Santa Ana Airport

Santa Ana Airport is not just a runway, but your gateway to one of the most authentic and remote corners of the Solomon Islands. Forget the hustle and bustle of large terminals; arriving here feels more like the start of a true adventure. This small airfield, serving the island of Owaraha (also known as Santa Ana), is the starting point for discovering unique culture, pristine nature, and the traditional way of life of local communities.

The main feature of Santa Ana Airport is its minimalism and proximity to nature. It is more of a grass airstrip than a full-fledged airport complex. There are no familiar Duty-Free shops, restaurants, or lounges here. The entire arrival and departure process is quick and informal, allowing you to immerse yourself in the island atmosphere almost immediately.

Flights to Santa Ana are operated by the national carrier Solomon Airlines on small propeller aircraft. The flight itself is part of the excursion, offering breathtaking views of coral reefs, turquoise lagoons, and the greenery of tropical islands from above. Due to its status and location, the airport exclusively serves domestic flights, connecting the island with the capital and other parts of the archipelago.

Upon arriving at NNB, you find yourself within walking distance of local villages. Do not expect taxi stands or buses here — travelers are usually met by representatives of lodges or local residents. This airport is the perfect choice for those seeking not tourist glamour, but a genuine experience and the opportunity to explore one of the most distinctive regions of Oceania.

Santa Ana Airport (NNB) is a small regional airfield serving local flights. Consequently, finding detailed contact information similar to major international airports can be difficult. To clarify all details related to your journey, it is recommended to contact the airline directly.

• Official website, social media, and e-mail: As a rule, small airfields like the airport in Santa Ana do not have dedicated websites, social media pages, or public e-mail addresses. All necessary information is provided by the air carrier.
• Information desk phone: There is no direct telephone number for inquiries at the airport. For questions regarding schedules, booking, and flight status, please contact the airline operating the flight.
• Airport address: The airfield is located on Santa Ana Island (also known as Owaraha), Makira-Ulawa Province, Solomon Islands.
• Lost luggage information and passenger support: For all issues related to lost or damaged luggage, as well as for other support, you should contact your airline's support service directly.

Santa Ana Airport (NNB) is a small airstrip serving the picturesque island of Santa Ana, part of the Solomon Islands. Given its remote location and modest size, standard tourist methods of getting to the airport are practically non-existent here. Trip planning requires a special approach, and the key moment is the advance organization of all movements.

There is no regular public transport, such as buses or trains, on Santa Ana Island. The main mode of transport is walking. Distances here are small, and a walk from local accommodation to the airstrip is unlikely to take much time, usually no more than 15-30 minutes from any point in the main settlement. In some cases, locals may offer a ride by boat or private transport if available, but this is not an organized service and depends on chance.

There is no standardised taxi service on the island. The most reliable way to get from your accommodation to the airport and back is to arrange a transfer in advance with the owners of the guesthouse or lodge where you are staying. They typically assist their guests with organizing meet-and-greet services using boats or transport available on the island. The cost of such a service is best clarified directly when booking accommodation.

It is not possible to rent a car on Santa Ana Island. There are no international or local rental companies here. The road network is poorly developed, and the car is not the primary means of transport. Accordingly, there is no organized parking at the airport. Travelers arrive at the airstrip on foot or via pre-arranged transport.

The main advice for travelers is to resolve all transport issues before arrival on the island. Contact your hotel or host to arrange a meeting at the airport. Be prepared for the infrastructure here to be minimal. For flights to other parts of the country or for international flights, you will likely first need to get to Honiara International Airport (HIR), the country's main air hub.

Santa Ana Airport (NNB) is a small regional airport typical of secluded islands. Its structure is extremely simple and designed to handle a small flow of passengers, mainly consisting of locals and tourists arriving on the eponymous island within the Solomon Islands.

In fact, the airport consists of one compact terminal that performs all functions simultaneously. There is no separation into international and domestic sectors, as the airport primarily serves local flights. The arrival and departure zones are located in the same building. The airport layout is intuitive: upon entering, you will immediately see the check-in counters (if required for your flight) and the waiting area.

Since there is only one terminal, the question of transfers between them is irrelevant. All procedures — from check-in to boarding — take place in one small space. The departure area is usually a small waiting room, and the arrival area is where passengers receive their luggage, which is typically delivered by hand or on a simple trolley directly to the terminal building.

Completing all formalities, such as flight check-in and security screening, takes minimum time. Thanks to the small number of flights and passengers, there are no long queues here. The entire process usually takes no more than 15-20 minutes. The main advice for navigation is simple: do not worry about getting lost. All infrastructure at Santa Ana Airport is located in one place, and staff are always ready to help and direct you.

The history of Santa Ana Airport (NNB) is not a chronicle of building giant terminals, but a story of how aviation connected a remote island with the rest of the world. Its emergence was dictated by the urgent need to ensure transport accessibility for the residents of Owaraha Island (the second name for Santa Ana) within the Solomon Islands archipelago.

Exact dates of foundation and major modernisations for such small regional airfields as NNB often remain outside official chronicles. Its development is a gradual process of maintaining and improving the runway so that it can safely accept small aircraft performing vital flights. Most likely, it was built in the second half of the 20th century as part of a program to develop the infrastructure of remote islands.

The airport's primary historical mission has always been and remains ensuring connectivity. It is not just a transport hub, but a true lifeline for the local community. Mail, medicines, and essential goods are delivered to the island through it. From here, local residents travel to other islands for work, study, or medical assistance.

The main achievement of Santa Ana Airport is not passenger traffic records, but its stable and reliable operation over many years. It has become a gateway for a small number of tourists seeking to discover the authentic culture and pristine nature of the island. Every flight landing here contributes to the modest but very important history of this unique place.

Santa Ana Airport (NNB) is a small airfield serving domestic flights in the Solomon Islands. Given its size and remote location, the range of services for passengers is basic. Travelers should plan their trip with the understanding that infrastructure here is minimal and differs from major international airports.

Dining and shops. The choice of catering establishments and shops is extremely limited. Usually, you can find a small kiosk on the premises offering drinks and simple snacks. Shops, including Duty Free, are absent. It is recommended to bring food and water with you.

Waiting rooms and amenities. Specialized waiting rooms or VIP lounges are not provided at the airport. Passengers can use the general waiting area. Access to Wi-Fi is generally unavailable, and the number of power outlets for charging devices is very limited, so it is worth having a portable power bank with you.

Financial and medical services. There are no bank branches, ATMs, or currency exchange points on the airport territory. All financial matters must be resolved in advance in larger cities. A medical centre is also absent, although staff can provide basic first aid.

Services for passengers with special needs. Special facilities, such as mother and child rooms or play areas, are not provided. Passengers with disabilities should notify their airline in advance of the need for assistance, as the airport infrastructure is not fully adapted for them.

Accommodation and business services. There are no hotels at the airport or in its immediate vicinity. Accommodation options can be found in nearby settlements on the island. Conference rooms or business centres are absent from the airport territory.

When planning a flight through Santa Ana Airport (NNB), it is important to consider that this is a very small regional airport serving a remote island. Accordingly, dining options here are extremely limited and cannot be compared with major international aviation hubs.

In the terminal building, as a rule, there are no full-fledged restaurants, cafes, or bars. Travelers can count at most on a small kiosk or counter selling basic goods. The assortment usually includes bottled water, soft drinks, and simple packaged snacks such as chips or biscuits. Sometimes locals may offer fresh coconuts or simple homemade snacks, which serves as an authentic, though not guaranteed, snack option.

Specialised dietary meals — vegetarian, gluten-free, or Halal — are not available at the airport. If you have specific dietary requirements, it is highly recommended to bring all necessary food with you. The same applies to a full meal: it is best to eat in advance at your accommodation or bring a packed lunch.

Any retail points at the airport do not work on a fixed schedule but orient themselves exclusively to the flight schedule. They open shortly before the departure or arrival of an aircraft and close shortly after. Cash in local currency will likely be needed for payment. Therefore, the main advice for travelers is not to rely on the airport as a place for dining and to prepare for the flight in advance.

To ensure your journey through Santa Ana Airport goes smoothly, make use of our tips. This is a small regional airport, so it has its own peculiarities, knowledge of which will make your trip more comfortable and predictable.

Arrival at the airport. It is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 1 hour before the departure of a domestic flight. Despite the modest size of the terminal, this time will be sufficient to complete all formalities without rushing. However, keep in mind that the schedules of small airlines can change, so it is worth monitoring updates.

Check-in and security. Check-in and screening procedures here usually proceed more simply than in major hubs but may be leisurely due to limited staff. Have your passport and tickets ready. Security rules are standard, but it is worth clarifying baggage weight and dimension requirements with your airline in advance to avoid extra charges on the spot.

Seat selection and hand luggage. If you are flying on a small propeller plane, which is typical for local flights in the Solomon Islands, choose a window seat. From above, stunning views of coral reefs and tropical islands open up. In hand luggage, it is forbidden to carry sharp objects and liquids in containers larger than 100 ml. It is useful to bring insect repellent and sunscreen in the permitted volume.

Transit passengers. Santa Ana Airport is rarely used as a transit hub. If you have a transfer to another domestic flight, check with the airline whether you need to collect and re-check your luggage. Allow sufficient time between flights, as weather on the islands can make adjustments to the schedule.

Customs control. When entering the Solomon Islands, strict customs control rules apply, especially regarding biomaterials. It is forbidden to import plants, seeds, fruits, and products of animal origin without declaration. Be sure to declare all such goods to avoid fines.

Saving time and money. To avoid unpleasant surprises, it is highly recommended to confirm your flight by phone directly with the airline the day before departure. Online services may be unavailable. Also, pack a light snack and an empty water bottle in advance, as the choice of food and drinks at the airport can be severely limited.

Flight delays. In case of a flight delay, contact your airline representative. Waiting facilities at the airport are modest, so it is useful to have a book, a charged power bank, or a pre-downloaded film with you. Do not forget about travel insurance, which can cover expenses in unforeseen situations.