Solomon Airlines has launched its first direct weekly service between Honiara and Port Moresby, a move hailed by Tourism Solomons as a pivotal step in enhancing tourism from Asia to the Solomon Islands. The new A-320 service, which commenced on 7 July, offers seamless connectivity with China Southern Airlines flights from Guangzhou, China, into Port Moresby.
Tourism Solomons acting CEO, Dagnal Dereveke, described the new route as a "game changer" for the region, marking a significant advancement in aviation for the Solomon Islands. This direct connection is expected to tap into high-value Chinese adventure and lifestyle tourism segments, including scuba diving, surfing, trekking, and sports fishing, which are increasingly popular among younger Chinese travellers.
China has already emerged as a strong growth market for the Solomon Islands, with visitor numbers rising by 64.5% from 2,134 in 2024 to 3,512 in 2025. Dereveke emphasised that the new service will help maintain this momentum, converting growing interest from China into actual visits. "The numbers speak for themselves," he said, highlighting the route's potential to strengthen competitiveness and support long-term growth targets.
The partnership between Tourism Solomons and Solomon Airlines is seen as crucial in expanding international access. Dereveke noted, "Aviation drives tourism. When our national carrier opens new doors, the entire sector benefits."
With Guangdong Province's population at approximately 128.6 million and Guangzhou just an hour from Hong Kong by high-speed train, the new service is strategically positioned to attract more visitors to the Solomon Islands
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