Gizo Airport

Gizo Airport, also known as Nusatupe, is not just a runway, but the true beginning of an adventure in the Solomon Islands. The uniqueness of this airport lies in its location: it is situated on a separate small island, and to reach the town of Gizo, travelers must take a short but picturesque boat ride. This unusual transfer immediately immerses you in the atmosphere of a tropical paradise and sets the tone for the entire journey, turning a routine part of the trip into an unforgettable experience. The air gateway serves as a starting point for exploring the rich underwater world and historical sites of the Western Province.

The main feature of Gizo Airport is its intimacy and authenticity. There is no hustle and bustle of large aviation hubs here, allowing travelers to enjoy tranquility from the very first minutes of arrival. The terminal is a small building where check-in and waiting procedures are quick and stress-free. The main and practically sole carrier is the national airline Solomon Airlines, operating regular flights to the capital Honiara and neighboring islands, such as Munda. The airport is a key transport hub for tourists arriving for world-class diving, snorkeling, and exploring the World War II shipwrecks for which this region is famous.

• Official Website: Gizo Airport (GZO) does not have its own website. It is managed by the Solomon Islands Airports Corporation Limited (SIACL), and general information can be found on their corporate portal.
• Inquiry Service Phone: There is no direct telephone line for inquiries at the airport. For all questions related to flight schedules and tickets, it is recommended to contact the airline you are flying with directly (primarily Solomon Airlines).
• Address: The airport is located on the separate small island of Nusatupe, near the city of Gizo, Western Province, Solomon Islands. Transfer to the city is carried out by motorboats.
• Email: For general questions regarding airport infrastructure, you can write to the management company SIACL, however, a dedicated email address for Gizo Airport does not exist.
• Social Media: The airport has no official pages on social networks. It is best to follow news and flight status on the airline's official resources.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, you must immediately contact your airline's representative. Airport services do not handle luggage tracing.
• Passenger Support Contacts: Passenger support regarding booking, check-in, and other flight aspects is provided by the operating airline.

Getting to Gizo Airport (GZO) is a small adventure in itself, providing an excellent introduction to island life in the Solomon Islands. The key feature is that the airport itself is located not in the city, but on the neighboring small island of Nusatupe. Therefore, the final leg of the journey always takes place on the water.

Public Transport and Transfer

There is no traditional public transport like city buses here. The main and, in fact, the only way to reach the terminal is a short ride on a motorboat (often called "banana boats") from the wharf in Gizo town. The trip across the picturesque strait takes only 10-15 minutes. Boats run regularly, especially before departures and after flight arrivals. The cost is low, but it is better to confirm it with the boatman in advance and have cash in the local currency (Solomon Islands dollars) ready.

Taxi

In the town of Gizo itself, you can use taxi services, which are usually minivans or pickup trucks. A taxi will be needed to get from your hotel to the main wharf where boats depart for the airport. Since the town is very compact, a taxi ride will take no more than 5-10 minutes. This is a convenient option if you have a lot of luggage.

Car Rental and Parking

Renting a car to travel to Gizo Airport is impossible and impractical, as there is no bridge or car ferry between the town and the airport island. For this same reason, there is no car parking at Nusatupe Airport. All vehicles remain in Gizo itself.

Total Time and Recommendations

In total, the journey from Gizo town center to the airport will take you about 20-25 minutes, including the short ride to the wharf and the boat crossing. We recommend allowing a little extra time for waiting for a boat. Travel with compact luggage if possible, as it will need to be transferred onto the boat. It is worth noting that connections with other regional airports, such as Munda Airport or Kagau, are primarily by air, not by land.

Gizo Airport (GZO) is a small regional airport serving domestic flights. Its structure is extremely simple and clear, making navigation very easy even for first-time visitors.

The airport has only one terminal. It is a small single-story building that serves both departing and arriving passengers. There is no division into terminals A, B, C, or international and domestic zones as seen in major airports. Everything is located in one common space: a few check-in counters, a small waiting area, and a boarding gate.

Departure and arrival zones are not physically separated. After the aircraft lands, passengers walk to the terminal building to collect luggage, while departing passengers wait for boarding in the same hall. Thanks to the compact size and low number of flights, all procedures are very quick. Check-in and security screening usually take no more than 15-20 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately one hour before departure to check in luggage and wait for your flight without rushing.

The main feature to consider is the airport's location. It is situated on the small island of Nusatupe, separate from the main island where the town is located. Therefore, to get from the airport to Gizo or vice versa, a short motorboat ride is required. The transfer takes about 10 minutes and is an integral part of traveling through this airport.

The history of Gizo Airport (GZO), also known as Nusatupe Airport, is inextricably linked to the dramatic events of World War II. The original airstrip was built by Japanese forces in 1942-1943 during the campaign in the Solomon Islands. After Allied forces took control of the area, the airfield was improved and actively used by the US military, becoming an important strategic site in a region known for fierce naval battles.

After the war ended, the military airfield was converted for civilian needs. It became a vital transport artery for the Western Province, ensuring air connectivity with the capital Honiara and other islands. For many decades, the airport was a simple runway covered with compacted coral, capable of receiving only small turboprop aircraft.

One of the most significant and tragic moments in the airport's history occurred in April 2007, when a powerful earthquake and subsequent tsunami caused immense damage to the region. Nusatupe Island was flooded, and the airport infrastructure was seriously damaged. During the recovery period, the air harbor played a key role in delivering humanitarian aid and necessary materials for reconstruction.

A key stage in the airport's development was a large-scale modernization completed in the mid-2010s with the support of the New Zealand government. During the works, the old coral strip was replaced with modern asphalt pavement, the drainage system was improved, and equipment was updated. This reconstruction significantly increased flight safety and ensured the airport's uninterrupted operation in any weather.

An interesting feature of the airport is its location. It is not located on the island where the town of Gizo is situated, but on the neighboring small island of Nusatupe. Therefore, for all passengers, the journey begins or ends with a short but very picturesque motorboat ride across the strait. This little adventure immediately immerses guests in the unique atmosphere of island life.

Gizo Airport (GZO) is a small regional air station serving Gizo Island and its surroundings in the Solomon Islands. It is important to understand that its infrastructure is focused on performing basic functions: flight check-in and waiting for boarding. The terminal is a modest building with a minimal set of amenities, so tourists are advised to take care of all their needs in town beforehand.

Inside the terminal, you will find only a basic waiting hall with benches. There are no restaurants, cafes, or shops here, so it is worth bringing food and drinks with you. Also, the airport lacks services such as Wi-Fi access, currency exchange points, ATMs, VIP lounges, and business centers. Opportunities for charging electronic devices are limited or non-existent, so it is better to have a portable power bank with you.

Specialized services, such as mother and child rooms or medical posts, are not provided. Passengers with children and travelers with reduced mobility are recommended to notify their airline in advance regarding the need for assistance during boarding and disembarking. There are no hotels on the airport territory, but various accommodation options are available in the town of Gizo itself, located a few minutes away by boat.

When planning a snack at Gizo Airport (GZO), it is important to remember that this is a small regional airport with basic infrastructure. You will not find food courts, restaurants, or chain coffee shops typical of large aviation hubs here. Dining options are very limited and reflect the local character.

The main and, as a rule, the only option to grab a bite is small kiosks or stalls that locals set up next to the terminal building. These improvised retail points usually operate only during hours coinciding with flight arrivals and departures. There is no clear division into zones before and after security control — everything is within walking distance.

In such kiosks, you can buy simple and authentic snacks. What is worth trying:

• Fresh tropical fruits: coconuts (they can open one for you on the spot to drink the juice), bananas, papaya.
• Local pastries: simple buns or cookies.
• Drinks: bottled water, canned soft drinks.

It is impossible to find a full lunch or dinner here. This place is more for a quick and light snack while waiting for the plane. Specialized dietary meals, such as vegan, gluten-free, or Halal options, are not offered. Travelers with specific dietary needs are strongly advised to bring food with them. Prices are low, but payment will likely require cash in local currency. For a more substantial meal, it is better to visit one of the restaurants or cafes in the town of Gizo itself, which is located near the airport.

To ensure your journey through the small regional airport in Gizo goes as smoothly as possible, use our tips. The air station here differs noticeably from large international hubs, and knowing its features will help save time and nerves.

Arrival time at the airport. For domestic flights within the Solomon Islands, which are primarily served by Gizo Airport, it is recommended to arrive 1.5–2 hours before departure. This time is quite sufficient to go through all formalities without rushing, as there are practically no queues here.

Check-in and security control. Procedures at Gizo Airport are quite simple. Check-in takes place at one or two counters, and security screening is quick and fuss-free. The staff is usually friendly and ready to help. Just have your passport and ticket ready.

Seat selection on the plane. Most flights are operated on small propeller aircraft. If possible, choose a window seat — during the flight, breathtaking views of coral atolls and turquoise lagoons open up. Sometimes, for proper aircraft balancing, flight attendants may ask you to change seats; please treat this with understanding.

Hand luggage. On domestic flights, there are strict restrictions on the weight and size of hand luggage, often stricter than on international lines. Standard rules prohibit carrying liquids in volumes greater than 100 ml, as well as sharp and cutting objects. Check the exact allowances with your airline before departure.

Passengers with connections. Gizo Airport is not a transit hub, so organized connections here are a rarity. If you are planning a transfer, be prepared that you will likely have to collect your luggage yourself and check in again for the next flight. Given the minimal number of amenities in the terminal, long waits can be uncomfortable. Plan your route in advance with a sufficient time buffer between flights.

Customs control. Since Gizo Airport mainly serves domestic flights, customs control is absent for most passengers. If you arrive on a rare international charter flight, be prepared for the standard procedure of declaring goods.

Saving time and money. To save money, book tickets in advance and carefully monitor luggage weight to avoid extra charges. There are practically no shops at the airport, so it is better to bring food and water with you. Saving time is achieved simply — arrive with documents already prepared.

In case of flight delay. Delays and cancellations due to weather conditions are not uncommon in this region. Have patience, a book, or download movies to your gadget. The terminal building is very simple, and there are few amenities for long waits. Keep in touch with the airline representative for up-to-date information.