Vanuatu’s tourism leaders are meeting with government officials today to confirm funding for runway repairs after Virgin became the second airline to pull flights out of Bauerfield International Airport.
The carrier announced yesterday that after monitoring the condition of the runway it had decided to cease its Brisbane-Port Vila operations. This follows Air New Zealand, which suspended its services to the destination late last week and Qantas’ temporary pause on its codeshare with Air Vanuatu.
All three airlines said they would return to the island nation once they have greater confidence in the runway, which according to Vanuatu’s Director of Civil Aviation Authority of Vanuatu (CAAV), Joseph Niel, requires urgent “resurfacing and repair” after Tropical Cyclone Pam.
Air Vanuatu along with Fiji Airways, Solomon Airlines and Aircalin continue to operate out of the gateway, which has introduced temporary measures to ensure the safety of passengers, crew and aircraft. This includes daily mechanical sweeping of the runway, regular inspections to and after takeoff, new obstacle and runway surveys.
Vanuatu Tourism Office’s General Manager, Linda Kalpoi, said she hopes the meeting this morning will lead to a more permanent solution to ensure suspended flights are resumed.
“We’ll be working together to resolve this issue quickly and effectively.”
Linda Kalpoi, Vanuatu Tourism Office General Manager
“Finding the solution swiftly is of upmost importance to Vanuatu’s tourism industry and the country as a whole.”
In the meantime, Virgin Australia is offering customers who are booked to travel to or from Vanuatu a number of options, such as a refund, change of destination or travel credit.
A return service will operate on 30 January for any passengers wanting to return from the destination.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) hasn’t changed its advice for Vanuatu.
