โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
110
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Kaghau Airport (KGE), also identified by its ICAO code AGKG, is a remote regional aviation facility located on the privately owned Kaghau Island in the Western Province of the Solomon Islands. Serving as a vital air bridge for the communities of Wagina Island and North East Choiseul, the airport provides essential access for mail, healthcare, and passenger travel in a part of the archipelago where cross-island maritime transit is the only other alternative. The facility sits at an elevation of 10 feet (3 meters) above sea level and is surrounded by the pristine tropical waters and coral reefs of the Solomon Sea.
The terminal infrastructure at Kaghau is minimalist and reflects its role as a remote out-station landing ground. There is no large-scale terminal building or complex gate system; instead, the facility consists of a basic single-story structure or open-air shelter that manages passenger waiting and cargo staging. All passenger and baggage processing occurs in a single open-plan area, with manual handling typically managed by the Solomon Airlines agent or local community members. The facility is designed for functional utility, providing a central meeting point for the low-volume transit typical of the Western Province's outer islands.
Amenities within the Kaghau terminal are virtually non-existent, and travelers are encouraged to arrive fully self-sufficient. There are no on-site cafes, retail shops, or Duty-Free outlets available to the public. Basic seating is provided within the waiting shelter, but modern conveniences like public Wi-Fi, ATMs, and indoor plumbing are generally not present at the airfield. The airport features a single unpaved runway (14/32) approximately 740 meters (2,428 ft) in length, with a surface composed of sand, grass, and coral gravel. The facility is strictly restricted to daylight operations under Visual Flight Rules (VFR), as there is no runway lighting for night landings.
Ground transportation at Kaghau is unique and primarily limited to local water-based transport, as the airport is located on an island with no road connectivity to the mainland. Most arrivals and departures are coordinated via outboard motorboats, locally known as 'banana boats,' which meet guests at the airfield edge for the transfer to Wagina or Choiseul. There are no commercial taxi ranks or public bus systems stationed at the airfield. Due to its unpaved surface and island location, flight schedules are highly dependent on the unpredictable tropical weather and sea conditions. Travelers are generally advised to confirm their flight status locally with Solomon Airlines at least 24 hours before heading to the strip.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting at Kaghau Airport (KGE) is a process that requires a great deal of patience and local coordination. Since Solomon Airlines is the only commercial carrier, a 'connection' here typically involves a transition from a domestic flight from Honiara (HIR) or Gizo (GZO) to a local banana boat for the final leg of your journey to a village or a remote dive site. Because there is no automated transit desk or baggage transfer system, you must personally collect your belongings from the aircraft apron and coordinate your onward journey with your pilot or a local boat operator. It is recommended to allow at least 60 minutes for any transition to account for the manual processes involved. Water-based transportation is the most critical link for any traveler transiting through Kaghau. Since there are no public transport services, you must pre-arrange a boat transfer with your destination host or a local community contact well in advance. If you are being met by a boat, they will typically wait near the edge of the terminal area when they hear the aircraft approaching the island. Always have your contact details and booking confirmation saved for offline access, as mobile data signal can be intermittent or unavailable depending on the local satellite network status. If your flight is delayed due to weather, the small terminal shelter provides basic protection from the tropical sun and rain. Practical preparation is vital when transiting through the Western Province. There are no ATMs or currency exchange offices at the airport terminal, so you should ensure you have sufficient Solomon Islands Dollars (SBD) in cash for boat fares and initial local expenses before leaving Honiara.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Afutara Airport (AFT) is a small and remote regional airfield located on the island of Malaita in the Solomon Islands. Serving the local communities of West Malaita, the airport is a vital link for transportation in a region where road infrastructure is limited and sea travel can be time-consuming. The facility features a basic unpaved landing strip and a minimalist terminal structure that reflects the secluded and traditional way of life in the Solomon Islands.
The terminal facilities at AFT are extremely rudimentary, often consisting of a simple open-air shelter that provides shade and a place for passengers to wait for their flights. There are no automated check-in systems, jet bridges, or modern baggage handling carousels; instead, operations are handled manually by local staff and flight crews. The layout is exceptionally straightforward, with the waiting area located just a few meters from the aircraft parking spot on the grass or gravel apron.
Amenities at Afutara Airport are virtually non-existent in the traditional sense. Travelers should not expect to find restaurants, shops, or Wi-Fi on-site. It is highly recommended that passengers carry their own supply of drinking water and any necessary snacks for their journey. Security is managed through local coordination and visual checks, focusing on the safety of small aircraft operations. For ground transportation, visitors typically rely on pre-arranged transfers from local hosts or guesthouses, as formal taxi services are not a regular feature at the airstrip.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting through Afutara Airport (AFT) is a unique experience that requires careful logistical planning and a flexible mindset. The airport primarily sees domestic flights from the capital, Honiara (Honiara International Airport), often operated by Solomon Airlines using Twin Otter or Dash 8 aircraft. It is crucial to reconfirm your flight status 24 to 48 hours in advance, as island-hopper flights are frequently subject to delays or cancellations due to weather conditions, especially during the tropical rainy season.\n\nSince there are no formal car rental agencies or metered taxis at the airport, all ground transfers must be arranged in advance through your local host or guesthouse. Most residents will meet visitors at the airstrip, often with a small truck or motorbike. If you are planning to travel to the provincial capital, Auki, be aware that the road journey can take several hours and road conditions may vary significantly.\n\nBe prepared for a high-temperature, high-humidity environment with very limited modern comforts. It is essential to carry sufficient Solomon Islands Dollars (SBD) in cash for all your needs, as there are no ATMs or credit card facilities on this part of Malaita. Additionally, ensure you have a physical copy of your travel documents and emergency contact numbers, as cellular data coverage can be intermittent. Lastly, pack light and use soft-sided luggage to comply with the weight restrictions of the small aircraft that serve the domestic routes.
โ Back to Kaghau Airport