Air Vanuatu Considers Voluntary Administration, Cancels International Flights

Air Vanuatu, the national carrier of Vanuatu, is currently facing the possibility of voluntary administration as confirmed by the Vanuatu Government. The airline has taken the drastic measure to cancel all its international flights, including those to and from major cities like Sydney and Brisbane, leaving passengers stranded and uncertain about their travel plans.

The Vanuatu Government has appointed the international firm Ernst & Young to assist in reviewing the available options and providing recommendations regarding the airline’s financial situation. Representatives from Ernst & Young have already started assessing Air Vanuatu’s financial records in Port Vila, with the full cooperation of the Vanuatu Government and the Air Vanuatu team.

All international flights operated by Air Vanuatu from Thursday, 9 May 2024, through Sunday, 12 May 2024, have been officially canceled. The airline has also hinted that all future flights beyond the 12th of May are currently under review, pending further decisions.

Passengers who were scheduled to travel with Air Vanuatu during the affected period are advised not to proceed to the airports. Brisbane Airport has issued a warning specifically to passengers with Air Vanuatu bookings, instructing them to contact the airline’s customer support for updates and further instructions. Meanwhile, Virgin Australia remains operational on the route between Brisbane and Port Vila, providing an alternative for travelers.

The Vanuatu Tourism Office has acknowledged the challenging situation and assured the public that they are closely monitoring the developments. The office pledges to share timely updates as new information becomes available to mitigate the impact on travelers, ticket holders, and the tourism industry in Vanuatu.

The move to potentially place Air Vanuatu into voluntary administration comes after reports of financial instability and management concerns within the airline. Last year, Air Vanuatu faced a similar issue when flights between Port Vila and Australia and New Zealand were disrupted, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded in Vanuatu.