Solomon Airlines has commenced full operation of its international and domestic flight schedules following the devastating flooding which struck the Solomon Islands on the weekend.

Speaking from Solomon Airlines’ head office in Honiara, CEO, Captain Ron Sumsum said floodwater borne debris blocking the runway at Honiara International Airport had been quickly cleared and, following stringent safety checks, the airline had recommenced full operations.

Captain Sumsum said the airline’s Airbus A320 would take a lead role in flying in much needed emergency equipment, food and other supplies required to assist the thousands of his countrymen affected by the natural disaster.

The airline’s domestic fleet, he said, was taking a similar role, flying in emergency aid and helping to maintain vital linkage with the destination’s outer islands also badly affected by a 6.1 earthquake which struck the region on Friday.

“This devastating event was obviously something completely out of our control,” Captain Sumsum said.

“What is in our control is our ability to show great resilience in these moments of crisis and that is exactly what the entire Solomon Airlines team, and by extension, the people of the Solomon Islands, are doing.”