All flights into and out of Fiji have been cancelled or diverted on Tuesday as Tropical Cyclone Vaianu ravages parts of the South Pacific nation.
According to Fiji Airports, which operates Nadi International Airport (the country’s main gateway) all Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to and from Nadi have been cancelled. This includes Qantas and Jetstar flights from Sydney, and Virgin Australia flights from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
Fiji Airways was also forced to cancel all of its scheduled services to Australia for the rest of Tuesday – however, some flights to Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane went ahead this morning, albeit with significant delays, according to aviation website Cirium.
At least one Nadi-bound Fiji Airways flight that departed this morning ex-Australia was diverted to Nuku’alofa in Tonga.
In a Fiji Airways update earlier today, the carrier also advised that all Fiji Link domestic services scheduled for Tuesday were also cancelled “due to current weather conditions associated with Tropical Cyclone Vaianu”.
Yesterday, it told customers that it will be in “direct contact with all impacted guests to confirm updated travel arrangements and provide assistance”.
“We kindly request guests to update their contact details via ‘Manage my booking’ so our teams can best contact them,” it stated.
“The safety of our passengers and crew remains our highest priority, and we thank our guests for their understanding.”
Nausori Airport, which services the capital city Suva, also reported that all flights into and out of the hub had been cancelled for Tuesday.
In a message this morning, Fiji Airports advised customers to contact their airlines directly for the latest updates and assistance with rescheduling.
Flights for Wednesday are currently scheduled to operate in the country.
Storm hits
According to the Fiji Meteorological Service, gusts up to 90 kilometres per hour were expected to lash parts of the island nation today, accompanied by rough seas and potential flooding.
On social media, the agency shared videos of flooding at Wailoaloa Beach Resort, near Nadi Airport, this morning. Other footage showed high water levels at Sabeto Bridge (just north of the airport), and flooding on streets around Nadi.
Earlier videos show Nadi Airport being hit at the height of Cyclone Vaianu, plus islands in the Yasawas and Mamanucas also being battered.
DFAT advice
In an advisory this morning, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) told Australian travellers that the Cyclone Vaianu is “bringing heavy rain, flash flooding and strong winds”.
Along with warnings about flight disruptions, it told travellers to “know your accommodation’s evacuation plan”.
“If a cyclone is approaching your area, find your nearest shelter and follow the advice of local authorities,” it added.
“If you’re travelling in affected areas, contact your airline, tour operator or accommodation provider to check how your travel plans may be impacted.”
KARRYON UNPACKS: For travel advisors, proactive comms matter right now. Reassurance, flexibility and real-time updates aren’t optional – they’re what clients remember when plans unravel.
