Solomon Airlines Announces Revised International Schedule
Reverting to a single international aircraft operation – Brisbane, Honiara, Munda, Nadi, Auckland, Santo, Port Vila
Solomon Airlines has released a revised international schedule serving Brisbane, Honiara, Munda, Nadi, Auckland, Santo and Port Vila, following a review of fleet availability, network requirements and current market conditions.
The airline is moving to a single international aircraft operation from 16 September until 30 November 2026, and from 1 February 2027 onwards, pending the return of the second Airbus A320 H4-SIB for the December and January period which will allow increased flying for the peak period.
Solomon Airlines cited factors contributing to the decision as the extended absence of H4-SIB while undergoing repairs and return to service processes, escalating fuel costs, prevailing economic conditions and changes in forward travel demand.
Solomon Airlines has maintained network continuity during the period of reduced fleet availability through a combination of its own operations and support from third-party carriers.
“What we understood would be a short term period without H4-SIB while repairs were completed, has required a longer period than initially anticipated,” said Matt Findlay, CEO of Solomon Airlines.
“To ensure our airline can continue to grow and thrive, and to establish stability of operations
across our network, we have carefully reviewed our fleet deployment and network requirements and determine that a more focused international schedule is appropriate for the months ahead,” he said.
“Our principle purpose is to serve our nation and it’s people, and strengthening our domestic operations is critical, as is supporting our key connections to markets for the movement of people and products,” he added.
Airbus A320 (H4-SIB) will be expected to return to service during December 2026, subject to completion of the applicable return-to-service requirements. The aircraft is then expected to complete it’s remaining lease obligations before returning to it’s lessor following the conclusion of its lease term.
“This is a course of action that we deeply regret has to be taken, given the prolonged disruption to our operation, a challenging operating environment and the need to restore operational integrity for our customers,” Mr Findlay said.
Solomon Airlines will outline the airline’s strategy and long term plans at a Stakeholder Summit planned for Tuesday 27 October.
Solomon Airlines revised international schedule effective from 16 September 2026 will include the following changes:
o Auckland-Port Vila – to operate 2 x weekly outbound on Tuesday and Wednesday, inbound to Auckland on Monday and Tuesday
o Brisbane-Honiara – to operate 3 x weekly outbound on Monday, Friday and Saturday, and inbound to Brisbane on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday
o Brisbane-Santo, Vanuatu – remains 2 x weekly, with weekly Thursday service remaining, and day change Tuesday to Sunday for the 2nd weekly service, subject to approval
o Honiara-Port Vila-Auckland – remains once weekly, with day change from Tuesday to Monday
o Auckland-Port Vila-Honiara – remains once weekly, with day change from Monday to Wednesday
o Honiara-Nadi – no change to existing weekly Honiara-Nadi weekend return service
o Brisbane-Munda – no change to existing direct service on Friday
“We recognise that changes to scheduled services can affect our customers travel and cargo plans, and we sincerely regret any inconvenience caused,” Mr Findlay said.
“Our teams are working to minimise the impact and will assist affected customers with available alternatives, including travel on Solomon Airlines or other carriers where appropriate, or refunds where a suitable alternative cannot be provided.”
Source: Solomon Airlines Press Release
Customers seeking assistance can contact Solomon Airlines through the airline’s customer service channels. Contact details for the countries served by Solomon Airlines are available on the airline’s website: https://www.flysolomons.com/contact-us
Solomon Airlines will continue to provide updates as operational arrangements are confirmed.
Media inquiries: Please contact Heather Jeffery prteam@flysolomons.com +61 426 719219
