Why are flights to Solomon Islands so expensive in 2026?
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Getting to the Solomon Islands in 2025 costs a lot more than it used to, and most of that extra cost happens before you even reach the Pacific.
A return flight from London to Honiara now runs around €2,770. That’s up 68% from 2019. Here’s why your wallet is hurting.
The long way round to Australia. Almost every flight to the Solomons connects through Brisbane. But since the Russian airspace ban, planes from Europe must fly longer southern routes. That adds hours to the journey and burns more fuel. Airlines like Qantas and Emirates pass those costs straight to you.
Fewer cheap options from Asia. Before the pandemic, Chinese carriers like China Southern offered budget fares to Australia. That competition kept other airlines honest. Those routes still haven’t fully recovered, so there’s less pressure to drop prices.
Limited flights to Honiara itself. Only Solomon Airlines and Qantas fly the Brisbane-to-Honiara leg. With just one small plane serving the route, there’s no real competition. A shiny new airport terminal also means higher fees for passengers.
The outlook: Don’t expect bargains soon. Until Asian carriers rebuild their networks and fuel prices ease, this remote paradise will stay pricey. Your best bet is booking early and staying flexible with dates.
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You can save between 40% and 80% on your flights to Solomon Islands — and to other Asian countries — with Air Traveler Club Superdeals.
We monitor all major airports in Europe for cheap flights to Asia, including:
- London (LHR) — UK
- Paris (CDG) — France
- Amsterdam (AMS) — Netherlands
- Madrid (MAD) — Spain
- Frankfurt (FRA) — Germany
- Rome (FCO) — Italy
- Athens (ATH) — Greece
- Vienna (VIE) — Austria
- Zurich (ZRH) — Switzerland
- Warsaw (WAW) — Poland

Departure airports in Europe and destinations in APAC covered by Superdeals.

Superdeals to Solomon Islands
Fly for half price (or less)
Airlines don't design their pricing systems to offer half-price tickets. However, when algorithms detect demand shortfalls for specific routes, automated systems apply steep discounts to fill planes. Airlines would rather accept losses than fly with empty seats.
ATC monitors thousands of routes from Europe 24/7, detecting Superdeals with 40–80% discounts. While a typical return flight from Europe to Honiara costs €1,400+, with Superdeals you can often grab it for around €600:
Which airlines have promotions to Solomon Islands right now?
We track and curate genuine offers from 150+ airlines, hand-picking only the most valuable for your wallet.
Which carriers have sales and special offers for flights in February, March, April and beyond? You can now browse the entire collection of active promotions:
Browse promos →Popular airlines with frequent offers from Europe:
Travel hacks and insights
for Europe — Solomon Islands flights
Verified strategies to save money and avoid friction on routes to Solomon Islands.
Port Moresby transit warning
Connecting via Port Moresby (POM) on Air Niugini requires caution. The international transit area is safe but extremely basic with limited food options and poor Wi-Fi. Do not leave the secure airside area.
Flights to Honiara can be delayed for hours without clear communication. If your layover exceeds 4 hours, access the Paradise Lounge (Priority Pass often accepted) for safety and comfort.
Avoid overnight layovers in Port Moresby unless you have a confirmed hotel shuttle and security arrangement. The city has significant security risks.
Split ticketing via Brisbane saves €400-600
Booking a single itinerary from Europe to Honiara often triggers premium pricing algorithms due to limited competition on the final leg. Fares typically exceed €2,400 for economy class on single-ticket bookings with Qantas or Emirates.
The arbitrage strategy involves booking a competitive Europe-Brisbane return ticket for €1,100-1,300, then purchasing a separate Brisbane-Honiara ticket on Solomon Airlines or Qantas for roughly €500-700. This split-ticket approach consistently saves €400-600 per person.
Budget at least a 6-hour buffer in Brisbane or an overnight stay. Separate tickets mean no automatic rebooking if your inbound flight from Europe is delayed.
Medical evacuation insurance is mandatory
Medical infrastructure in the Solomon Islands is extremely limited. Serious injuries or illnesses (including severe malaria or dengue) require evacuation to Brisbane, costing upwards of $50,000 USD.
Standard credit card travel insurance often has exclusions for “adventure activities” or insufficient caps for air ambulance service. verify your policy specifically covers medical repatriation from Solomon Islands to your home country.
Divers must have DAN insurance or equivalent that covers hyperbaric treatment and evacuation.
Booking window for domestic flights
Domestic flights on Solomon Airlines have very limited capacity (16-19 seats). During the December peak season, these sell out weeks in advance due to locals returning home for Christmas.
Do not wait until you arrive in Honiara to book travel to Gizo, Munda, or Seghe. Book these sectors at least 3-4 months out, simultaneous with your international ticket.
Flights are often rescheduled. Reconfirm your domestic booking 72 hours prior to departure by calling the airline’s Honiara office.
Honiara arrival logistics reality
Honiara International Airport (HIR) lacks aerobridges. You will deplane via stairs into intense tropical heat and humidity. The walk to the terminal is short but exposed.
Immigration processing is manual and slow. If you are seated at the back of the A320, expect a 45-60 minute wait in a non-air-conditioned queue. Use the restroom on the plane before landing.
Arranging a hotel transfer is critical. Taxis are available but chaotic; having a driver with a name sign saves significant hassle in the heat.
Qantas codeshare markup alert
Qantas places its code (QF) on Solomon Airlines (IE) metal for the Brisbane-Honiara route. Booking the QF flight number is often 15-25% more expensive than booking the identical flight directly through Solomon Airlines.
Check the operating carrier on Google Flights. If it says “Operated by Solomon Airlines,” go to the Solomon Airlines website to book. You will likely find the same seat for €100 less.
Qantas status credits and points are still earned on the QF code, so calculate if the loyalty benefits outweigh the cash premium.
What travelers ask most
Expert answers on routing, carriers, timing, and fees
Are there direct flights to Munda Airport from abroad now?
Yes, Solomon Airlines reintroduced and stabilized its direct Brisbane-to-Munda service in 2025. This is a massive time-saver for divers, allowing you to bypass a Honiara layover and fly straight into the Western Province’s dive hub. The flight typically operates on Saturdays, making it crucial to align your long-haul arrival into Brisbane with this weekly window. If you miss it, you’ll have to fly via Honiara, adding considerable time and cost to your journey.
Did Solomon Airlines change their baggage allowance in 2025?
Strict enforcement of weight limits became the norm in mid-2025, particularly on domestic Twin Otter flights. While international flights allow standard limits (30kg), domestic hops strictly cap checked bags at 16kg (35lbs) per person due to smaller aircraft safety margins. Excess baggage fees have also risen to roughly SBD 50 (about €5.50) per kg. If you are bringing heavy dive gear, pre-purchase the “diver allowance” or store non-essential items in Honiara lockers before heading to the islands.
Do Europeans need a visa for the Solomon Islands?
No, citizens of the Schengen Area (including Germany, France, Italy) generally receive a free visitor permit on arrival valid for up to 90 days. You must present a passport valid for at least 6 months, a confirmed return or onward ticket, and proof of sufficient funds. Immigration officers are strict about the return ticket requirement—if you don’t have one printed out, you may be denied boarding at your departure airport in Europe or Brisbane.
Can I use credit cards in the outer islands?
Cash is absolute king outside of Honiara and a few major resorts in Munda or Gizo. Most village guesthouses, local markets, and boat transfers accept only Solomon Islands Dollars (SBD). ATMs are scarce to non-existent in remote areas, so you must withdraw sufficient cash in Honiara before heading to the provinces. Carry small denominations (SBD 10, 20, 50) as change for large notes is often unavailable in villages.
What is the “Sunday Rule” I should know about?
The Solomon Islands is deeply Christian, and Sundays are strictly observed as a day of rest and church. Almost all shops, markets, and transport services close completely, and domestic flights are reduced. Avoid planning inter-island travel or major activities on a Sunday; instead, respect local customs by having a quiet day or attending a church service, which is renowned for its beautiful acapella singing. Loud behavior or demanding services on Sunday can be seen as disrespectful.
Is tap water safe to drink in Honiara?
No, tap water is generally not safe to drink anywhere in the Solomon Islands, including high-end hotels in Honiara. Always drink bottled water, or better yet, bring a purification bottle (like LifeStraw or Grayl) to reduce plastic waste, which is a major issue on the islands. Ice in drinks at reputable hotels is usually safe, but avoid it in local market stalls. For brushing teeth, using bottled or boiled water is the safest precaution to avoid stomach bugs.
Is travel insurance with medical evacuation mandatory?
It is not legally mandatory for entry, but it is extremely risky to travel without it. The Solomon Islands has limited medical facilities; the main hospital in Honiara can handle basics, but serious injuries or diving decompression sickness often require evacuation to Brisbane, Australia. A medevac flight can cost over €50,000 paid upfront if you are uninsured. Ensure your policy explicitly covers scuba diving (if applicable) and emergency air repatriation to your home country or Australia.
How does Air Traveler Club find cheap flights to the Solomon Islands?
We focus on finding price drops on the expensive long-haul leg from Europe to Australia, which represents 80% of your total ticket cost. Our AI monitors thousands of routes 24/7 to detect pricing anomalies—like a sudden drop on Frankfurt to Brisbane from €1,400 down to €850. Human experts then verify these deals to ensure the connection to Honiara is viable. By securing the long-haul portion for cheap, you significantly lower the total trip price. Join our free newsletter to get these alerts directly to your inbox.
Nonstop (direct) vs 1-stop
How much do flights from Europe to Solomon Islands cost?
No nonstop service exists between Europe and Solomon Islands. All routings require at least one connection, with total journey times of about 24-32 hours depending on hub choice.
This is standard for the route—most travelers connect through Singapore (SIN), Brisbane (BNE), or Nadi (NAN) with minimal hassle. Select connection times of 2.5-4 hours for international-to-international transfers—enough buffer for customs, security, and gate changes without excessive waiting.
All ATC Superdeals are manually verified for optimal connection times and efficient hub routing.
| Route | Airline(s) | Journey Time | Avg Price | Avg ATC Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| London (LHR) → Singapore (SIN) → Honiara (HIR) | Singapore Airlines / Solomon Airlines | 25h 30m | €2,200 | €735 (67% off) |
| Frankfurt (FRA) → Singapore (SIN) → Honiara (HIR) | Lufthansa / Singapore Airlines / Solomon Airlines | 26h 00m | €2,250 | €755 (66% off) |
| Paris (CDG) → Singapore (SIN) → Honiara (HIR) | Air France / Singapore Airlines / Solomon Airlines | 25h 45m | €2,200 | €715 (68% off) |
| Amsterdam (AMS) → Singapore (SIN) → Honiara (HIR) | KLM / Singapore Airlines / Solomon Airlines | 26h 15m | €2,250 | €735 (67% off) |
| London (LHR) → Brisbane (BNE) → Honiara (HIR) | Qantas / Solomon Airlines | 27h 30m | €2,150 | €705 (67% off) |
| Frankfurt (FRA) → Brisbane (BNE) → Honiara (HIR) | Lufthansa / Qantas / Solomon Airlines | 28h 00m | €2,250 | €735 (67% off) |
| Paris (CDG) → Nadi (NAN) → Honiara (HIR) | Air France / Fiji Airways / Solomon Airlines | 28h 30m | €2,100 | €695 (67% off) |
| Rome (FCO) → Singapore (SIN) → Honiara (HIR) | Singapore Airlines / Solomon Airlines | 26h 30m | €2,250 | €755 (66% off) |
| Zurich (ZRH) → Singapore (SIN) → Honiara (HIR) | SWISS / Singapore Airlines / Solomon Airlines | 26h 30m | €2,250 | €755 (66% off) |
| Munich (MUC) → Singapore (SIN) → Honiara (HIR) | Lufthansa / Singapore Airlines / Solomon Airlines | 26h 45m | €2,250 | €735 (67% off) |
*Avg ATC Price: Superdeal fare published on our platform (40-80% savings compared to standard market rates). Learn more.
How the 5th-freedom loophole can cut your flight costs by thousands
Welcome to the overlooked world of fifth-freedom flights. These legal, rare, and often underpriced routes create some of the cheapest fares—yet most travelers have never heard of them…
Best stopovers
for Europe to Solomon Islands flights
Not all connections are created equal. When flying from the Europe to Solomon Islands, routing through major airport hubs can deliver lower total fares, better-equipped aircraft, and access to airline stopover programs.
Singapore SIN
with Singapore Airlines / Fiji Airways
- Average savings: 25–35% vs non-stop flights
- Flight segments: ~13h Europe-Singapore + ~10h Singapore-Honiara via Nadi
- Typical connection: 3–4 hours (minimum 50 minutes)
- Stopover perks: Complimentary city tour
- Visa requirements: Most Europe passports enter visa‑free up to 90 days
- Airport rating: 5-Star Skytrax hub with top amenities
- Best for: London, Paris, Frankfurt travelers seeking world-class airport experience
Brisbane BNE
with Qantas / Solomon Airlines
- Average savings: 20–30% vs non-stop flights
- Flight segments: Europe-Brisbane (~21h), then Brisbane-Honiara (~3h)
- Typical connection: 4–6 hours (minimum 60 minutes)
- Stopover perks: Free unlimited stopovers
- Visa requirements: Many Europe passports need Australia ETA or transit visa
- Airport rating: Modern 4-Star facilities with good lounges
- Best for: Amsterdam, Madrid, Rome travelers seeking flexible multi-stop routing
Hong Kong HKG
with Cathay Pacific / Solomon Airlines
- Average savings: 22–32% vs non-stop flights
- Flight segments: Split into ~12h Europe-Hong Kong and ~10h Hong Kong-Honiara via Brisbane
- Typical connection: 2–4 hours (minimum 50 minutes)
- Stopover perks: Free Hong Kong stopover
- Visa requirements: Most Europe passports visa‑free for short visits
- Airport rating: 5-Star airport with efficient transit
- Best for: Zurich, Vienna, Milan travelers seeking strong on-time performance
Nadi NAN
with Fiji Airways / Solomon Airlines
- Average savings: 18–28% vs non-stop flights
- Flight segments: Two-leg journey: ~20h Europe-Nadi, ~3h Nadi-Honiara
- Typical connection: 3–5 hours (minimum 60 minutes)
- Stopover perks: Free 96-hour Fiji stopover
- Visa requirements: Most Europe passports receive visa‑free entry on arrival
- Airport rating: Regional hub with improving facilities
- Best for: Berlin, Copenhagen, Lisbon travelers seeking island stopover experience
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Set alerts →Best airlines and aircraft
for long-haul flights to Solomon Islands
Most travelers book Europe–Solomon Islands flights by price and schedule—but aircraft choice determines whether you arrive refreshed or wrecked. Cabin pressurization, humidity, seat configuration, and service standards vary dramatically on this route.
Below are carriers we recommend—with superior configurations on flights from the US and Canada to Solomon Islands.
Qantas Airways
Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
A 5-star Skytrax airline recognized for safety and service excellence, Qantas operates the 787-9 with lower cabin altitude and better humidity for enhanced comfort. Ideal for long Europe-Pacific legs.
- Route: 1-stop via Sydney (SYD) from London Heathrow (LHR) → Honiara (HIR) (~22 hrs total)
- Economy: 31″ pitch, 17.2″ width, 3-3-3 layout, personal seat-back IFE and power ports
- Business: 1-2-1 layout, lie-flat seats ~78″, direct aisle access, enhanced privacy
- Standouts: 12″ HD IFE with over 1000 entertainment options, onboard Wi-Fi, regionally inspired meals by top chefs, amenity kits in Business
- Typical Pricing: Economy €1,800-2,500; Business €7,000-9,000;
British Airways
Airbus A350-1000
British Airways, a founding IATA member with a premium reputation, flies the A350-1000 offering quieter cabins and improved air quality, perfect for transcontinental comfort.
- Route: 1-stop via Singapore (SIN) from London Heathrow (LHR) → Honiara (HIR) (~21 hrs total)
- Economy: 31″ pitch, 18″ width, 3-3-3 configuration, advanced LED mood lighting
- Business: Club Suite 1-2-1 layout, fully flat beds ~78″, door close for privacy
- Standouts: 13.3″ HD seat-back IFE, high-speed Wi-Fi optional, British and Pacific fusion cuisine, noise-cancelling headphones
- Typical Pricing: Economy €1,900-2,600; Business €7,500-9,500;
Turkish Airlines
Airbus A350-900
Globally awarded for service quality, Turkish Airlines’ A350-900 provides spacious cabins with advanced air filtration systems for a refreshing long-haul experience.
- Route: 1-stop via Istanbul (IST) from Frankfurt (FRA) → Honiara (HIR) (~23 hrs total)
- Economy: 31″ pitch, 18″ width, 3-3-3 layout, adjustable headrests and personal screens
- Business: 1-2-1 reverse herringbone seats, lie-flat ~79″, direct aisle access
- Standouts: 17.3″ HD IFE with touchscreen, onboard Wi-Fi, award-winning Turkish cuisine, regional wine selection
- Typical Pricing: Economy €1,700-2,300; Business €6,500-8,500;
Air France
Boeing 777-300ER (Select newer 777-300ER with updated cabin)
Air France, Skytrax 4-star, uses updated 777-300ERs featuring refined cabins with mood lighting and increased seat comfort on Europe to Pacific routing.
- Route: 1-stop via Paris CDG (CDG) → Nadi (NAN), then connecting to Honiara (HIR) (~22-24 hrs total)
- Economy: 31″ pitch, 18″ width, 3-4-3 layout, personal screens with USB charging
- Business: 1-2-1 layout, lie-flat seats ~76″, direct aisle access
- Standouts: High-definition IFE, onboard Wi-Fi, French gourmet meals, amenity kits with skincare brand products
- Typical Pricing: Economy €1,900-2,400; Business €6,800-8,800;
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