โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
60
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Choiseul Bay Airport (CHY), also known by its ICAO code AGGC, is a vital regional aviation facility located on Taro Island, the administrative capital of Choiseul Province in the Solomon Islands. Situated on a small coral island just off the northwest coast of the larger Choiseul Island, the airport acts as a critical lifeline for the provincial government and the local community. The airfield is a unique geographical feature, with the runway and terminal facilities occupying a significant portion of the entire island's land area.
The airport operates through a single, compact passenger terminal building that manages domestic island traffic. Facilities within the terminal are extremely basic, reflecting its role as a remote provincial outpost. Inside, travelers will find a simple check-in area and a sheltered waiting lounge that provides relief from the tropical sun. The facility's straightforward layout ensures that passengers can quickly transition from the terminal to the aircraft apron. The airfield consists of a well-maintained unpaved grass runway that is optimized for the regional turboprop aircraft, such as the de Havilland Canada Twin Otter and Dash 8, which are the mainstays of Solomon Islands aviation.
Commercial services at CHY are exclusively provided by the national carrier, Solomon Airlines. Regular scheduled flights connect Taro Island with the national capital, Honiara (HIR), and the regional hub of Gizo (GZO) on Nusatupe Island. These flights are essential for the movement of government personnel, medical supplies, and local produce, as well as for the small but growing number of eco-tourists visiting the remote western Solomon Islands. Ground transportation on Taro Island is primarily conducted via small boats and walking tracks, as the island is small enough to navigate by foot. The airport's presence is fundamental to the integration of Choiseul Province into the national economy, ensuring that this distant community remains connected to the rest of the archipelago.
๐ Connection Tips
Choiseul Bay Airport (CHY) serves as the remote provincial gateway for Taro Island, featuring a unique geographical layout where the grass runway occupies a significant portion of the entire island. Because the airport primarily handles domestic turboprop services, "connecting" here requires a clear understanding of the Solomon Islandsโ regional logistics. The primary air link is provided by Solomon Airlines, which operates Twin Otter or Dash 8 flights to Honiara International Airport (HIR) and the regional hub at Gizo (GZO). If you are connecting from Taro to an international departure in Honiara, it is vital to allow a minimum buffer of 24 hours. Tropical weather and afternoon cloud cover can frequently lead to multi-day flight cancellations, and the small Twin Otter aircraft are strictly governed by a 16kg checked baggage limit. Upon landing at the basic CHY terminal, you must take a small motorized canoe ("banana boat") to reach the administrative center on Taro Island or nearby guesthouses. This boat transfer typically takes 5 to 10 minutes and costs between SBD $50 and $100. For those heading to the provincial mainland of Choiseul, a longer boat journey is required. It is highly recommended to pre-book your accommodation at the Taro Guest House or Boro Guest House, as facilities are extremely limited and often at capacity. A critical health tip for all travelers is that Choiseul Province is a high-risk malaria zone; ensuring you have started a prophylaxis regimen and carry DEET-based repellent is mandatory for safety. Always verify your flight status with Solomon Airlines at least 24 hours in advance, as schedules are not daily and can be adjusted based on maintenance or regional demand.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Atoifi Airport (ATD), also known as Uru Harbour Airport, is a regional aviation facility located on the eastern coast of Malaita Island in the Solomon Islands. The airport features a minimalist infrastructure centered around a 1,968-foot grass runway that is maintained by the nearby Atoifi Adventist Hospital. It primarily serves as a critical transportation hub for medical staff, patients, and essential supplies, connecting this remote part of Malaita with the national capital, Honiara.
There is no conventional terminal building at Atoifi; instead, the facility consists of an open-air waiting area and a small administrative hut for the airfield management. Passengers and visitors typically gather under the shade of nearby trees or in a small, unsheltered spot near the runway edge during flight operations. The environment is highly informal and reflective of the remote island setting, with no automated baggage handling, security checkpoints, or official check-in counters as found in larger commercial airports.
Facilities at the airstrip are extremely limited, with no restrooms, retail boutiques, or dining options available on-site. Maintenance and security are managed locally, and the airfield's usability is highly dependent on localized weather conditions. Despite its lack of modern amenities, the airport is a vital lifeline for the local community and the hospital, providing a much faster and more reliable alternative to the long and often difficult sea voyages around the island of Malaita.
๐ Connection Tips
Atoifi Airport (ATD) serves as a specialized domestic gateway for eastern Malaita. For travelers, 'connecting' at ATD is a unique experience that requires a flexible itinerary. The facility only handles domestic regional flights, predominantly operated by Solomon Airlines twice weekly. If your plans involve an international hub like Brisbane, you will first need to travel to Honiara International Airport (HIR). It is highly recommended to allow at least 24 hours between your regional arrival and an international departure, as flights in the Solomon Islands are frequently subject to weather-related cancellations.\n\nGround transportation from the airstrip is primarily managed through pre-arranged private pickups or hospital-coordinated vehicles. While a small number of local taxis may meet announced arrivals, they are not on permanent standby. It is essential to coordinate with your host or the Atoifi Adventist Hospital in advance, as cellular coverage at the airfield can be intermittent. For those heading to nearby coastal settlements, boat transfers from Uru Harbour are a common and scenic connection method, though these should also be arranged with local operators ahead of time.\n\nTravelers should arrive fully self-sufficient, as there are no shops or ATMs available on-site. Ensure you have sufficient Solomon Islands Dollars (SBD) in cash for all local expenses, as credit card acceptance is non-existent. For departures, aim to arrive 60 minutes prior to takeoff to assist with manual baggage weighing. Always maintain contact with Solomon Airlines for real-time schedule updates, as heavy rain can rapidly render the grass runway unusable. For missed connections, travelers must typically contact the airline's main office in Honiara, as on-site support is limited to basic logistical coordination.
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