Vanuatu has expanded its direct air links with New Zealand through Solomon Airlines’ inaugural Port Vila–Christchurch service. The new twice-weekly route gives the South Island its first non-stop connection to Vanuatu, strengthening tourism, improving travel options, and supporting the Pacific nation’s recovery following Air Vanuatu’s collapse in 2024.
Vanuatu has gained a second direct gateway to New Zealand with the launch of Solomon Airlines’ new Port Vila–Christchurch service, marking the first non-stop air link between the Pacific nation and New Zealand’s South Island.
The inaugural flight departed on Thursday aboard an Airbus A320, carrying 125 passengers, as the airline officially expanded its growing presence in the New Zealand market.
Solomon Airlines Chief Executive Officer Matthew Findlay said the new service had already attracted strong demand, with around 2,000 forward bookings confirmed over the coming months.
The twice-weekly Christchurch service, operating on Thursdays and Saturdays from Port Vila (with Christchurch departures on Thursdays and Sundays due to the schedule), complements Solomon Airlines’ existing four weekly Auckland–Port Vila flights, giving travelers greater flexibility and improving access from both New Zealand islands.
Solomon Airlines Flights | International & Domestic | Solomon Airlines
Welcome to Solomon Airlines website. Find flight deals to Honiara & Solomon Islands. Book cheap flights online to domestic & international destinations here.
A spokesman for Vanuatu’s Department of Tourism welcomed the additional air access, saying the new route would provide greater travel choice for visitors while supporting continued growth in arrivals from New Zealand, one of Vanuatu’s key tourism markets.
The Christchurch connection is expected to appeal particularly to travelers from New Zealand’s South Island, who previously needed to connect through Auckland or Australia to reach Vanuatu. Christchurch Airport described the service as opening a new gateway to the Pacific and strengthening the airport’s position as the South Island’s international hub for leisure travel.
The route is the culmination of several years of negotiations between the governments of Vanuatu and Solomon Islands, reflecting closer regional cooperation in aviation and tourism.
The new service also represents another milestone in Solomon Airlines’ expanded role in Vanuatu following the collapse of Air Vanuatu in 2024.
Air Vanuatu previously operated four weekly Boeing 737 services between Port Vila and Auckland before entering voluntary liquidation in May 2024, resulting in the loss of its jet fleet and the suspension of international operations. Solomon Airlines stepped in soon afterward to maintain direct links between New Zealand and Vanuatu, initially through the Auckland route, helping preserve vital tourism, business, and labor travel connections.
Tourism officials believe the addition of Christchurch will further support Vanuatu’s tourism recovery by broadening market access and reducing travel times for visitors from New Zealand’s South Island during the peak winter escape season.
The direct flight takes approximately four hours and 10 minutes, providing one of the quickest routes from New Zealand’s South Island to the tropical Pacific destination.
