โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
International โ Domestic
90
minutes
International โ International
120
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Honiara International Airport (HIR), historically known as Henderson Field, is the primary aviation gateway to the Solomon Islands. Located approximately 11 kilometers east of the capital city, Honiara, on the island of Guadalcanal, the airport is a site of immense historical significance, having been a focal point of the Guadalcanal Campaign during World War II. Today, it serves as the nation's main transportation hub, connecting the archipelago to major regional centers like Brisbane, Nadi, and Port Moresby. The airport has recently undergone a major $33.8 million modernization project funded by JICA, which included the construction of a new international departures terminal and significant upgrades to the runway and taxiway infrastructure.
The airport complex is organized into a newly renovated international terminal and a dedicated domestic wing. The layout is compact and designed for streamlined passenger flow, with all key services accessible on a single level. The international terminal features a modern departure hall with updated check-in counters and security screening facilities. Arrivals are managed through a centralized zone that includes passport control, baggage reclaim, and customs processing. The facility's design reflects a blend of modern efficiency and Pacific hospitality, providing a much-improved experience compared to the older, more limited terminal structure.
Facilities at Honiara International are tailored to the needs of international and regional travelers. The airport hosts the Belama Lounge by Solomon Airlines, offering a comfortable airside retreat with refreshments, Wi-Fi, and private restrooms for premium passengers. Dining options include several small cafรฉs and snack bars located both landside and airside, while retail shops offer a selection of duty-free goods and unique Solomon Islands souvenirs and handicrafts. Essential services such as currency exchange at the Bank of St Helena, a tourist information desk, and car rental counters are conveniently located in the arrivals hall, facilitating a smooth transition for visitors to the capital.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting through Honiara International Airport is highly efficient due to its compact, integrated layout. For domestic-to-domestic transfers, the process typically takes under 30 minutes; follow the signage within the main hall to transition between regional gates. As the airport is the main hub for Solomon Airlines, ensure you confirm if your baggage is through-checked to avoid manual re-claiming. The short walking distances between all airport zones make these transitions very manageable for both business and leisure travelers.
International connections require more time for mandatory formalities. Arriving international passengers must clear immigration and customs at HIR before proceeding to the domestic wing for re-check-in. It is recommended to allow a minimum of 2.5 hours for these transfers to account for peak-hour queues at passport control. If you are self-transferring between separate bookings, ensure a 3.5-hour window to reclaim baggage and transition between the international and domestic sections. Arriving 2 hours early for domestic and 3 hours for international departures is standard, as security screening is thorough.
Ground transport to Honiara city center takes about 25 minutes via taxi or hotel shuttle. For layovers of 5 hours or more, a trip to the National Museum or the Honiara Central Market is highly recommended. Within the airport, the Belama Lounge offers a comfortable airside retreat with refreshments and Wi-Fi. The terminal also features several small cafรฉs and a duty-free shop to explore while you wait. Always have your travel documents and printed itinerary ready, as security staff frequently check these at multiple points throughout the renovated facility.
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.
โ Back to Honiara International Airport