โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Marau Airport (MUU) is a small airstrip serving the Marau Sound area on the eastern tip of Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands. The terminal is a basic, open-air structure that reflects the remote and tropical nature of the region. It primarily handles domestic flights from the capital, Honiara, operated by Solomon Airlines, providing essential access for both the local community and tourists.
Facilities at the airport are minimal, with a simple sheltered area for passengers to wait for their flights. There are no commercial amenities like shops or restaurants on-site, so travelers should be fully self-sufficient with food, water, and other essentials. The airstrip is surrounded by the stunning turquoise waters and lush islands of the Marau Sound, making it a spectacular point of arrival for those seeking a secluded island experience.
Ground transportation from the airport to nearby resorts and communities is almost exclusively by boat, which is the primary mode of travel in this island-dotted region. The airport is a vital link for the local tourism industry and the community, offering a convenient and scenic alternative to longer sea voyages from the capital. Arriving at Marau offers an immediate immersion into the pristine and tranquil beauty of the eastern Solomon Islands.
๐ Connection Tips
Confirm your boat transfer to your resort or community in advance. Arrive early for your flight to enjoy the beautiful scenery around the open-air terminal.
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 Marau Airport