Quick summary
Solomon Airlines launches weekly Honiara—Port Moresby service on March 31, 2026 and reinstates Honiara—Port Vila flights from March 30, 2026, both using Airbus A320 aircraft. The Port Moresby route connects with China Southern and Asian carriers, while Port Vila links to Auckland, creating new one-stop options for North American travelers to the Solomon Islands that bypass traditional Australian and Fijian hubs.
Launch fares are not yet published. The full schedule runs through January 26, 2027, with additional Saturday frequencies on Port Moresby from April through June 2026.
Solomon Airlines is adding two international routes in late March 2026, giving North American travelers fresh alternatives to reach Honiara without routing through Sydney or Nadi.
The carrier will operate weekly Honiara—Port Moresby flights starting March 31, 2026, timed to connect with flights from Asia. Port Vila service resumes March 30, 2026 with Monday arrivals and Tuesday departures linking to Auckland.
Both routes use Airbus A320 aircraft. The Port Moresby schedule adds Saturday frequencies from April 4 through June 27, 2026, then returns to Tuesday-only service from July 7, 2026 through January 26, 2027.
Schedule details and connections
Flight IE717/718 operates Honiara—Port Moresby on Tuesdays, departing Honiara at 09:40 and arriving Port Moresby at 11:00. The return leg departs Port Moresby at 12:00 and lands in Honiara at 15:20.
The Port Vila route runs Mondays (Port Vila—Honiara, arriving 15:20) and Tuesdays (Honiara—Port Vila, departing 09:40). This pairs with Air New Zealand’s Auckland—Port Vila service for seamless connections.
Solomon Airlines previously tested the Port Moresby route briefly in July 2024. The airline is also adding a second weekly Brisbane—Espiritu Santo flight from April 4, 2026, a fourth weekly Auckland—Port Vila service from July 3, 2026, and twice-weekly Christchurch—Port Vila from July 1, 2026.
Passengers with existing bookings affected by minor schedule adjustments will be rebooked at no charge. Full details are available on the official Solomon Airlines announcement.
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What this means for Pacific connectivity
No other carrier operates weekly Honiara—Port Moresby service. Air Niugini flies Port Moresby to Brisbane and Nadi but does not serve Honiara, while Fiji Airways dominates Honiara—Nadi—Sydney/Brisbane routes for North American connections.
The Port Moresby link creates a new Asia gateway. Travelers from the US West Coast can now route Los Angeles—Auckland—Port Vila—Honiara in approximately 20 hours with under two-hour layovers, compared to current 28+ hour itineraries via Nadi. The Port Moresby connection opens cheaper flights from US to Asia by linking to China Southern and regional Asian carriers.
The expanded Port Vila and Espiritu Santo capacity may pressure fares on Australia/New Zealand—Solomon Islands routes by 10-20% as Solomon Airlines competes with Qantas and Fiji Airways one-stop options.
Port Moresby layover caution
Port Moresby ranks among the Pacific’s highest-risk transit points. Travelers connecting through Papua New Guinea’s capital should remain airside and avoid leaving the airport. Review safety tips for Port Moresby layovers before booking.
What to do
Monitor launch fares: Check flysolomons.com weekly starting now. Similar Pacific route launches in 2024 offered introductory one-way fares of $250-350 USD, bookable 60 days before departure.
Book early for best inventory: Reserve 90-180 days ahead via the airline’s website or Google Flights. Use ExpertFlyer for A320 seat alerts on IE717/718.
Pair with partner airlines: Combine with Air New Zealand Auckland—Port Vila or Qantas Brisbane—Espiritu Santo for seamless North America to Solomon Islands itineraries.
Affected bookings: Contact Solomon Airlines directly before March 30, 2026 for free re-accommodation if your existing reservation falls on adjusted flight times.
Questions? Answers.
When will launch fares be available?
Solomon Airlines has not published fares yet. Based on the carrier’s 2024 Port Moresby trial, expect introductory one-way pricing of $250-350 USD, bookable approximately 60 days before the March 31, 2026 launch. Check flysolomons.com weekly for updates.
How does this change travel time from the US West Coast?
The Port Vila connection enables Los Angeles—Honiara in approximately 20 hours via San Francisco—Auckland—Port Vila—Honiara, with layovers under two hours. Current routings via Nadi typically require 28+ hours. Monitor United and Qantas for codeshare agreements on these new routes.
Will the schedule extend beyond January 2027?
The published schedule runs through January 26, 2027. Solomon Airlines is monitoring demand and has indicated the New Zealand and Vanuatu capacity boosts are likely permanent. Extensions will depend on load factors during the first six months of operation.
Are there direct competitors on the Honiara—Port Moresby route?
No. Air Niugini serves Port Moresby to Brisbane and Nadi but does not fly to Honiara. Fiji Airways operates Honiara—Nadi but not Honiara—Port Moresby. Solomon Airlines is the only carrier offering this weekly link.
What aircraft type operates these routes?
Both the Port Moresby and Port Vila routes use Airbus A320 aircraft configured for short-haul international service. Flight numbers IE717 and IE718 operate both routes on their respective days.
