Ballalae Airport (BAS)

Ballalae Airport (IATA: BAS, ICAO: AGGE) serves as a vital air link for the remote Shortland Islands group in the Western Province of the Solomon Islands. Located on the otherwise uninhabited island of Ballalae, the airport is not a tourist hub but a crucial piece of infrastructure for local communities, connecting them to provincial centers and the national capital. Its primary role is facilitating domestic travel, transport of goods, and medical evacuations for the residents of nearby islands such as Alu and Fauro.

The airport possesses a profound and somber history. It was constructed by the Imperial Japanese Navy during World War II, between November 1942 and March 1943. The single runway was built using the forced labor of approximately 517 British artillery prisoners of war, captured after the fall of Singapore, alongside local laborers. Tragically, none of the British prisoners survived their captivity. The airstrip was a strategic bomber base during the Solomon Islands campaign until it was bypassed and neutralized by Allied forces. Today, remnants of its wartime past, including wrecked Japanese aircraft and anti-aircraft guns, can still be found in the surrounding jungle, making the island a site of significant historical interest.

Operations at Ballalae are limited to domestic flights, primarily operated by Solomon Airlines. The airline provides infrequent services, typically on a weekly basis, connecting the Shortlands with Gizo and Honiara. Due to the small scale of operations, passenger volume is very low. The airport facilities are extremely basic, consisting of a single, unpaved coral runway and a small, open-air shelter that serves as a terminal. There are no lounges, shops, restaurants, or other passenger amenities available on the island.

For travelers, practical planning is essential. Access to and from Ballalae Airport is exclusively by small outboard motorboat from neighboring islands, a journey that can take 15 to 30 minutes depending on the destination. It is imperative for passengers to pre-arrange their boat transfers, as no formal transport services wait at the airport. Visitors should bring their own water and snacks, as nothing is available for purchase. Given the remote location and potential for weather-related schedule changes, it is highly advisable to reconfirm flight times with the airline ahead of travel.