Solomon Airlines has confirmed the introduction of new airport surcharge fee effective from 1 June 2023 to help cover rising international and domestic airport costs including increased landing and lighting fees at Solomon Islands airports.
As part of a government reform programme in the aviation sector, 10 Government operated Airfields including the new Honiara Airport Terminal building and Munda International Airports formerly managed under the Ministry of Communication and Aviation (‘MCA’), have transferred to be managed by new state-owned enterprise Solomon Islands Airports Corporation Limited (‘SIACL’).
Under the new arrangement, new surcharges in addition to existing departure fees, now apply to airlines using Solomon Islands domestic and international airport facilities.
“We understand the long-term objective of aviation reform is to improve the operation and maintenance of Solomon Islands airports,” said Solomon Airlines CEO Gus Kraus.
“Progressing our aviation sector is a positive direction, however, increased charges to airlines have significantly added to the national carrier’s operating costs,” he said.
“Since the commencement of 2023 we have absorbed 100 percent of the new surcharges, however we cannot continue to do so and therefore must pass on part of those costs,” he explained.
Effective from 1 June 2023, all bookings made on Solomon Airlines will include regular Solomon Islands departure fees, plus a new Solomon Islands Airports Surcharge as follows:
• Domestic Airport Surcharge Fee – SBD$60 (US$7.19) per passenger per booking
• International Airport Surcharge Fee – SBD$110 (US$13.18) per passenger per booking
Solomon Airlines said the new airport surcharge and existing departure fee will be collected at the time of booking either online, via Solomon Airlines sales office or participating travel agents.
