As Solomon Islands is celebrating its 48th Independence anniversary, the Solomon Airlines has resumed direct flights between Port Moresby and Honiara after a 15-year hiatus.
This direct flight has restored weekly air services aimed at boosting tourism, trade, business, people-to-people and regional connectivity between the Melanesian nations-Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.
The airline’s inaugural passenger flight landed at Jacksons International Airport this morning, where officials from both countries marked the official relaunch of the route, describing it as a significant milestone in strengthening people-to-people ties and economic cooperation across Melanesia.
Solomon Airlines Commercial Manager John Wopereig said the airline would operate the Port Moresby-Honiara service every Tuesday, reconnecting two neighboring countries with strong historical, cultural and business links.
“PNG is a very important hub for business, tourism, and family connections. We are so connected, and it is a special moment for us to be here as we launch this service once again,” Mr. Wopereig said.
He said Port Moresby serves as an important gateway to Asia through connections to Manila, Guangzhou, Hong Kong and Singapore, creating greater travel opportunities for Solomon Islanders and other Pacific travelers.
Mr. Wopereig said the airline was expanding its regional network by tapping into growing Asian markets, reflected in the increasing number of visitors travelling to the Solomon Islands.
He said the inaugural flight also carried the Solomon Islands Under-16 national football team to Papua New Guineaen route to the OFC qualifiers, highlighting the importance of reliable air services in supporting sports and regional cooperation.
Mr. Wopereig thanked the governments of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, tourism authorities, airline partners, diplomatic missions, business stakeholders and the media for supporting the return of the service.
Acting National Airports Corporation Chief Executive Officer Manuai Kametar welcomed Solomon Airlines back to Papua New Guinea, describing the airline’s return as an important step in improving regional aviation links.
Mr. Kametar said the weekly service would add about 160 seats each week between the two capitals.
“Our job now is to fill those seats,” he said.
He said the National Airports Corporation remained committed to positioning Port Moresby as a regional aviation hub linking the Pacific with Asia and beyond.
Mr. Kametar said plans were progressing for major upgrades at Jacksons International Airport, including a new international terminal and improved transit facilities to accommodate future passenger growth.
He said NAC looked forward to the continued expansion of Solomon Airlines’ operations and believed the restored service would strengthen tourism, trade and investment between the two countries.
The Solomon Islands High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea His Excellency William Suaki described the resumption of direct flights as an important investment in the future of both nations.
He said the restored air link represented far more than the return of an airline service, creating new opportunities for business, tourism, education, cultural exchanges and family reunions.
Ambassador Suaki thanked the PNG Government, particularly the Department of Transport, for supporting the approvals needed to restore the route.
He also acknowledged civil aviation authorities, airport operators, immigration, customs, quarantine and security agencies in both countries for working together to re-establish the direct connection.
He said the resumed service would bring the people of Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands closer together while strengthening the longstanding friendship between the two Melanesian neighbors.