Honiara - Transport

Transport

The city lies on the Kukum Highway and is served by Honiara International Airport. The road network in Honiara underwent improvements with the result that roads in the city are now good. The airport has been improved to receive large aircraft. However, Solomon Airlines, the state owned airline, had to discontinue its operation for some time due to political unrest. The old Henderson Airport is 13 kilometres (8.1 mi) from Honiara, and the International Airport was also built (with Japanese funding) here in 1998; the old airport built by the Japanese was destroyed by the Americans in 1942.. World War II historic sites, near the domestic wing of the airport are: The American War Memorial and a Japanese AA Gun; and a dilapidated steel control tower which overlooks the runway.

Solomon Airlines now operates on international routes and has code share agreement with Qantas, Air Vanuatu, Air Niugini and Air Pacific. Flights reach Honiara from Brisbane by two main airlines, Solomon Airlines four times a week and Pacific Blue twice a week. Air Pacific connects Nadi with Honiara once a week, and Air Niugini twice a week. The sea port of Point Cruz is the main port of entry into the Solomon Islands. Many international shipping companies operate as the port has facility to handle 20-foot containers Passenger boats services operate from Honiara’s main wharf at Point Cruz and many shipping companies provide these services. The companies known for their reliability (though a slow process of travel) are the MV Pelican Express and MV Solomon Express and they offer services once week to Malaita and western provincial cities of Mbunikalo, Seghe, Noro, and Gizo. The 26 hour boat trip to Gizo is said to be one of the most scenic of the Pacific.