Fera/Maringe Airport (FRE)

Fera/Maringe Airport (IATA: FRE, ICAO: AGGF) is a vital regional airstrip serving as the primary air gateway to Buala, the provincial capital of Isabel Province in the Solomon Islands. Located on the small Fera Island, it provides an essential connection for residents, government officials, and a small number of tourists to the national capital, Honiara. The airport's existence is crucial for the transport of people, mail, and essential supplies to this relatively remote part of the country, playing a significant role in the administrative and economic life of the province.

The airstrip is situated on Fera Island, a flat coral island separated from the much larger Santa Isabel Island by a narrow channel of water. Travelers arriving at the airport must complete their journey to Buala and other destinations on Santa Isabel Island via a short motorboat transfer, which is typically a 5-10 minute ride across the channel. These boat transfers are usually coordinated with flight arrival and departure times, with local operators waiting near the shore. Visitors should be prepared for this final leg of the journey, which offers a scenic introduction to the region.

Operations at Fera/Maringe Airport are exclusively domestic. Solomon Airlines is the sole scheduled carrier, operating regular flights to and from Honiara International Airport (HIR) using small turboprop aircraft like the de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter. Flight schedules can be infrequent and are often subject to change based on weather conditions or operational requirements, a common characteristic of air travel in the Solomon Islands. The passenger volume is modest, catering primarily to local traffic rather than a large tourist influx.

Reflecting its role as a basic utility airstrip, the facilities at Fera/Maringe are minimal. The airport consists of a single, unpaved runway made of crushed coral and grass, alongside a small, open-air shelter that serves as the terminal. There are no lounges, shops, restaurants, or currency exchange services available. Passengers will find basic seating and protection from the elements while they wait. For travelers, it is advisable to confirm flights 24 hours in advance and arrive approximately one hour before departure. All transport to and from the mainland, including boat transfers, should be pre-arranged. Packing light is recommended due to strict baggage weight limits on the smaller aircraft that service the route.