โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Nana Airport (NAZ), also known as Star Harbour Airport, is a small regional airstrip serving the community of Star Harbour on the eastern tip of San Cristobal (Makira) island in the Solomon Islands. The terminal is a basic, open-air structure that perfectly reflects the remote and tropical nature of the region. It primarily handles domestic flights from the capital, Honiara, operated by Solomon Airlines, providing an essential link for both the local community and visitors to this isolated part of the archipelago.
Facilities at the airport are minimal, with a simple sheltered area for passengers to wait for their flights. There are no commercial shops or dining options on-site, so travelers should be fully self-sufficient with food, water, and other essentials. The airstrip is surrounded by the lush tropical forests and coastal landscapes of Makira, making it a scenic and unique point of arrival for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path island experience.
Ground transportation from the airport to nearby villages and community centers is almost exclusively by local transport or by boat, which is a primary mode of travel in this island-dotted region. The airport is a vital link for the local community, offering a convenient and scenic alternative to longer sea voyages from the capital. Arriving at Nana offers an immediate immersion into the pristine and tranquil beauty of the eastern Solomon Islands, ensuring that this remote part of the country remains connected to essential services.
๐ Connection Tips
Nana Airport (NAZ) at Star Harbour represents one of the most remote aviation connections in the Solomon Islands, serving the eastern tip of Makira (San Cristobal) island with highly weather-dependent services. Ground and water transportation must be carefully coordinated before arrival, as Star Harbour offers no taxi services or vehicle rentals at the basic airstrip facility. The airstrip's grass surface becomes unusable when saturated by heavy tropical rains, leading to immediate cancellations that can extend for days during the wet season (November through April).
Solomon Airlines operates Twin Otter DHC-6 aircraft to this grass airstrip, but flights are cancelled very frequently - scheduled departures actually operating on time are the exception rather than the rule, making this destination unsuitable for travelers with tight international connections through Honiara. Most onward travel involves outboard motor boats, which take 45-60 minutes to reach various coastal villages and the famous surf breaks like Bola's near Tawarogha village to the northwest. Travelers must maintain complete flexibility with their schedules and should never plan same-day connections back to international flights from Honiara.
The 45-minute flight from Henderson International Airport (HIR) in Honiara is spectacular when weather permits, offering aerial views of countless pristine islands and coral reefs. These boat transfers are entirely weather-dependent and should be pre-arranged through local guesthouses or community contacts, as spontaneous transportation is virtually non-existent in this remote region where mobile phone coverage is extremely limited or absent. Essential supplies including water, non-perishable food, basic medications, and cash in Solomon Islands dollars must be carried, as Star Harbour has minimal commercial facilities and no banking services whatsoever.
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.
Ground 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.
Travelers should arrive fully self-sufficient, as there are no shops or ATMs available on-site. Please ensure that all your onward travel arrangements, including ground transport to your final destination, are confirmed well in advance. Our research indicates that regional transit in this area is highly weather-dependent and requires travelers to remain flexible with their schedules. Always confirm your flight status 24 hours prior to departure, carry your essential medications and critical documents in your hand baggage, and maintain open lines of communication with your local hosts or transport providers. By treating this airport segment as the foundation of your regional travel plan rather than the conclusion of your flight, you will find that it is a highly reliable gateway, provided you account for the unique pace of local transport and the seasonal variability of the local environment, which can often be unpredictable due to sudden meteorological shifts or technical logistics.
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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