Australian flights cancelled as Air Vanuatu on verge of administration

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Air Vanuatu has cancelled all its international flights, including those to and from Australia as its government decides whether to place it into administration.

The Pacific carrier’s website shows that six flights between Sydney and Port Vila between yesterday and Saturday have been cancelled, while the same number of services in and out of Brisbane have also been scrapped.

In a statement to 9news.com.au, an Air Vanuatu spokesperson confirmed all international flights had been cancelled and that the Vanuatu government was weighing up placing the airline in administration.

“The Vanuatu government is now considering placing Air Vanuatu, the national carrier of Vanuatu, into voluntary administration,” the spokesperson said.

“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.

“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.

“Air Vanuatu has confirmed all international flights from Thursday, 9 May 2024 through Sunday, 12 May 2024 inclusive, are cancelled.

“All future flights after Sunday 12 May 2024 are currently under review.”

Air Vanuatu has set up a travel advisory page for impacted stakeholders, including passengers.

9news.com.au has contacted Ernst & Young for comment.

A spokesperson for the Vanuatu Tourism Office said it was in contact with the airline.

“The Vanuatu Tourism Office is aware of reports that our national carrier, Air Vanuatu has entered voluntary administration,” the spokesperson said.

“At this stage, we are unable to share further information but are in contact with Air Vanuatu and the Vanuatu government and will share updates as they become available.

“We are conscious of the impact this situation has on travellers, ticket holders and the industry and on behalf of the Vanuatu tourism industry extend our apologies to anyone affected.

“Virgin Australia continues to fly to Vanuatu directly between Brisbane-Port Vila.”

Brisbane Airport said it was aware of the cancellations, telling people who had booked with the airline not to go to the airport today or tomorrow.

“We are aware Air Vanuatu has cancelled its Brisbane flights for today and tomorrow,” it said.

“Passengers scheduled to fly with Air Vanuatu today or tomorrow should not travel to the airport.”

9news.com.au has contacted Sydney Airport for comment.