Solomon Airlines has commenced a direct weekly service between Honiara (HIR) and Port Moresby (POM), operating an Airbus A-320. The inaugural flight took place on 7 July, marking the first non-stop link between the capitals of the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea.
The new route is designed to offer seamless connectivity with China Southern Airlines flights arriving from Guangzhou (CAN) into Port Moresby. This alignment opens a streamlined gateway for Chinese travellers to reach the Solomon Islands, a destination increasingly known for its scuba diving, surfing, trekking, and sports fishing offerings.
Strategic Tourism Boost
Tourism Solomons acting CEO Dagnal Dereveke described the service as a “game changer” for the region. “Aviation drives tourism. When our national carrier opens new doors, the entire sector benefits,” Dereveke said in a statement. He emphasised that the direct connection will help convert growing interest from China into actual visits, particularly among younger Chinese travellers seeking adventure and lifestyle experiences.
China has already emerged as a strong growth market for the Solomon Islands. Visitor numbers rose 64.5% from 2,134 in 2024 to 3,512 in 2025. Dereveke noted, “The numbers speak for themselves,” adding that the route will strengthen competitiveness and support long-term growth targets.
The partnership between Tourism Solomons and Solomon Airlines is seen as critical to expanding international access. With Guangdong Province’s population at approximately 128.6 million and Guangzhou just an hour from Hong Kong by high-speed train, the service is strategically positioned to attract more visitors from southern China.
For travel professionals, this development signals a new opportunity to package Solomon Islands as a premium adventure destination for the Chinese outbound market. The route also strengthens intra-Pacific connectivity, which has been a focus for carriers like Air India as they expand hub-and-spoke models in the region.
Solomon Airlines’ move aligns with broader trends in Asia-Pacific aviation, where carriers are adding secondary city pairs to capture niche demand. Similar strategies have been seen with Vietnam Airlines opening the Ho Chi Minh City–Phuket route and Riyadh Air launching daily Mumbai service.
The weekly frequency may be modest, but the route’s strategic value lies in its ability to funnel high-spending Chinese tourists directly into the Solomon Islands, bypassing traditional transit hubs. For hoteliers and tour operators in Honiara and beyond, this could mean a steady uptick in bookings from a market that has shown strong growth momentum.
Dereveke concluded, “This direct connection is a pivotal step in enhancing tourism from Asia to the Solomon Islands. We are confident it will drive sustainable growth for years to come.”
