From April 2026, Solomon Airlines will double air capacity on the Brisbane to Santo route, adding a second non-stop service and reinforcing its position as the only international airline flying directly from Australia to Espiritu Santo.
With a flight time of just 2.5 hours from Brisbane, the expanded schedule now allows Australians to choose between a full week island escape or a long weekend getaway to Santo, an increasingly rare luxury in the Pacific.
On Saturday 4 April, 112 passengers arrived on the inaugural second weekly service into Santo Pekoa International Airport in Luganville, marking a milestone moment for tourism in Vanuatu’s northern islands. Smiles filled the terminal as a local string band welcomed travellers, who were presented with traditional shell leis on arrival.
Vanuatu Tourism Office CEO Adela Issachar Aru welcomed the expanded service, noting its importance for connectivity, partnerships and Santo’s tourism future.
The launch of a second weekly direct service from Brisbane to Espiritu Santo is very welcome news for Vanuatu’s tourism industry, particularly for our partners and communities in Santo,” said Aru.
“Improved and reliable air access is essential as we continue to rebuild and grow our visitor economy, and this additional service is an important step forward for our northern islands.”
“We have a long and valued partnership with Solomon Airlines and we are pleased to see that commitment strengthened through increased services. This expanded schedule gives Australian travellers greater flexibility when planning their holidays, whether they are looking for a longer escape or a shorter break in the Pacific.”
“Espiritu Santo offers something truly special, from its blue holes, world renowned dive sites and white sand beaches, to its rich kastom and relaxed island lifestyle. With Australia just 2.5 hours away, Santo feels both easy to reach and wonderfully removed from everyday life, and we hope this enhanced connectivity encourages more Australians to discover, or rediscover, everything our island has to offer.”
Matthew Findlay, Solomon Airlines CEO said the airline was proud to deepen its partnership with Vanuatu through the expanded service.
“The commencement of this second weekly service to Espiritu Santo is a strong vote of confidence in the destination and reflects the growing demand we are seeing for Santo. It also underscores the strength of our partnership with Vanuatu and the collective efforts of all tourism stakeholders, including Espiritu Santo Tourism Association (ESTA), the VTO, Air Vanuatu and Government,” said Findlay.
“Solomon Airlines is proud to be deepening our collaboration through joint marketing and operational alignment and we remain committed to working closely with our partners to support sustainable growth, improved connectivity and long-term outcomes for Santo and the wider Vanuatu market.”
Espiritu Santo, commonly known as Santo, is Vanuatu’s largest island and a key tourism hub for the country’s northern region.
Solomon Airlines will operate twice weekly direct services between Brisbane and Espiritu Santo using an A320200 aircraft (12 business / 132-138 economy seats).
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IE726 – Departs Brisbane 08:55, arrives Espiritu Santo 12:45 (local)
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IE727 – Departs Espiritu Santo 13:45, arrives Brisbane 15:35
Services operate Thursday and Saturday from April June 2026, transitioning to Tuesday and Thursday from July 2026 to January 2027.
