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
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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