Solomon Airlines Opposes Qantas Honiara Expansion
Solomon Airlines has formally opposed Qantas’ application to increase its Brisbane–Honiara service to five weekly flights, accusing the Australian carrier of attempting to undermine competition on the route.
In a submission to Australia’s International Air Services Commission, Solomon Airlines CEO Paul Abbot described the proposed frequency increase as a “cynical attempt to dump capacity” on what he characterized as a stagnant market. The additional service is scheduled to begin on March 29 and would be operated using wet-leased aircraft from Alliance Airlines.
Abbot argued that demand on the Brisbane–Honiara route has not recovered to pre-pandemic levels, citing 2025 passenger numbers of 39,722, which remain significantly below 2019 traffic volumes. He contended that adding capacity in a weak market risks destabilizing the route and placing unsustainable pressure on the Solomon Islands’ national carrier.
Solomon Airlines relies heavily on international services to support its broader network. According to the airline, revenue from routes such as Brisbane–Honiara helps cross-subsidize its extensive domestic operations across the geographically dispersed Solomon Islands archipelago. Abbot warned that increased competition on the international link could weaken the airline’s ability to maintain essential domestic connectivity.
The carrier’s submission raises concerns about market balance and long-term sustainability, arguing that a sharp increase in seats could lead to price discounting and margin compression. Solomon Airlines maintains that any short-term gains for consumers could come at the expense of reduced competition if smaller operators are forced to scale back.
Qantas’ proposed expansion reflects broader efforts by major carriers to rebuild and strengthen Pacific networks following years of pandemic disruption. However, the dispute highlights the challenges faced by small national airlines operating in limited-demand markets, where route economics are particularly sensitive to capacity shifts.
The International Air Services Commission will review the application before issuing a final determination on whether Qantas can proceed with the additional Brisbane–Honiara frequency.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com