International News

WELLINGTON, (APP/AFP): Air New Zealand said Friday it would
not resume flights to Vanuatu until the runway of the Pacific nation’s international airport is properly fixed.
The Kiwi flag carrier, along with Virgin Australia, suspended
services to Port Vila in January, citing safety concerns over the deteriorating runway at Bauerfield International Airport.
Qantas also suspended a code-share agreement with Air Vanuatu over
the issue.
It is a major economic blow for the impoverished nation, which is still rebuilding after Cyclone Pam last year and relies heavily on tourism.
The government has commenced interim repairs but Air New Zealand said they
were not good enough.
“The one-year lifespan of these repairs does not provide sufficient
operational certainty to build a sustainable service on,” it said in a
statement.
The airline said it had written to Vanuatu’s Civil Aviation Authority
outlining the conditions for its return.
“Air New Zealand would only consider resuming services once a
permanent solution for the runway at Bauerfield airfield has been fully funded, designed to a satisfactory standard and contracted to a competent contractor,” it said.