Ulawa Airport

Ulawa Airport (also known as Arona Airport) is not merely a transport hub, but a true gateway to the pristine world of the Solomon Islands, where time seems to follow its own laws. Instead of bustling terminals and endless queues, travellers are welcomed by a modest airstrip surrounded by lush tropical greenery and the ocean breeze. Arriving here feels like a scene from an adventure movie: a small aircraft gently touches down just steps away from the village, immersing you in an atmosphere of complete serenity from the very first minute.

Airport Features:

The main characteristic of Ulawa Airport is its authenticity. There is no complex infrastructure here, allowing passengers to complete formalities in a matter of minutes while enjoying views of palm trees instead of concrete walls. Thanks to its location on the edge of the island, take-off and landing offer breathtaking panoramic views of the turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean, making the flight itself an unforgettable part of the journey.

As Ulawa Airport is a small regional airfield with minimal infrastructure, it does not have a separate administrative office with its own website. All passenger, baggage, and flight services are handled through the national carrier, Solomon Airlines. For the most up-to-date information, it is recommended to use the airline's contact details.

• Official Website: www.flysolomons.com (the main source of information for flights to Arona)
• Helpdesk Phone: +677 20031 (Solomon Airlines Reservations Department)
• Airport Address: Arona, Ulawa Island, Makira-Ulawa Province, Solomon Islands
• Email: reservations@flysolomons.com (for general enquiries and tickets)
• Social Media: facebook.com/flysolomons (the most responsive channel for contacting the carrier)
• Lost Luggage Information: Tracing of items is conducted through the airline's central office in Honiara or via the representative on the strip immediately after landing.
• Passenger Support Contact: +677 23600 (Carrier Head Office)

Given the specific nature and remoteness of Ulawa Island, the transport logistics familiar to major cities operate differently here. Ulawa Airport is located in the immediate vicinity of the settlement of Arona, making the journey to it more of a short stroll than a serious trip. There are no traffic jams, traffic lights, or complex interchanges here; the main landmarks are palm trees and the ocean.

Public Transport

Classic public transport (scheduled buses, trains, or metro) does not exist on Ulawa Island. Local infrastructure mainly consists of dirt roads and paths. The primary means of transport for locals are open-bed trucks running between villages, but they do not have a fixed schedule. If you are travelling with light luggage and staying in Arona itself, you can easily walk to the terminal in 10–15 minutes.

Transfers and Taxis

There are no official taxi services with meters here. The role of taxis is performed by private drivers with pickups or trucks.

• Guesthouse Transfer: This is the most reliable way to get to the airport. When booking accommodation, be sure to ask your hosts to meet you or see you off. This usually costs a small fixed amount or is included in the accommodation price.
• Private Rides: You can arrange a ride with locals who own a vehicle. The cost of the trip is negotiable and paid in cash (Solomon Islands Dollars).
• Water Transport: If you are staying in a remote part of the island or on neighbouring islets, the transfer to Arona may be by motorboat (canoe). This is a scenic but weather-dependent method.

Car Rental and Parking

Car rental agencies (Rent-a-Car) in the traditional sense are absent on the island. The road network is poorly developed, so tourists are not advised to attempt renting a vehicle on their own.

As for parking, there is no designated fenced area at the airport. Transport drops passengers right at the edge of the runway or by the small shelter serving as the terminal. Waiting vehicles simply park on the grass in the shade of the trees.

Travel Time and Cost

• From Arona Centre: 2–3 minutes by car or 10–15 minutes on foot.
• From Remote Villages: From 20 to 60 minutes by truck (depending on road conditions).
• Cost: A trip within Arona is often free (host hospitality) or costs a symbolic 10–20 SBD. Transfers from distant points may cost more; the price should be agreed upon in advance.

Recommendations Before Departure:

Although the airport is tiny, it is recommended to arrive at the strip at least 1 hour before departure. This is because check-in is done manually, and weighing baggage (and sometimes passengers) takes time. Additionally, the schedule may shift depending on weather conditions, so it is important to be on-site early to avoid missing the plane if it arrives early.

Other Airports in the Region

Travel across the Solomon Islands often involves transfers. The nearest major hub connecting to the outside world is Honiara International Airport. If you are planning a complex route across the archipelago, other air harbours may be useful, such as Santa Cruz Island Airport or the diver-favourite Munda Airport. Also operating in the region are Gizo Airport and the remote Choiseul Bay Airport, connecting various provinces of the country.

The structure of Ulawa Airport (RNA) differs radically from what passengers at major international hubs are accustomed to. Here you will not find multi-level buildings, confusing corridors, or automated gate systems. The entire airport complex is a celebration of minimalism and functionality, perfectly integrated into the relaxed rhythm of life in the Solomon Islands.

Number of Terminals and Layout

The airport features a single terminal, which is often just a small single-story structure or an open-type roofed shelter. There is no separation into domestic and international terminals, as the airport exclusively handles local light aviation flights (usually Twin Otter type aircraft).

• Check-in Zone: This is a simple counter (sometimes just a table) where airline staff manually check passenger lists.
• Waiting Area: Located right there, often in the open air or in a semi-open space providing natural ventilation. There are no air conditioners; they are replaced by the ocean breeze.
• Sanitary Facilities: May be limited, so it is recommended to attend to your comfort in advance.

Navigation Scheme and Transfers

It is impossible to get lost at Ulawa Airport. Navigation is intuitive: the entire path from entering the airfield territory to the aircraft steps takes less than a minute and is fully visible. Terminal maps are not required here.

Transfers between terminals do not exist as a concept. Arriving passengers and departing guests often cross paths in the same zone, exchanging greetings. This creates a special, almost family-like atmosphere where logistics give way to human interaction.

Departure and Arrival Zones

Unlike large airports where passenger flows are strictly separated, at Ulawa everything happens in one area:

• Departure: After a brief check-in, passengers await instructions from the pilot or ground staff. The boarding gate is simply an exit onto the airfield. You must walk to the aircraft across the grass or dirt (the distance usually does not exceed 50–100 metres).
• Arrival: Passengers descend via the aircraft's built-in stairs directly onto the ground. Baggage is unloaded manually by the crew and handed to passengers directly by the aircraft or carried under the shelter. There is no baggage claim belt.

Specifics of Procedures

Procedures at Ulawa Airport are quick but have their own specifics:

Check-in and Weighing: The process takes 5 to 15 minutes. An important feature is the weighing not only of luggage but often of the passengers themselves along with their hand luggage. This is critically important for balancing small aircraft. Please treat this with understanding.

Security Check: There is no strict security control with X-ray scanners and metal detector frames here. Baggage inspection may be conducted visually by airline staff. However, regulations regarding the transport of dangerous substances remain in force.

Recommendations for Passengers

Despite the simplicity, when planning a flight via Ulawa Airport, consider a few points:

• There are no Duty Free shops, cafes, or ATMs in the terminal. Be sure to bring drinking water and a light snack with you.
• Keep insect repellent handy, as waiting takes place practically in nature.
• Listen for staff announcements: there is no PA system or electronic boards here; information is conveyed verbally.

The history of Ulawa Airport is not recorded in voluminous encyclopedias and does not abound with dates of grand constructions. It is a history written not in concrete and glass, but by the necessity to connect a remote island with the outside world. Unlike major hubs of the archipelago, such as Honiara or Munda, which inherited infrastructure from World War II, the airfield in Arona was created exclusively for civil and humanitarian purposes in peacetime.

Foundation and Development

The exact opening date of the strip is lost in the archives of the local administration; however, active use of the airfield began in the second half of the 20th century, when the Solomon Islands government adopted a programme to ensure transport accessibility for remote provinces. Before the advent of air travel, the only way to reach Ulawa was via long and often dangerous sea crossings by canoe or rare cargo ships. The opening of regular flights became a true celebration for local residents, ensuring the rapid delivery of mail, medicines, and essential goods.

The Era of "Twin Otters"

A crucial stage in the airport's history was the commencement of DHC-6 Twin Otter operations. These reliable Canadian machines, capable of taking off and landing on short unpaved strips, became the symbol of aviation in the region. For decades, they have remained the main and practically the only "guests" in Arona. The history of the airport is, in essence, a chronicle of the skill of pilots who have been landing planes on a narrow strip of land amidst palm trees for years, navigating visually without complex systems.

Modernisation and Renovations

The term "renovation" regarding Ulawa Airport has its own specificity. Aerobridges or luggage belts were never built here. All "modernisations" over the last 30–40 years have exclusively concerned:

• Maintenance of the runway: Regular levelling of the ground and mowing of tropical grass that strives to reclaim the airfield territory.
• Upgrading the waiting area: Construction and repair of a small shelter protecting passengers from the equatorial sun and downpours.
• Improving communications: Installation of radio equipment for contact with crews and controllers in Honiara.

Interesting Facts and Features

There are several notable moments in the history of Arona's air harbour that make it unique:

• "Green" Airport: Throughout its entire history, not a single square metre of asphalt has been laid on the runway here. It is one of the few airports in the world that has preserved its pristine grass surface, which is considered more eco-friendly and safer for the landing gear of light aircraft in hot conditions.
• Manual Labour: In the era of digitalisation, Ulawa Airport has preserved the traditions of "manual aviation". Just as 50 years ago, many flight handling operations here are performed without the use of machinery, by the efforts of local staff.
• Dependence on the Elements: Historically, the schedule here has always been conditional. During rainy seasons or cyclones, the airport could close for weeks, turning the island into an isolated fortress, which taught locals and tourists patience and fatalism.

The infrastructure of Ulawa Airport (RNA) is a hymn to minimalism and naturalness. For travellers accustomed to the comforts of international hubs with their business lounges and food courts, it is important to understand: service here is built not on technology, but on human relations and the beauty of the surrounding nature. Waiting for a flight here takes place in spartan but incredibly picturesque conditions.

Dining and Shops

There are no stationary cafes, restaurants, or shops on the airfield territory. You will not find Duty Free outlets or even vending machines here.

• Food and Drinks: It is strongly recommended to bring a supply of drinking water and light snacks (crisps, sandwiches) with you, especially if you are flying with children. There is nowhere to buy food immediately before departure.
• Local Trade: Sometimes, by the time the plane arrives, locals from Arona village may approach the strip offering fresh fruit (bananas, coconuts) or home baking, but one should not count on this as a guaranteed service.

Connectivity, Wi-Fi, and Electricity

Ulawa Airport is the ideal place for a digital detox, whether you want it or not. There is no public Wi-Fi network. Mobile internet may work unstably and depends on the current coverage of the cellular operator in the Arona village area.

Charging stations are also absent. The terminal (shelter) is often not electrified for passenger needs. Ensure your gadgets are charged in advance, or bring a powerful power bank.

Financial Services

There are no ATMs or currency exchange points at the airport or in the nearest village. Bank cards are not accepted anywhere.

• Important: Arrive on the island with a sufficient supply of cash (Solomon Islands Dollars — SBD). You will need it to pay for transfers, accommodation, and purchasing groceries from locals.

Comfort and Waiting Areas

Concepts like "VIP Lounge" or "Business Lounge" are not applicable here. The waiting area is the open space under the shelter or the shade of spreading trees at the edge of the airfield.

• VIP Service, Ulawa Style: This is the opportunity to breathe the purest ocean air and observe nature without noise and bustle.
• Sanitary Conditions: The toilet usually consists of a simple village-type outdoor structure. The comfort level is basic.

Medical Services and Safety

There is no first aid post or pharmacy at the airport itself. The nearest nurse or paramedic point is in the settlement of Arona (10–15 minutes walk). Aircraft crews have basic first aid kits, but passengers with chronic conditions must carry all necessary medicines in their hand luggage.

Passengers with Children

There are no special mother-and-child rooms or playgrounds. Since the airport is not enclosed by a solid fence and the waiting area is near the runway, parents must watch children carefully to ensure they do not run onto the airfield. Entertainment for young travellers is usually watching the plane land.

Passengers with Reduced Mobility

Infrastructure for passengers with reduced mobility (ramps, specially equipped toilets) is absent. Boarding the aircraft is done via the built-in stairs.

• Staff Assistance: Despite the lack of equipment, airline staff and locals are always ready to provide physical assistance with boarding and disembarking, as well as with luggage transport. If you require assistance, inform the airline when booking your ticket.

Accommodation and Hotels

There are no hotels directly on the airport grounds, but thanks to the proximity to the settlement, lodging can be found very close by. There are no classic hotels in Arona village and its surroundings, but authentic accommodation options are available:

• Guesthouses: Small family boarding houses offering basic lodging and home-cooked meals. It is better to arrange accommodation in advance through acquaintances or guides, as they are rarely represented in online booking systems.
• Lodges: There are several eco-lodges for tourists on the island that can organise a transfer (meet and greet) directly from the plane.

Business Services

There are no conference rooms or business centres at Ulawa Airport. If you need to hold a meeting immediately upon arrival, the only option will be a conversation in the fresh air. This region is not adapted for serious business events.

When planning a trip via Ulawa Airport, it is important to consider its extreme isolation and simplicity. Unlike major international hubs, passengers here will not find the familiar food court zone, chain coffee shops, or à la carte restaurants. Catering infrastructure at the airfield is completely absent, which is part of the authentic experience of staying on a remote Pacific island.

Restaurants, Cafes, and Bars

In the single "terminal" (shelter) and the surrounding area, there are no stationary catering establishments. There are not even vending machines with chocolate bars or refrigerators with drinks. The airport does not have bars or lounge areas where one could order coffee or other beverages before departure.

Local Cuisine and Spontaneous Trade

The only opportunity to have a snack on the spot is to buy products from locals who sometimes come to the strip by the time the plane arrives. This is not a guaranteed service, but rather an element of local hospitality and small-scale entrepreneurship.

• What to Try: If you are lucky, you can buy fresh drinking coconuts (ideal for quenching thirst in the heat), bunches of bananas, papayas, or seasonal fruits. Sometimes residents of Arona village offer simple home baking or fried root vegetables (taro, cassava) wrapped in banana leaves.
• Location: Trade takes place right on the grass near the waiting area ("landside"), as there is no strict separation into zones here.
• Average Cost: Prices are symbolic. A coconut or fruit may cost from 5 to 20 Solomon Islands Dollars (SBD). Payment is accepted only in cash and preferably without needing change.

Recommendations for Dining and Diets

Due to the complete lack of choice, passengers with special dietary needs (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or Halal requirements) must rely exclusively on their own supplies.

• For a Quick Snack: It is strongly recommended to take bottled water, nuts, dried fruits, crackers, or energy bars in your hand luggage. Do this in advance while in Honiara or at your guesthouse, as there will be nowhere to buy these items at the airport.
• For a Full Meal: The best solution is to eat a hearty meal before leaving for the airport at your place of accommodation. Guesthouses in Arona village usually prepare filling breakfasts or lunches for guests using local products (fish, rice, vegetables).

Hydration

Given the hot tropical climate and lack of air conditioning, having drinking water is critically important. There are no drinking fountains at the airport, so be sure to carry a full bottle of water, especially if you are travelling with children.

Travelling via Ulawa Airport is a unique experience that differs greatly from flights via major hubs. To ensure your visit to the island goes smoothly and the flight leaves only pleasant impressions, make use of the following practical tips, compiled with local specifics in mind.

Arrival Time and Check-in

Despite the relaxed atmosphere of the island, discipline is important here. It is recommended to arrive at the "terminal" (shelter) 60 minutes before departure. The check-in counter closes 30–40 minutes before departure. This time is necessary for staff to compile the load manifest. If all passengers are present, the pilot may decide to take off 10–15 minutes ahead of schedule, so being late is not acceptable here.

Security and Weighing Specifics

Be prepared for an unusual check-in procedure: here, they weigh not only suitcases but also passengers together with their hand luggage. This is a standard safety procedure for small aircraft (usually Twin Otter), necessary for proper weight distribution. Treat this calmly — only the airline staff member sees the numbers on the scale. There is no classic security screening with removing shoes and clothes here; baggage inspection is conducted visually.

Seat Selection on the Plane

Tickets for domestic flights within the Solomon Islands usually do not indicate seat numbers ("free seating" mode). However, seating is often directed by the crew to maintain the aircraft's balance.

• Tip: If the pilot allows you to choose a seat, sit by the window. The flight takes place at a low altitude, and the views of coral reefs and lagoons are fantastic.
• For Photographers: The best shots are obtained if you sit in the front rows (you can watch the pilots work in the open cockpit) or in the tail, where the wing does not obstruct the view of the ground.

Hand Luggage and Baggage

There is very little space in the aircraft cabin. Overhead bins are either absent or very narrow.

• Allowed: A small backpack, a camera or laptop bag, a handbag.
• Not Allowed: Rigid "cabin size" suitcases (you will be asked to check them into the luggage hold), bulky items.
• Restrictions: Strictly monitor the weight. The baggage limit is often 15–20 kg, and hand luggage is 5–7 kg. Excess weight will have to be paid for in cash on the spot, and rates can be high.

Recommendations for Transit Passengers

If you have an international flight scheduled from Honiara on the same day, allow for the maximum possible time buffer (minimum 4–6 hours, or better yet — a full day). Flights from Ulawa Island may be delayed or cancelled due to tropical downpours or low cloud cover. A "tight connection" in island aviation conditions is a huge risk.

Customs and Quarantine Rules

Since the airport handles only domestic flights, there is no passport control here. However, biosecurity rules apply. It is not recommended (and sometimes forbidden) to take certain types of fresh fruit, plants, or soil off the island without appropriate permission to prevent the spread of agricultural pests between the archipelago's islands.

Saving Time and Money

• Transfer: If you are staying in Arona village, do not spend money on a car — you can walk to the airport.
• Food and Water: Be sure to buy water and snacks at the guesthouse or village shop in advance. Prices at the airport (if traders are present at all) may be higher, and the selection extremely poor.
• Cash: Carry small notes. Taxi drivers or staff collecting excess baggage fees may not have change for large banknotes.

What to Do in Case of Flight Delay

Delays here are part of life. If the plane is late, do not panic and do not demand explanations from the staff — most often delays depend on the weather in Honiara or en route. Use this time to enjoy the final moments of silence, chat with locals, or read a book. The main advice: tune into "island time" and accept the situation as part of the adventure.