Vanuatu runway repairs almost complete
Vanuatu’s Bauerfield International Airport’s repairs are 95% complete, with the final works for phase one scheduled to be finished in the coming weeks.
Both Air New Zealand and Virgin Australia suspended their flights to the airport in mid-January due to concerns over the safety of the runway with Qantas suspending its codeshare with Air Vanuatu.
After slight delays with the shipping of materials from Fiji, the construction is well underway and all parties are working together to fast-track the delivery of materials to ensure it is completed as soon as possible.
Fulton Hogan, the New Zealand company overseeing the repairs, remains in constant communication with all companies to work out the best plan to complete the works with limited disruption to passenger services.
Vanuatu Tourism Office general manager, Linda Kalpoi, said the airport is a hive of activity to complete the works.
“Everyone has come together to resolve this issue as efficiently as possible,” she said.
“Air Vanuatu, Fiji Airways, and Aircalin are continuing all scheduled flights as normal after conducting independent assessments confirming the runway to be safe, and we look forward to the return of Virgin Australia and the Qantas code-share services after they have conducted independent assessments following the completion of the works.”
VTO’s marketing team are currently preparing the launch of Vanuatu’s biggest consumer marketing campaign in May 2016, so the runway repairs are top priority.
“We look forward to launching the campaign which we hope will entice Australian’s to book their next holiday to Vanuatu,” Kalpoi said.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
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