Rennell/Tingoa Airport

Overview

Rennell/Tingoa Airport is a small domestic airstrip located on Rennell Island in the Solomon Islands. It serves as the primary gateway for travellers visiting the remote southern province of Rennell and Bellona. The airport is situated near the village of Kangua on the northern coast of the island. Most flights are operated by Solomon Airlines using small turboprop aircraft such as the De Havilland Twin Otter. The airport primarily handles services from Honiara, the capital, with a flight time of approximately one hour. Given the island’s rugged terrain and limited road network, air travel is the most practical way to reach Rennell. The airport sees limited traffic, with peak passenger activity typically in the mid-morning hours, especially around 9 am and 10 am when scheduled flights arrive and depart.

Location & Access

Rennell/Tingoa Airport is located on the northern side of Rennell Island, near Kangua village. Rennell is the southernmost large island in the Solomon Islands chain. The airport lies approximately 10 km west of the island’s main settlement, Tigoa. From the airport, visitors can reach Tigoa and other parts of the island via a network of unpaved roads. Four-wheel-drive vehicles are recommended, especially during the wet season. There is no public bus service, but local taxis and private transfers can be arranged – often through accommodation providers. The journey from the airport to Tigoa takes about 30 minutes. Rennell Island itself is located about 250 km south of Honiara. Access to the island by sea is possible but infrequent, with cargo ships calling irregularly. Therefore, the airport is the main point of entry for most travellers.

Facilities

Facilities at Rennell/Tingoa Airport are minimal, reflecting its status as a remote domestic airstrip. The terminal building is a simple structure with a basic waiting area. A toilet is available for passengers. There are no shops, cafes, or duty-free outlets on site. Travelers should bring all necessary supplies, including food and water, especially if connecting onward to more remote parts of the island. There is no ATM or banking service at the airport, so cash should be obtained before departure. The airport does not have a business lounge or VIP services. Baggage handling is manual, and there are no air bridges – passengers walk to and from the aircraft on the tarmac.

About the Region

Rennell Island is part of the Solomon Islands’ Rennell and Bellona Province. It is most famous for East Rennell, a UNESCO World Heritage Site designated in 1998. East Rennell encompasses the southeastern third of the island and includes Lake Tegano, the largest brackish lake in the Pacific. The lake is surrounded by dense rainforest and is home to unique bird species and marine life. The island is known for its raised coral limestone terrain, with dramatic cliffs and caves. The local population is predominantly Polynesian, distinct from the Melanesian majority in the rest of the Solomon Islands. Villages follow traditional customs, and tourism is largely ecotourism-focused – visitors come for birdwatching, hiking, kayaking on Lake Tegano, and cultural experiences. The area remains one of the most isolated and least developed parts of the country, offering a true off-the-beaten-path adventure.

Practical Information

• Hours of Operation: Rennell/Tingoa Airport is not open every day. It operates only on days when flights are scheduled, typically several times per week. Arrive at least one hour before departure. Peak hours are around 9 am and 10 am.
• Contact: There is no public telephone number or website for the airport. For flight enquiries, contact Solomon Airlines (based in Honiara).
• Getting Help: Upon arrival, local staff from the airline or ground handlers can assist with queries. English is spoken in the tourism sector, but the main local language is Pijin, and on Rennell, people also speak the Rennellese dialect.
• What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, insect repellent, and a reusable water bottle. Cash in Solomon Islands dollars is essential for any purchases or transport.
• Nearby Accommodation: A few guesthouses and eco-lodges are located in Tigoa and near Lake Tegano. Advance booking is strongly recommended.