Unity Airlines explains charter flight seat allocation

December 2, 2025 10:06 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

By Charles Hakwa.

Unity Airlines has clarified a Facebook post claiming that paying passengers were offloaded on Tanna on Sunday, 30 November.

The post alleged that a few passengers arrived early, checked in, and paid for their tickets—including the TAFEA Province departure tax—but were allegedly replaced by other passengers who had not checked in.

Unity Airlines management clarified that only passengers who had paid could be accommodated within the available number of seats.

Regarding early check-in, the airline said that if staff were not present on Tanna, early check-in would not have been possible before the flight’s arrival.

Unity Airlines management explained that on the day in question, the plane was chartered by a film crew with substantial baggage, leaving only a few seats available. They confirmed that any passengers who had not paid in advance could not be accommodated.

On the issue of empty seats on charter flights, Unity Airlines stated that potential passengers can book in advance. Otherwise, seat allocation is at the pilot’s discretion on the day of the flight, considering the number of available seats and the aircraft’s weight limits.

Management also clarified that charter clients cannot sell empty seats for the return flight to Port Vila unless a two-way charter is arranged and paid for separately.