Solomon Airlines has revised its international schedule as it awaits the return of its second Airbus A320 H4-SIB which is currently under repair and will be returned to the lessor once it’s lease ends.
Brisbane, Honiara, Munda, Nadi, Auckland, Santo and Port Vila flights have been revised as a result. The Pacific islands carrier saying it is moving to a single international aircraft operation from 16 September until 30 November 2026 and from 1 February 2027 onwards, pending the return of the Airbus A320, Spirit of Solomons, for the December and January period which will allow increased flying for the peak period.
“We recognise that changes to scheduled services can affect our customers travel and cargo plans, and we sincerely regret any inconvenience caused,” said Solomon Airlines CEO Matt Findlay who only took on the role in January.
Solomon Airlines said factors contributing to the decision were the extended absence of the under-repair H4-SIB and its return to service processes, escalating fuel costs, prevailing economic conditions and changes in forward travel demand.
The carrier said it has maintained network continuity during the period of reduced fleet availability through a combination of its own operations and support from third-party carriers.
“What we understood would be a short-term period without H4-SIB while repairs were completed, has required a longer period than initially anticipated,” Findlay said.
“To ensure our airline can continue to grow and thrive, and to establish stability of operations across our network, we have carefully reviewed our fleet deployment and network requirements and determine that a more focused international schedule is appropriate for the months ahead,” he said.
“Our principal purpose is to serve our nation and its people, and strengthening our domestic operations is critical, as is supporting our key connections to markets for the movement of people and products.”
The Airbus A320, which the carrier took delivery of in 2020, is expected to return to service during December, subject to completion of the applicable return-to-service requirements. The aircraft is then expected to complete its remaining lease obligations before returning to its lessor following the conclusion of its lease term.
“This is a course of action that we deeply regret has to be taken, given the prolonged disruption to our operation, a challenging operating environment and the need to restore operational integrity for our customers,” Findlay said.
“Our teams are working to minimise the impact and will assist affected customers with available alternatives, including travel on Solomon Airlines or other carriers where appropriate, or refunds where a suitable alternative cannot be provided.”
Solomon Airlines will outline the airline’s strategy and long-term plans at a Stakeholder Summit planned for Tuesday 27 October.
The revised service
Solomon Airlines revised international schedule effective from 16 September 2026 will include the following changes:
- Auckland-Port Vila – to operate 2 x weekly outbound on Tuesday and Wednesday, inbound to Auckland on Monday and Tuesday
- Brisbane-Honiara – to operate 3 x weekly outbound on Monday, Friday and Saturday, and inbound to Brisbane on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday
- Brisbane-Santo, Vanuatu – remains 2 x weekly, with weekly Thursday service remaining, and day change Tuesday to Sunday for the 2nd weekly service, subject to approval
- Honiara-Port Vila-Auckland – remains once weekly, with day change from Tuesday to Monday
- Auckland-Port Vila-Honiara – remains once weekly, with day change from Monday to Wednesday
- Honiara-Nadi – no change to existing weekly Honiara-Nadi weekend return service
- Brisbane-Munda – no change to existing direct service on Friday
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