Solomon Airlines extends international flight suspension to 24 October

Solomon Airlines has today confirmed the airline will extend its suspension of scheduled international passenger flying from 31 August as previously advised, until 24 October, 2020. 

To date, the national carrier has operated a series of international cargo-only flights and eight Solomon Islands Government approved repatriation flights bringing more than 600 approved Solomon Islands citizens and residents home from Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Vanuatu.

With a population of over 680,000 across an archipelago of 992 islands and atolls, the Solomon Islands remains one of a few countries in the world to have no reported cases of Covid-19.

Brett Gebers, CEO of Solomon Airlines said the airline would continue to follow the guidance of the Solomon Islands Government regarding operational precautions due to the COVID-19 pandemic and in conjunction with continuing border restrictions in international markets.

“We are encouraged by the success of protective measures and protocols, and the fact that Solomon Islands remains COVID-free,” he said.

“In months ahead as countries begin to reopen borders to visitors, Solomon Islands is likely to be in focus as one of the unique places in the world viewed as safe, unspoilt and desirable to visit.

“As the national carrier, we will increase our scheduled international operations when it is safe to do so. Until then we will continue to operate Solomon Islands Government approved repatriation and cargo flights and to actively monitor the situation with our Pacific neighbours,” he added.

Solomon Airlines is continuing to operate a reduced domestic schedule to all 23 destinations within the Solomon Islands.

Further details are available on the Solomon Airlines Travel Advice page.

Policy details for affected ticketed international passengers here

Previous international flight suspension advice is available here

Unscheduled flight expression of interest form here