Nusatupe Airport (GZO)
Gizo, SB 🇸🇧 Small Airport Scheduled Service
ICAO
AGGN
IATA
GZO
Elevation
13 ft
Region
SB-WE
Local Time
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GPS Code: AGGN
Local Code: Not available
Location: -8.09778° N, 156.863998° E
Continent: Oceania
Type: Small Airport
About Nusatupe Airport
Updated: Jan 1, 2026Nusatupe Airport (IATA: GZO, ICAO: AGGN) serves as the primary aviation gateway to Gizo, the capital of the Western Province in the Solomon Islands. It plays a crucial role in connecting the region to the nation's capital, Honiara, supporting both a thriving tourism industry, particularly for scuba diving, and essential local transport. The airport is a vital link for commerce and services in this remote archipelago.
Originally constructed as a fighter airstrip by U.S. Naval Construction Battalions (Seabees) during World War II, the airfield has since transitioned into a key civilian facility. Its strategic location was significant during the Pacific Campaign, and today it stands as a legacy of that era, now facilitating peaceful travel and trade.
The airport’s most distinctive feature is its location. It is situated on the small, flat island of Nusatupe, separated from the main town of Gizo on Ghizo Island by a picturesque lagoon. Consequently, all arriving and departing passengers must complete their journey via a short, 5-to-10-minute motorboat ride. This boat transfer is an integral and memorable part of the travel experience, offering scenic views of the surrounding islands.
Operations at Nusatupe are exclusively domestic. Solomon Airlines is the principal carrier, operating regular flights to and from Honiara's Henderson International Airport (HIR) using turboprop aircraft like the De Havilland Canada Dash 8. The airport handles a steady flow of international tourists connecting through Honiara, as well as local residents.
Facilities at the airport are basic, reflecting its small scale. The single terminal building is a simple structure containing a check-in counter, a modest waiting area, and restroom facilities. There are no lounges, large retail shops, or restaurants within the terminal, so travelers should not expect extensive amenities.
For those traveling through Nusatupe Airport, it is advisable to coordinate the boat transfer in advance, as many local hotels and dive resorts arrange this service for their guests. Independent travelers can find boats waiting for arriving flights for a small fee. Due to the use of smaller aircraft, baggage weight and size restrictions are strictly enforced and should be confirmed with the airline prior to travel. Arriving 45 to 60 minutes before a domestic flight is generally sufficient for the straightforward check-in process.
What Travelers Say
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Online Reviews Summary
Traveler sentiment regarding Nusatupe Airport (AGGN (GZO)) in Gizo, Solomon Islands, generally highlights its unique island location and efficient domestic travel experience, despite its very basic facilities. While not a modern international hub, it serves as a crucial gateway to the scenic Western Province, offering a memorable start or end to a trip.
What Travelers Love
- Unique Boat Transfer: The necessity of taking a short, picturesque 5 to 10-minute boat ride from Nusatupe Island to Gizo town is consistently described as a distinctive and enjoyable part of the journey, immediately immersing travelers in the island atmosphere.
- Scenic Flights: Flights to and from Nusatupe Airport offer spectacular views of the surrounding islands and coral reefs.
- Efficiency for Domestic Travel: Due to its small size and focus on domestic flights, check-in and waiting procedures are often quick and stress-free.
- "Best Airstrip in the South Pacific" (2023): The Coral Sea Foundation rated Nusatupe airstrip as the "best airstrip in the South Pacific" in January 2023, indicating high regard for the quality of the runway itself.
Common Complaints
- Basic Terminal Facilities and Amenities: The terminal is a small, rudimentary structure with limited check-in counters and a modest waiting area. It lacks modern amenities such as lounges, retail outlets, extensive passenger services, restaurants, cafes, or shops, prompting travelers to bring their own food and drinks.
- No International Facilities or Customs Pre-clearance: Nusatupe Airport is solely a domestic hub and is not an Airport of Entry (AOE), meaning it does not offer customs pre-clearance.
- Unsealed Runway: The airport operates with a single unpaved coral runway, though it underwent a partial upgrade in 2013.
- Lack of Direct Road Access to Gizo: All passengers must use a boat shuttle to access Gizo town, as the airport lacks direct road connections to the mainland.
- Delayed Infrastructure Upgrades: Plans initiated in 2020 for infrastructure improvements, including airfield lighting and terminal upgrades, had not yet commenced as of 2023 due to land tenure issues.
Nusatupe Airport offers a functional and distinct travel experience primarily for domestic visitors to the Solomon Islands. While travelers should expect very basic amenities, the unique boat transfer and scenic beauty contribute to an overall positive and memorable journey for those seeking an authentic island aviation experience.
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Airport Routes
Nusatupe Airport (GZO) offers 6 flight routes operated by 1 airline. The primary operator is Solomon Airlines. Popular destinations from Gizo include Choiseul Bay, Balalae, Honiara Int'l, Munda and Seghe.
Route Network Map
Top Routes (by observations)
Newly Discovered
- Munda (MUA) new
- Honiara Int'l (HIR) new
- Seghe (EGM) new
- Balalae (BAS) new
- Choiseul Bay (CHY) new
- Kaghau (KGE) new
Popular Flight Routes
| Destination | IATA | City | Aircraft Type | Airline | Details | Route Map |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honiara Int'l | HIR |
Honiara | DH8B | Solomon Airlines | 29 flights · 237 mi | |
| Balalae | BAS |
Shortland Island | DHC6 | Solomon Airlines | 6 flights · 102 mi | |
| Munda | MUA |
Munda | DH8B | Solomon Airlines | 6 flights · 32 mi | |
| Choiseul Bay | CHY |
Choiseul Bay | DH8B | Solomon Airlines | 4 flights · 101 mi | |
| Kaghau | KGE |
Kaghau | DHC6 | Solomon Airlines | 1 flight · 73 mi | |
| Seghe | EGM |
Seghe | DH8B | Solomon Airlines | 1 flight · 77 mi |
Top Airlines
Operating at Nusatupe AirportAirlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network| Airline | Routes | Flights | Destinations | Last Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Solomon Airlines
SOL
/ IE
|
6 | 47 | 6 | Mar 14, 2026 |
For Pilots
| Designation | Length | Width | Surface | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
14/32 |
2871 ft | 75 ft | UNK | Active |
| Type | Description | Frequency |
|---|
Ground Transportation
Taxis
The primary 'taxi' service from Nusatupe Airport is not a car, but a motorized boat (often called a 'tinnie' or 'banana boat'). The airport is on an island separate from the main town of Gizo, requiring a 10-15 minute boat ride across the lagoon. Boat operators meet all arriving flights. Standard car taxis are available in Gizo town once you arrive by boat.
Rental Cars
There are no car rental agencies located at Nusatupe Airport. Car rental options in the town of Gizo are extremely limited or non-existent. The primary mode of transportation for visitors in the region is by boat and walking.
Public Transportation
The main form of public transport is the network of motorized boats that act as water taxis. These boats connect the airport island to Gizo town and other nearby islands and resorts. It is common and highly recommended for travelers to pre-arrange boat transfers directly with their hotel or dive operator.