Solomon Airlines first commercial flight to Sydney takes off

Saturday, November 20, 2021

Solomon Airlines first scheduled commercial flight from Honiara to Sydney took off this afternoon at 4pm with a scheduled arrival time in Sydney of 8:10pm this evening. Flight IE700 will then continue on to Brisbane.

Onboard were 34 approved passengers including Australian citizens and permanent residents, their immediate families, and transit passengers, including 16 bound for Sydney, and 18 travelling onward to Brisbane.

The Honiara-Sydney-Brisbane flight route will be available fortnightly throughout December, with the next departures confirmed on the 3rd and 17th December.

The flights to Sydney are possible following the relaxation of border entry requirements by the Australian and New South Wales Governments.

Brett Gebers CEO of Solomon Airlines said the flights were possible with the assistance of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

“We are very appreciative of their fast work and co-operation to make these services available as soon Australia’s entry conditions changed. It means that many people will now be able to reunite with family and friends in time for Christmas,” he said.

To be able to travel to Sydney quarantine free, passengers must be an Australian national, hold a permanent resident visa, or immediate family of Australian nationals. They must be fully vaccinated at least 7 days prior to travel, with an approved vaccination, and able to show a Proof of Vaccination certificate, or have an immediate international connection within 8 hours. They will also need to meet any New South Wales requirements for pre-departure testing.

Children under 12 years of age and medically exempt passengers may also travel on the flights providing they are Australian nationals or permanent residents and if medically exempt, hold valid proof of medical exemption for vaccination.

Passengers wanting to travel from Honiara to Brisbane as their final destination can also travel on the flight via Sydney, subject to inbound passenger limits allowed by the Australian Government. On arrival in Sydney, Brisbane-bound passengers will be required to clear security and reboard the aircraft for the Sydney-Brisbane sector.

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