Munda Airport

Munda Airport is not just a runway, but a true gateway to the tropical paradise and amazing underwater world of the Solomon Islands. Located on New Georgia Island, it immerses you in an atmosphere of seclusion and adventure from the very first minute. As soon as the aircraft's landing gear touches the ground, breathtaking views of the turquoise lagoon and dense jungle open up before you, making it clear: you have arrived at a place where relaxation begins right at the ramp.

The airport has a rich history dating back to World War II, when it served as a strategically important airfield. Today, its surroundings attract history buffs wishing to see traces of those events. However, the main advantage of Munda Airport is its unique location. It serves as the ideal starting point for exploring the famous Roviana Lagoon, which is rightfully considered one of the best diving spots on the planet.

From here, tourists can easily reach numerous dive resorts, secluded beaches, and traditional villages where one can experience the authentic way of life. The airport itself is small and homely. There are no huge terminals or long queues here, and the check-in and baggage claim process is quick and stress-free. Friendly staff and a relaxed island atmosphere make arrival and departure as comfortable as possible, allowing you to focus entirely on your holiday.

• Official Website: Munda Airport (MUA) does not have its own official website. All current information on flight schedules, carriage rules, and services should be sought on the website of the main airline serving the airport — Solomon Airlines.
• Inquiry Service Phone: A direct public telephone number for the airport is not published. For all questions related to booking, changing flights, or obtaining information, please contact Solomon Airlines customer support.
• Airport Address: Munda Airport, Munda, Western Province, Solomon Islands.
• Email: There is no specialized email address for passengers. Please use the airline's contact forms or email for communication.
• Social Media: Munda Airport does not have official pages on social networks. News and updates can be tracked on Solomon Airlines pages.
• Lost Luggage Information: The search for lost or damaged luggage is handled by the relevant department of the airline you flew with. Please contact the Solomon Airlines counter at the airport or contact their support service.
• Passenger Support Contacts: Passenger support is provided by airline representatives. Upon arrival at the airport or before departure, please contact the check-in counters or your airline staff.

Getting to Munda Airport (MUA) from the town of Munda itself is not difficult, as the airport is located in the immediate vicinity of the center of this small town in the Solomon Islands. The journey will take just a few minutes, however, the transport infrastructure here has its own peculiarities that are worth considering when planning your trip.

Taxis and pre-booked transfers are the most popular and reliable way to get to the airport. Most hotels and dive resorts offer a transfer service to their guests, which is best booked in advance. This guarantees that you will be met and delivered on time. You can also use local taxi services. It is important to remember that meters are not common here, so always agree on the cost of the trip before it starts. The trip from the city center is usually very short and takes about 5-10 minutes.

There is no formal public transport, such as regular buses or trains, in Munda. Sometimes minibuses or trucks ply the main roads, picking up locals, but for tourists with luggage, this is not the most convenient option. If you prefer independence, you can consider car rental. Several local companies offer this service, but the fleet is limited, so it is strongly recommended to book a car well in advance, especially during the tourist season.

For those arriving at the airport by rental car, there is parking. It is a simple open area next to the terminal. As a rule, parking is free, but not guarded. In general, the easiest way for a tourist is to arrange a transfer with their hotel, which eliminates any hassle and allows you to accurately calculate travel time.

Munda Airport (MUA) is a small and very compact regional airport located in the Solomon Islands. Its structure is extremely simple: the airport complex consists of one terminal, which serves both domestic and the few international flights. Thanks to this, navigating here is very easy, and you will not have to worry about long walks or searching for the right building.

The terminal map is intuitive. The departure and arrival zones are located in the same building but are functionally separated. Upon entering the terminal, you will immediately see the check-in counters. After receiving a boarding pass, passengers pass through a small security checkpoint and enter the departure lounge. The arrival zone is just as compact — after disembarking from the aircraft, passengers walk to the building, where they collect their luggage in a small hall.

The features of the terminal lie in its simplicity and lack of excesses typical of large hubs. Here you will find basic amenities: several check-in counters, a waiting hall with seats, and restrooms. The choice of shops and cafes is limited — usually, a small kiosk operates where you can buy drinks and light snacks. The main advantage of the terminal is the calm and relaxed island atmosphere, devoid of the bustle of big airports.

Passing all pre-flight procedures at Munda Airport usually takes a minimum of time. Check-in and screening are quick due to the low passenger flow. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 1.5–2 hours before an international flight and 1 hour before a domestic one to complete all formalities without haste. The main advice on navigation is not to worry. The entire terminal can be walked around in a couple of minutes, and it is practically impossible to get lost here.

The history of Munda Airport (MUA) is a living page of the history of World War II in the Pacific. Unlike many civilian airports, its story began not with peaceful purposes. The airfield was built by the Imperial Japanese Army in late 1942 as a strategic airbase to support operations in the Solomon Islands. Its creation was discovered by Allied intelligence, which marked the beginning of a fierce struggle for control over this facility.

A key event in the airport's history was the Battle of Munda Point in July-August 1943, one of the bloodiest in the New Georgia Campaign. After the airfield was captured by American troops, it was immediately restored and expanded by US Navy construction battalions. Munda Airport quickly turned into one of the most important forward bases for the Allies, from where sorties of the US Air Force, New Zealand, and the US Marine Corps were flown, which played a significant role in further operations in the region.

After the end of the war, the military airfield was handed over for civilian use and became the main air gateway of the Western Province. For many decades, it served mainly domestic flights, connecting the islands with the capital Honiara and playing an important role in the lives of the local population.

A new stage in the history of the airport began in the 2010s with a large-scale reconstruction aimed at turning Munda into the country's second international airport. The project, implemented with the support of New Zealand and the World Bank, included lengthening and strengthening the runway to accommodate medium-haul aircraft, and the construction of a new terminal and control tower. In 2019, this achievement was marked by the arrival of the first direct international flight, which opened up new prospects for the development of tourism in this picturesque part of the Solomon Islands.

The uniqueness of Munda Airport lies in the fact that its surroundings still preserve many relics of wartime. The territory around the runway and the nearby jungle are literally strewn with the remains of Japanese and American fortifications, equipment, and gear. For travelers interested in history, and especially for divers exploring sunken ships and planes, Munda Airport itself is a gateway to a fascinating past.

Munda Airport (MUA) is a small regional aviation hub in the Solomon Islands, serving mainly domestic flights. The airport infrastructure is quite modest and focused on meeting the basic needs of passengers before departure. It is important to understand that here you will not find the wide range of services inherent in large international hubs, so it is worth preparing for the trip in advance.

Restaurants, Cafes, and Shops. The choice of catering establishments and retail outlets in the airport terminal is extremely limited. As a rule, a small kiosk or cafe operates here, where you can buy bottled water, soft drinks, light snacks (for example, chips or biscuits), and possibly local souvenirs. There are no full-fledged restaurants or duty-free shops here. It is recommended to eat before arriving at the airport or bring food with you.

Waiting Halls and Wi-Fi. The airport has a general waiting hall with a basic set of seats. VIP halls or business lounges are absent. Access to Wi-Fi is generally not provided, and mobile connection can be unstable. The number of sockets for charging electronic devices is very limited, so it is better to bring a portable charger (power bank) with you.

Financial and Medical Services. There are no bank branches, ATMs, or full-fledged currency exchange points on the airport territory. It is recommended to perform all financial transactions in the city in advance. A medical point is also absent; in emergency cases, assistance is provided by airport staff who can call an ambulance.

Services for Passengers with Special Needs. The airport is not equipped with special mother-and-child rooms or play areas. Passengers with reduced mobility should notify their airline in advance about the need for escort and assistance when boarding. Airport staff will provide assistance within their capabilities.

Hotels and Business Services. There are no hotels on the airport territory. The nearest accommodation options, including lodges and small hotels, are located in the town of Munda and its surroundings. Conference room or business center services are not provided at the airport.

When planning a snack at Munda Airport (MUA), it is important to remember that this is a small regional airport with a basic set of services. Here you will not find major restaurant chains or food courts, as in international hubs. The dining infrastructure is focused on simple and quick solutions for passengers waiting for their flights.

As a rule, in the main and only terminal of the airport, in the public area (before passing security control), a small kiosk or local stall operates. Here you can purchase bottled water, soft drinks, chips, and other packaged snacks. Sometimes fresh tropical fruits, such as coconuts or bananas, are on sale, allowing you to sample local gifts of nature.

Full-fledged restaurants, cafes, or dining establishments are absent at the airport. Accordingly, there are no specialized menus for vegetarians, vegans, or people with gluten intolerance. Travelers with special dietary needs are strongly advised to bring food with them. The opening hours of outlets depend directly on the flight schedule — they open shortly before the arrival or departure of a flight and close shortly after.

Our advice: if you have a flight ahead, it is better to have a full lunch in the town of Munda before traveling to the airport. Munda Airport is suitable for buying a bottle of water or a light snack at the last minute, but you should not count on it as a place for a main meal. Be sure to have cash in local currency with you for payments.

To make your journey through the airport of the town of Munda as comfortable as possible, use these practical tips. Munda Airport (MUA) is a small regional hub serving mainly domestic flights across the Solomon Islands and a few international destinations, so its operation has its own peculiarities.

Arrival Time at the Airport. For domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive 1–1.5 hours before departure. This time is usually sufficient for check-in and passing control without haste. If you have an international flight, arrive in advance — 2.5–3 hours before.

Check-in and Security Control. Procedures at Munda Airport usually go faster than in large hubs, but one should not relax. Check-in counters may close strictly according to the schedule. Security control is standard, but be prepared for manual luggage inspection.

Seat Selection on the Plane. When flying between islands, try to take a window seat. Views of coral reefs, turquoise lagoons, and tropical islands from a bird's eye view are an unforgettable spectacle and a wonderful start or end to your journey.

Hand Luggage. Standard rules apply here as well: liquids are allowed in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag. Sharp and cutting objects are prohibited. Please note that on small aircraft performing domestic flights, there may be stricter restrictions on the weight and size of hand luggage. It is better to clarify this information with your airline in advance.

Passengers with Connections. Most connections from Munda flights take place in Honiara. Allow enough time between flights (at least 2-3 hours), as delays due to weather conditions are possible. Luggage on domestic flights often has to be collected and checked in again.

Customs Control. When departing on an international flight, the procedure is standard. When arriving in the Solomon Islands, be prepared for strict customs and biosecurity control. Be sure to declare all food products, plants, and items of animal origin. Fines for violations can be high.

Saving Time and Money. Book tickets in advance, especially in the high season. Watch the baggage allowance — the surcharge for excess weight can be significant. There are practically no shops at the airport, so it is better to bring food and water with you (buying after passing screening, if possible, or bringing an empty water bottle).

In Case of Flight Delay. Munda Airport has limited infrastructure. There are no business lounges or a large selection of cafes here. In case of a flight delay, contact the airline representative. It is useful to have a book, a charged power bank, and a little patience with you. Remember that flights on the islands depend heavily on the weather.