Stranded traveller calls on Air Vanuatu Management to resign voluntarily

August 5, 2025 9:35 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

By Hilaire Bule.

Ongoing engine problems with Air Vanuatu’s ATR aircraft have left many passengers stranded after the cancellation of several domestic flights to the islands.

Yesterday, Daily Post was at the domestic terminal in Port Vila and observed growing frustration among stranded passengers.

One traveller told Daily Post it was the third time he had gone to the airport to check his flight, only to be told it had been cancelled. He said Air Vanuatu had rescheduled his trip, but when he checked again, he found that his flight had been cancelled until further notice.

“I urge the management and the board to voluntarily resign if they cannot manage the airline,” he said. “It has become a weekly, monthly, and yearly chorus — Air Vanuatu facing problems with its aircraft. If the board and management can’t fix this, they should resign and let competent people run the airline.”

Daily Post attempted to get a response from Air Vanuatu management, but was unsuccessful.

Passengers said the ATR is currently grounded due to engine issues. In the meantime, they were told that the Twin Otter and Islander aircraft are transporting some stranded passengers while the airline works to resume its normal domestic schedule.

A parent from TORBA Province said they had purchased a ticket for their son to fly from Port Vila to Sola, but were informed that all flights to TORBA had been cancelled due to the ATR issue.

“We are still waiting for Air Vanuatu to reconfirm our son’s flight,” the parent said.

President of the TORBA Provincial Government Council, Edgar Howard, said people are relying on the weekly services of the MV Torba Rose and Nicon 3.

Mr. Howard added that due to Air Vanuatu’s current problems, people from TORBA are now using these two vessels to travel to Santo and other islands in the province.