The critical components required to restore Fire Services at Lupepau'u Airport in Vava'u are expected to arrive in Tonga tonight, Tonga Airports Ltd. (TAL) stated today, 16 July.

Components required for the repair of the fire truck hose are expected to be delivered to Vava'u tomorrow, Wednesday.

TAL acknowledged the public concerns raised regarding the temporary downgrade of rescue fire services at the airport in Vava'u, which had impacted scheduled flights between Nadi and Vava'u over the last two weeks.

It said a coordinated effort to resolve the situation was made.

“This was possible with the valuable assistance of Aviation Fire Services New Zealand.”

TAL also acknowledged the assistance and expert support provided from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Aviation Security New Zealand. 

“TAL understands the impact this situation has had on our stakeholders, including passengers and airline partners. Our team, in collaboration with our partners and suppliers, is working tirelessly to expedite the repairs and reinstate Category 4 airport rescue fire operations at Lupepau'u Airport,” said today's general statement, which was not attributed to any person.

“We extend our sincere apologies for any inconvenience caused and assure the public that every effort is being made to resolve this issue by the end of this week,” it stated.

See also:

Passengers bumped as airline downgrades aircraft into Vava'u, due to firetruck safety issues [2]