Acting National Airports Corporation Chief Executive Officer Manuai Kametar said Solomon Airlines' return would strengthen regional connectivity while providing roughly 160 passenger seats each week between Port Moresby and Honiara.

"Our task is now to make sure those flights are well supported," he said.

Mr Kametar said Papua New Guinea continued to invest in expanding Jacksons International Airport through a new international terminal and enhanced transit infrastructure as part of its ambition to become a leading aviation hub connecting the Pacific with Asia and other international markets.

He said the revived route would contribute to stronger trade, tourism and investment while opening the door for future growth in Solomon Airlines' regional operations.

Solomon Islands High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, His Excellency William Suaki, said the renewed flights reflected a long-term commitment to closer cooperation between the two nations.

He said the direct service would create wider opportunities for commerce, education, tourism, cultural exchange and family travel, while reinforcing the enduring friendship between Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.

The High Commissioner also thanked the Papua New Guinea Government, especially the Department of Transport, together with aviation regulators, airport authorities and border management agencies from both countries for the collaborative work that enabled the route to resume.