The Solomon Airlines operated Dash 8 aircraft currently cuts back on all its flights due to mechanical issues.
Over the past weeks the aircraft has suspended all its services to Taro, Gizo, Seghe, Kira Kira and Lata.
It only operates into Munda given its international status.
And this had raised concerns for many travelers using the domestic service operated by Dash-8.
Over the past weeks passengers who usually travel by Dash-8 to and from Gizo have now been forced to travel by boat to Munda to catch their flights.
On Fridays they board the Solomon Airlines international Airbus service, which transits through Munda from Brisbane before flying to Honiara.
An officer from Solomon Airlines in Western Province revealed to the Solomon Star the suspension is linked to mechanical issues and likely safety compliance.
The officer added Dash 8 aircraft had also developed mechanical defects, and will only return to service once those faults are fixed and clearance is given by the airline’s management.
The suspension has caused difficulties for passengers who had purchased Dash 8 tickets, forcing them to incur extra costs and time to travel to Munda.
At the moment, only the Twin Otter aircraft continues to provide services to Nusatupe and other airports on both daily and weekly schedules.
The disruption of services is affecting many travelers both local and international.
Solomon Airlines Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Acting Mr Paul Abbot in response to suspension of services assured that Dash-8 will resume its services once the required spare-part arrives.
He added, Solomon Airlines plans to operate into additional destinations using the Dash-8.
“The Dash 8 aircraft has been operating with restrictions, limited to Munda, while we were awaiting a replacement part.
“We expect the aircraft to operate again soon to additional destinations.”
He clarified that the issue is not related to safety but mechanical.
“The issue was never related to safety, it was a matter of necessary maintenance and our decision to limit operations due to our commitment to adhering strictly to the manufacturers guidelines and regulatory compliance requirements.”
An officer from the Solomon Islands Airport Corporation Limited (SIACL) said they are aware of the issue where Dash-8 is only operating to Munda.
The officer blamed the reduced services to issues related to Dash-8’s mechanical issues and the airports.
“All the airports which Dash-8 operates into have been upgraded and does not pose any safety issue to the aircraft,” the officer said.
Meanwhile, ongoing flight cancellations by Solomon Airlines to Western Province have raised growing concern amongst tourism operators, with many warning that the disruptions are having a serious impact on the country’s image as a travel destination.
Resorts and tour operators in Western Province told Solomon Star ongoing cancellations have already led to lost bookings, reduced visitor arrivals, and uncertainty among international partners.
For communities that depend heavily on tourism, the continued disruptions are also affecting employment and local incomes.
Several operators reported that guests have been forced to cut their stays short, extend their stays unexpectedly, or cancel their travel plans entirely due to unreliable flight schedules.
“This is not just about airlines—it’s about the whole tourism value chain.
“When flights are unreliable, visitors hesitate to book, and the whole industry suffers,” one resort operator explained.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
