SOLOMON AIRLINES RAMPS UP VANUATU FLYING UNDER NEW INTERNATIONAL SCHEDULE

Solomon Airlines has announced a new international schedule effective from 3rd October 2025 with a focus on the airline’s operations from Australia and New Zealand to Vanuatu, to meet developing tourism demand.

Solomon Islands national carrier stepped in to introduce flights from Auckland and Brisbane to Vanuatu last year following the withdrawal of Air Vanuatu international services. Now with established operations and Air Vanuatu domestic flights within the country, international schedules will be streamlined to optimise connections for tourist and travellers to, from and within Vanuatu.

“We are designing operations to best meet customer demand, especially for tourism development, that means schedules which allow a 7-night stay at primary destinations,” said Solomon Airlines Commercial Manager John Wopereis.

Under the revised schedule Solomon Airlines will re-implement a Brisbane- Espiritu Santo-Brisbane service on Thursday in both directions. The flights are timed to allow for 7-night stays in Santo, optimal for divers and holidaymakers.

“With Air Vanuatu now restoring domestic service, we will also step back and withdraw Solomon Airlines flying the route between Santo and Port Vila,” Mr Wopereis said.

The following changes will also be implemented under Solomon Airlines new international schedule:

• Auckland-Port Vila flights will increase to 3 x return services weekly
• From 5th April 2026 a second Brisbane- Santo Espiritu service will be introduced on Saturdays
• A new Brisbane-Honiara flight will be introduced on Saturdays, providing a new departure date option for customers and improved cargo carriage opportunities.
• Brisbane-Honiara Sunday services will cease
• Brisbane-Auckland services currently operating on Fridays will now operate on Sunday, maintaining a direct transit connection from Honiara
• The popular Auckland-Brisbane-Munda-Honiara service on Fridays will remain unchanged
• Honiara to Nadi service on Saturday and Nadi-Honiara service on Sunday will remain unchanged
• Flights on the Honiara-Port Vila and Port-Vila -Honiara routes will no longer be operated by

Solomon Airlines effective from 1st October, 2025. Solomon Airlines will contact any passengers affected by this change with existing forward bookings reaccommodated to codeshare flights operated by Air Niugini.

“Designing an optimal airline schedule is ongoing, it is a case of responding to customers’ needs and wants across the leisure, VFR (Visiting Friends and Relatives), RSE seasonal workforce and business traveller markets,” Mr Wopereis added.

“We are working closely with our stakeholders and especially our partners at Air Vanuatu, Espiritu Santo Tourism Association (ESTA), Vanuatu Tourism Office (VTO)".

“Santo for example is a very popular tourism destination out of Brisbane and with strong collaborative efforts between us we have planned ongoing promotion of this route,” he said.

Solomon Airlines now offers same day flights, schedules allowing 7-day itineraries and by April 2026, the airline will launch a second service in time for the 2026 Easter period.

The airline is also experiencing strong demand for flights to Port Vila, a popular tourism destination out of New Zealand and only 3 hours from Auckland offering a tropical beach destination close to home.

About Solomon Airlines

Turning 62 this year, Solomon Airlines is one of the oldest Airlines in the Pacific Region. As the Pacific’s best emerging airline, we are dedicated to delivering operational excellence and outstanding customer service. We are committed to ensuring safe, reliable and easy flight access for our people, visitors and friends, our seasonal workers and corporate travellers who need to move within the Pacific Region.

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Media inquiries:
Please contact Heather Jeffery, Solomon Airlines [email protected] +61 426 719219