ESTA excited about Solomon Airlines’ additional Brisbane–Santo flight

February 5, 2026 10:25 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

By Charles Hakwa.

The Espiritu Santo Tourism Association (ESTA) has welcomed Solomon Airlines’ new Brisbane–Santo flight, describing it as a major boost for the island’s tourism recovery and long-term growth.

Since the liquidation of Air Vanuatu in 2024, ESTA has worked closely with Solomon Airlines to support the recovery and development of tourism in Vanuatu, particularly in Santo.

ESTA Chairman Rayman Leung said the additional service demonstrates confidence in Santo as a destination and provides reassurance to investors that connectivity and industry support are improving.

Leung noted that the tourism sector has faced significant challenges since COVID, but the expansion of air services sends a clear, positive signal to the market. “This increase in flights shows that the industry is moving in the right direction and highlights the potential for future growth,” he said.

ESTA is particularly encouraged by the expansion of the Brisbane–Santo (BNE–SON) service to twice-weekly flights, which considerably improves access from the island’s most important source market. Leung expressed confidence that, with continued collaboration and targeted destination marketing, the service can grow even further in the years ahead.

Recent road improvement projects on Santo are also playing an important enabling role, Leung added. While better roads alone cannot automatically drive tourism growth, they improve access to lesser-known areas, unlock new tourism experiences, and create opportunities for future development. Over time, this improved accessibility is expected to support product diversification, attract investment, and contribute to the sustainable growth ESTA is working towards.

According to the Solomon Airlines website, the additional flight was launched yesterday, operating on Saturdays to complement existing Thursday services. Flight IE 726 will depart Brisbane at 9 am (Australian Eastern Standard Time) tomorrow, arrive on Santo at 12:50 pm (Vanuatu time), and return to Brisbane via Port Vila.

The airline will also resume its weekly Honiara–Port Vila route on 30 March, introduce twice-weekly direct flights between Christchurch and Port Vila, and increase Auckland–Port Vila flights to four times a week starting 3 July.