โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Santa Ana Airport (NNB) serves the island of Santa Ana (Owaraha) in the Makira-Ulawa Province of the Solomon Islands. The terminal is a simple and functional structure that primarily handles domestic flights operated by Solomon Airlines, connecting the island with Kirakira and the capital, Honiara. it is a critical lifeline for the island's population, facilitating the movement of people, mail, and essential supplies.
Inside the terminal, facilities are basic, featuring a small waiting area and administrative support for flight operations. There are no commercial shops or dining options at the airport, so travelers should ensure they have necessary items and water before arriving. The warm hospitality of the Santa Ana residents is immediately apparent, and the airport serves as an essential connection for the island's residents traveling for business, education, and medical services.
Ground transportation from the airport to the various villages on the island is typically managed via local transport or pre-arranged pickup from local guesthouses. The airport's location on the coastal fringe offers travelers spectacular views of the turquoise waters and coral reefs of the Makira-Ulawa province during arrival and departure. It remains a critical infrastructure point for the connectivity and resilience of the Santa Ana community, ensuring that this remote and naturally significant part of the Solomon Islands remains accessible.
๐ Connection Tips
Confirm your domestic flight schedule with Solomon Airlines ahead of time, as services can be subject to weather-related changes in the archipelago. Ground transportation to your guesthouse is best arranged via local community contacts upon arrival.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Avu Avu Airport (AVU) is a regional aviation facility located on the rugged southern coast of Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands. The airport features a minimalist terminal area that primarily handles domestic scheduled flights and inter-island charters, serving as a critical lifeline for the remote Weather Coast communities. Its primary function is to provide essential access for passengers, medical supplies, and government logistics in a region where the absence of a reliable road network makes air travel the only practical link to the national capital.
Inside the terminal area, facilities are basic and designed for functional use rather than extensive passenger dwell time. There is a simple sheltered waiting area with limited seating and a small administrative office for the airfield management. While traditional airport retail and dining are not available on-site, the local Avu Avu community offers traditional staples and basic supplies during flight times. The environment is rustic and professional, reflecting the remote maritime nature of southern Guadalcanal, with no automated baggage handling systems or jet bridges in place.
The infrastructure at Avu Avu includes a single unpaved runway suitable for light turboprop aircraft, such as the De Havilland Canada Twin Otter often used by Solomon Airlines. Security at the field is managed locally and focuses on basic identification and cargo oversight. Despite its small scale, the airport is a vital link for the regional economy, providing the only reliable connection for essential supplies and medical evacuations to this isolated part of the Solomon Islands, bypassing the long and often difficult sea voyages around the island's southern capes.
๐ Connection Tips
Avu Avu Airport (AVU) serves as a specialized domestic gateway for the Weather Coast of Guadalcanal. For travelers, 'connecting' at AVU is a localized experience because all operations are consolidated within a single, minimalist terminal building. Most passengers arrive on scheduled regional links from Honiara (HIR), which typically operate once or twice weekly. If your travel plans involve a connection to an international hub like Brisbane, you will first need to return to Honiara. It is recommended to allow at least 24 to 48 hours between your regional arrival and an international departure to account for potential weather delays.\n\nGround transportation from the terminal is primarily managed through walking paths or small boat transfers, as the area lacks a formal road network. While there are no on-demand taxi ranks, visitors are usually met directly on the apron by their local hosts. For those heading to nearby coastal villages, motorized canoe transfers are the common connection method and should be arranged with local boatmen in advance. It is essential to coordinate your arrival time with your contact, as cellular coverage at the airfield can be intermittent during heavy tropical rain.\n\nTravelers should arrive fully self-sufficient, as there are no retail shops or ATMs available on-site. It is vital to carry sufficient Solomon Islands Dollars (SBD) in cash for all local expenses, as credit card acceptance is non-existent. For departures, aim to arrive at the terminal at least 60 minutes prior to takeoff for manual baggage weighing. Tropical weather can cause sudden schedule changes; always maintain close contact with Solomon Airlines for real-time updates. For missed connections, travelers must typically contact the airline's main office in Honiara, as on-site support is limited to basic ground logistics.
โ Back to Santa Ana Airport