Air Vanuatu has canceled all its international flights to and from Brisbane, Sydney, Auckland and Noumea for the rest of the week ending May 12, 2024.
The decision follows news that the airline has dissolved its board and is considering entering into voluntary administration.
The Port Villa-based airline canceled a total of 22 flights for the week, leaving mostly Australian and Kiwi travelers stranded and needing to find alternative ways to return home.
The airline’s travel advisory section on its website cites “ extended maintenance requirements” on its aircraft as the reason for flight disruptions.
The airline told Australian and local media in Vanuatu that it is “considering” placing the carrier into voluntary administration.
“The international firm Ernst & Young has been appointed to assist the Vanuatu Government in reviewing available options and put forward recommendations to the Vanuatu Government,” the airline said. “Ernst & Young representatives arrived in Port Vila today to begin an assessment of Air Vanuatu’s financials and are being assisted by the Vanuatu Government and the Air Vanuatu team.”
The airline also said that all flights after May 12, 2024, are still under review.
Brisbane Airport (BNE) and Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) have posted flight cancellation notices on their respective social media platforms.
News of Air Vanuatu’s flight cancellation and board dissolvement comes less than two weeks after Australian low-cost carrier Bonza entered voluntary administration on April 30, 2024, and had its planes repossessed by lessor AIP Capital.