Tonga’s sole domestic air carrier, Lulutai Airways will be assisted by Fiji Airways this week, while its 34-seater Saab aircraft is undergoing urgent repairs that may take four months to complete. 

Prime Minister Hon. Hu’akavameiliku said yesterday that Fiji Airways, through its Pacific Link service, will assist Lulutai Airways in providing services to the outer island of Vava’u from Monday until Wednesday this week.

He said the  the domestic airline’s 34 seat Saab 340 aircraft was withdrawn from service for urgent repairs.

“Government is focused on providing safe services for all passengers who choose to fly with Lulutai and has decided to pull the aircraft off service so that repairs and maintenance work can be done urgently.

“That will take three to four months at least. In the meantime, we are looking at all options available and to meet urgent needs we have worked with Pacific Link to provide the service that is needed between Vava’u and Tongatapu, with three flights this week on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.”

Hon. Hu'akavameiliku said Government is also looking at the option of partnering with a private company to manage the operations of Lulutai.

‘Otuanga'ofa inter-island ferry

In the meantime, the MV ‘Otuanga’ofa will return to Tonga from New Zealand around the second week of February, following mechanical services there.

The vessel should be serving Tonga again soon after having gone for maintenance and repairs.

NZ flooding

In addition, the Prime Minister also said Tonga stands with the people of Auckland who were affected by the flash flooding over the weekend.

“We stand with them in our prayers. We send our condolences to families who lost loved ones during the flash floods."

At least four people have died since the flash floods hit the greater Auckland area last week.