Vanuatu reels as airlines suspend services
A “concerted effort” is underway to resolve any issues with the runway at Port Vila’s Bauerfield International Airport in Vanuatu as a number of airlines suspended services due to safety concerns, placing the country’s tourism industry in jeopardy.
Qantas and Air New Zealand both suspended Vanuatu services on Friday, over concerns about the condition of the runway. However, Air Vanuatu is still operating, as is Virgin Australia.
A Virgin Australia spokesperson confirmed that a full review had been conducted at the airport over the weekend by a team of its safety experts.
“Following this review, we have concluded that currently our aircraft can continue to safely operate in and out of Port Vila,” they said.
“We are working with authorities in Vanuatu to ensure the condition of the runway remains safe at all times and will continue to work closely with the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority.”
The airline confirmed it is monitoring the condition of the runway and committed to ceasing operations if it finds that the runway is no longer suitable.
Meanwhile, the Civil Aviation Authority of Vanuatu (CAAV) and Airports Vanuatu Limited (AVL) revealing a raft of measures designed to ensure jet operations can continue at the airport.
“Air New Zealand’s decision to suspend services to Port Vila was based on an internal risk assessment carried out by the airline itself and was more of a precautionary action rather than to declare Bauerfield as being unsafe,” CAAV director Joseph Niel said.
“However, it is fact that the runway is urgently due a resurfacing or repair and this was further exacerbated by the effects of the recent Tropical Cyclone Pam.”
A number of “extra precautions” have been put in place until permanent repairs begin. These include the daily ‘sweeping’ of the runway, regular inspections before and after take-off plus new obstacle and runway surveys. In addition, 200m of runway at the end of runway 11 has been marked for urgent repair.
“In the interest of all tourism operators in Vanuatu, there will be a concerted effort to make sure any issues are addressed as soon as possible so that Air New Zealand resumes and the effect on tourism is minimised,” Vanuatu Tourism Office general manager Linda Kalpoi said.
While Qantas does not fly its own aircraft to Vanuatu, it has suspended its codeshare with Air Vanuatu on its six times weekly services between Sydney and Port Vila, and its twice weekly services between Brisbane and Port Vila which are operated by B737 aircraft.
“Due to concerns over the condition of the runway at Port Vila International Airport in Vanuatu, Qantas is suspending its codeshare agreement with Air Vanuatu effective immediately,” it said.
The airline apologised for an inconvenience caused and advised customers that they are eligible to claim a full refund, change their destination or obtain a credit to fly at a later date or to book a new ticket with Air Vanuatu.
Air NZ usually flies from Auckland to Vanuatu once a week, and codeshares with Air Vanuatu on its twice-weekly flights.
Flight operations general manager Stephen Hunt says the condition of the runway at Port Vila International Airport has been gradually deteriorating.
“We have taken the difficult decision to suspend services before the situation becomes unsafe,” he said.
Air New Zealand will run one more return service between Auckland and Vanuatu on Sunday to repatriate customers, supported by additional safety measures.
Technical experts are being sent to Port Vila to oversee the Sunday flights.
Customer care spokeswoman Debbie McKeown says although the move is an inconvenience to customers, safety comes first.
“Unfortunately we will only be able to carry customers who are completing a return journey on Sunday’s flights,” she said.
“We will make contact with customers who’ve booked directly with Air New Zealand to explain their options.”
Customers who booked through a travel agent should make contact with their travel arranger.
All customers will have the option of changing their booking to another Pacific or Tasman destination or receiving a full refund.
Friday’s announcement affects Air New Zealand and codeshare Air Vanuatu flights.
Image credit: iStock
Latest News
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!
Globally-renowned chefs gather for Vivid Food 2024
As a human, we agree that food is a fundamental part of the human experience. Some might say the most fundamental.
Air New Zealand returns to Hobart and Seoul
If you notice an uptick in Kiwis making their way through the Mona, you know why.
European Waterways targets multi-generational families with ‘floating villa’ deal
The jury is still out on whether spending a week on a 'floating villa' with family is a hell or a paradise.
Luxury Escapes launches ‘sail away’ sale
Rest assured, you'll be getting your 'sails' and 'sales' mixed up for the rest of the day.
Rex-owned National Jet Express adds weekly charter between Brisbane and Orange
This is for mining and civil contractors, so please, put your holiday attire away.
Let the games begin. Viking introduces eye-watering benefits for the industry’s top 10 advisors
Did someone say 'trip to Venice'? Hold my coat, this one is far too good to miss!
Best friends or frenemies? What is the REAL relationship between sales and marketing?
We can all stop fighting over the corner office because our mothers were right - we are all important in our own way.
The Walshe Group Announces Two Key Appointments
What we really want to know is whether they got joint or separate welcome parties.
FAMIL: Agents explore the delights of Mauritius on 7-day tour
Go green with envy as you read this fabulous itinerary! Time to book that second honeymoon.
Hamad International recognised as world’s best airport at 2024 Skytrax World Airport Awards
Hamad airport is so good it is almost considered a destination in itself. Ballina, up your game.
Saudi Arabia highlights tourism investment opportunities at global investment event
Now is the time to start looking at Saudi Arabia if you are not already. There's big things to come.
“Rampant” – Aussies warned as dengue fever cases spike in Bali
Worried about Bali belly? Now you have something else to worry about.
TTC Tour Brand reveals slew of deals across operators including Trafalgar and Contiki
Everybody loves a bargain and you could do lot a lot worse than check out these deals from TTC!
Fiji Airways partners with Porter Airlines in US growth bid
Any initiative that gets more people visiting the delights of Fiji is a good initiative.
Flight Centre launches CruiseHQ – a marketplace exclusively for agents
The cruise industry has surpassed pre-Covid levels so this isn't one to miss!
Feeling festive? Wendy Wu tours unwraps Christmas collection
Get the Christmas hols booked now and avoid spending it with that elderly relative with dubious political views.
OPINION: In a world of screens, we crave experience
If you get feelings of deep shame and regret when you see your screen time, don't worry - you're not alone.
Sun Princess: High-end dining and world class entertainment awaits
If you are a foodie and you are not currently on the Sun Princess, we really have to ask - what are you doing?
YouGov: 2 in 5 Aussies would pay more for a sustainable hotel
If you want to be REALLY sustainable you can go camping. You just might lose the will to live.
“Can planes swim?” – Planes become boats as Dubai Airport is savaged by severe storm
Unfortunately, "can planes swim?" is a real life question and not an opener to a really bad joke...
Explora journeys reveals bespoke outdoor furniture designed by Matteo Nunziati
This is making your plastic table and chairs look really bad now, isn't it?
Bangkok Airways targets growth with renewed Sabre deal
Two stories abut Sabre's growth in one week and its only Wednesday! Watchout world.
PR agency Example wins pitch for InterContinental Sydney
We also went in for the contract but they said that a 'Be Our Guest'- themed TikTok was unoriginal! The cheek.
Norwegian Cruise Line reveals culinary experience aboard Norwegian Aqua
Once again, this TW journalist REALLY regrets writing this before getting lunch.
Signature Queensland hosts luxury tourism event
Known for its tropical beaches and unique wildlife, Queensland also offers luxury.
Capella Sydney recognised in prestigious Travel + Leisure’s 2024 ‘it list’ of best new hotels
You know that 'it girl' at school who everyone wanted to hang out with? Capella is the hotel version of that.
Rex launches 72-hour fare sale with NO school holiday blackout so you can take your kids (if you want to)
Sadly, leaving your children at home whilst you go on holiday is generally frowned upon.
Adventure World offers chance to connect with “heart and soul” of the US
I mean who hasn't dreamed of a road trip around the US?! Go with Adventure World and you're less likely to get lost.
Fiji’s family-owned luxury resort Likuliku Lagoon launches its own app
We were relieved to find out that having a "concierge in your pocket" referred to an app on your phone.
Hawaii: The US’ laid-back front door for Australians
If you needed another sign that you should definitely head to Hawaii - this is it!
Sabre targets Asia Pacific growth with latest hire
Call the Avengers! Sabre continues its bid for world domination with latest hire.
Air New Zealand signs its largest EVER deal for sustainable aviation fuel
Air New Zealand makes huge step towards sustainable travel. We bet it recycles its rubbish properly too.
IHG Hotels & Resorts continues regional growth with Sunshine Coast Holiday Inn
This Holiday Inn looks considerably flashier than some of the ones we have stayed at in our time.
Budget carrier Scoot welcomes first of 9 E190-E2 aircrafts
Here at TW we would like to offer Embraer E190-E2 a warm welcome! It's not easy being the first of the fleet.