Hawaiian regional airline Mokulele Airlines has grounded its fleet “due to maintenance and an abundance of caution” five months after a similar issue caused the carrier to cancel flights.
The Hawaii Department of Transportation confirmed on January 15, 2024, that Mokulele Airlines had been forced to pause flights, while the carrier’s own website advised there was a “temporary disruption to certain flights due to aircraft inspections”.
Mokulele Airlines flights are operated by Southern Airways Express, which in turn is a subsidiary of Surf Air Mobility.
The airline is a vital lifeline for some island communities across Hawaii as the only carrier providing scheduled passenger services.
Mokulele Airlines provides services that link Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), Kahului Airport (OGG), Kapalua Airport (LUP), Hāna Airport (HNM), Ellison Onizuka Kona International Airport at Keāhole (KOA), Waimea-Kohala Airport (MUF), Molokaʻi Airport (MKK), Kalaupapa Airport (JHM) and Lānaʻi Airport (LNY).
In August 2024, Mokulele Airlines grounded a portion of its fleet to inspect and address findings from a routine maintenance check.
According to Mokulele Airlines, the regional carrier has a fleet of 11 208EX Grand Caravans and operates over 100 daily flights.
No specific details have been given regarding what the current maintenance issues are, but passengers are being advised to contact the carrier by phone to make alternative arrangements.