# Afutara Aerodrome (AFT) > Bila, SB Web: https://airport.flights/airport/aft JSON: https://airport.flights/api/airport/aft.json ## Facts - **IATA**: AFT - **ICAO**: AGAF - **Timezone**: Pacific/Guadalcanal - **Runways**: 1 - **Terminals**: 1 ## Overview ## Welcome Afutara Aerodrome is an exceptional travel entry point that feels more like landing on a remote country road than at an airport. Tucked away in the small village of Bila, within the lush confines of the Makira/Ulawa region, this airfield offers a truly raw aviation experience on a grass and packed-surface runway. With no permanent facilities in sight, traveling here resembles catching a small plane into a tiny community rather than passing through any commercial terminal. ## At a glance This bush strip is serviced primarily by small Solomon Airlines aircraft, which embody a village shuttle service more than a typical airline. There are no fixed passenger terminals or services, so plan your entry and exit with keen attention to local advisories. Due to its unique nature, you're not dealing with paved runways or bustling airports but rather a piece of cleared land intertwined with the everyday rhythms of village life. ## Terminals & layout Afutara Aerodrome comprises a singular 'Main' Terminal, which, in practical terms, refers to the grass and packed-surface airstrip. The lack of buildings or even designated terminal facilities means everything related to "terminal" functions happens outdoors. Check-in procedures are informal, often involving just a name check from a clipboard, so keep visible and have your booking confirmation at hand. ## Getting to and from the city Transportation arrangements need to be coordinated in advance, as there are no dedicated transport services readily available on arrival. Visitors often rely on village trucks or small boats, coordinated through their guesthouses in Bila. Without predictable public transport or taxi options, arranging pickups before arrival is essential. ## Traveller essentials Prepare for a self-sufficient visit, carrying all essentials with you. With no facilities, that means drinking water, snacks, sun protection, and any necessary medications are all up to you. Consider weather conditions, as Afutara's runway can become muddy after rain, possibly affecting your flight plans. Cash is king here; once you leave Honiara, ATMs and card services become practically non-existent. Pack light, as baggage limits are strictly enforced. ## Dining & shopping highlights The "dining" experience at Afutara flips from the commercial to the local. While the airstrip itself hosts no restaurants or shops, the true flavor emerges in possible off-site interactions — purchasing fresh coconuts or fruit from local villagers after your plane lands. Collaborate with your accommodation providers for these opportunities. ## Lounges There are no designated lounges or waiting areas at Afutara. The pure village ambiance offers surroundings of natural beauty rather than commercial comfort, emphasizing the need for travelers to be prepared with personal comfort items. ## Insider tips - **Insider:** The best part of arriving isn't the runway, but the arrival itself – greeted by villagers in Bila who treat the plane's arrival as a local event. - **Weather:** Flights can be delayed or canceled due to weather; ensure your plans have a buffer and avoid tight connections to international flights. - **Time:** Expect informal check-ins, like a clipboard confirmation, and arrive early to stay visible to staff. - **Local:** Watch local villagers upon arrival; your best shot at a snack in Afutara might be a coconut purchased just beyond the runway. - **Money:** Bring cash, specifically Solomon Islands dollars, for transport and local purchases, as cards are not accepted beyond Honiara. - **Quiet:** Enjoy a serene entry into the Solomon Islands with natural sounds from the ocean and forest instead of airport announcements. - **Avoid:** Expect no shelter or waiting room; bring a lightweight rain jacket or umbrella to stay dry during any weather delays. - **Photography:** Grab a window seat for the flight to Afutara; the aerial views over the rainforest and reefs are stunning especially in the last 15 minutes of flight. ## Terminals (1) - **Main Terminal** ## Insider tips - _Insider_: The best part of arriving isn't the runway, but the arrival itself – greeted by villagers in Bila who treat the plane's arrival as a local event. - _Weather_: Flights can be delayed or canceled due to weather; ensure your plans have a buffer and avoid tight connections to international flights. - _Time_: Expect informal check-ins, like a clipboard confirmation, and arrive early to stay visible to staff. - _Local_: Watch local villagers upon arrival; your best shot at a snack in Afutara might be a coconut purchased just beyond the runway. - _Money_: Bring cash, specifically Solomon Islands dollars, for transport and local purchases, as cards are not accepted beyond Honiara. - _Quiet_: Enjoy a serene entry into the Solomon Islands with natural sounds from the ocean and forest instead of airport announcements. - _Avoid_: Expect no shelter or waiting room; bring a lightweight rain jacket or umbrella to stay dry during any weather delays. - _Photography_: Grab a window seat for the flight to Afutara; the aerial views over the rainforest and reefs are stunning especially in the last 15 minutes of flight.