For years, the only option to reach the nearest town has been a four-hour boat ride across dangerous open ocean. Now, MAF flights are offering the community a safer way to access vital services unavailable on the remote atoll.
Story by Kathy Burrows
“Now we are lucky with the aircraft,” said Nissan’s District Controller, Loretta Titus. “It’s a blessing and a lifesaver.”
Located in the Solomon Sea, Nissan Island is one of several islands that make up the Autonomous Region of Bougainville. Due to its isolated location, residents must travel to Buka Island for essential goods and services that they can’t access locally.
Until now, the only way to travel to the capital, Buka, has been by small, open boats. However, rough seas and unpredictable weather can make the journey extremely challenging.
Few boats operate the route regularly, and when conditions worsen, crossings are frequently delayed or cancelled. For those who do travel, the journey can at times be extremely dangerous and even life-threatening.
According to Loretta’s records, 44 people, including infants, have tragically lost their lives while travelling by boat to and from Nissan Island since 2020.
“People are choosing the plane,” Loretta said. “It’s the safest mode of transport now.”
Since MAF began flying to the island, residents have been able to make necessary journeys with more peace of mind. The service has also proved invaluable in emergency situations, especially when boats are unable to travel to the main town due to dangerous sea conditions.
“During Cyclone Maila, MAF was able to get patients to Buka who were not able to get the assistance they needed at the Nissan health centre,” said Loretta, speaking of the disaster response in April and May of this year.
It's a blessing and a lifesaver
According to Loretta, climate challenges have also affected the island’s crops, leaving the community increasingly vulnerable to food insecurity. Being able to transport supplies by air from Buka is proving a real lifeline for the community.
“I’m telling people, just imagine that’s a 20 kg bag of rice you can put on the plane with yourself - this is a lifesaver for us,” said Loretta, who is encouraging locals to utilise the new service with its options for both baggage and freight.
With less risk of being stranded away from home, people are feeling more confident about travelling, and important services such as education are facing fewer disruptions.
According to Loretta, climate challenges have also affected the island’s crops, leaving the community increasingly vulnerable to food insecurity. Being able to transport supplies by air from Buka is proving a real lifeline for the community.
“I’m telling people, just imagine that’s a 20 kg bag of rice you can put on the plane with yourself - this is a lifesaver for us,” said Loretta, who is encouraging locals to utilise the new service with its options for both baggage and freight.
With less risk of being stranded away from home, people are feeling more confident about travelling, and important services such as education are facing fewer disruptions.