Air Vanuatu responds to Covid-19

Air Vanuatu today announced it is responding to Covid-19 by taking steps to protect employees and passengers, manage the economic impact of the decline in demand from all its major markets, and support the country with critical connectivity.

Air Vanuatu is implementing immediate schedule changes, including the temporary suspension of non-stop service from Melbourne, Noumea and Nadi and schedule reductions from Auckland, Brisbane and Sydney. Once fully implemented in the first week of April, international capacity will be reduced by 80%. The airline currently plans to return to its previous schedule in July.

Air Vanuatu’s last flight to Noumea will operate on Sunday, March 22nd, codesharing with Aircalin.

Flights will resume in accordance with advice from government authorities in Vanuatu and New Caledonia.

Flights to Melbourne and Nadi have been cancelled until July 6th and July 10th respectively.

Flights to Auckland, Brisbane and Sydney will continue, but with a reduced schedule, subject to Government approval.

At this time no changes are being made to the domestic schedule, but we are monitoring passenger traffic and may make adjustments at a later date.

The airline will work to accommodate all travelers who wish to change their travel plans, including changes to our commercial policy to provide additional flexibility. Customers with existing bookings can defer or cancel their travel without penalty up to June 30, 2020, and retain their ticket credit value for 12 months, starting from the date of issuance. Customers can make one booking change free of charge. Full details are available on our website at www.airvanuatu.vu.

Air Vanuatu’s call center and sales offices are working extended hours to accommodate an increase in call volumes and customer enquiries. However, customers may experience longer wait times.

The safety and well-being of employees and customers is our concern. We have introduced enhanced screening prior to boarding; we are monitoring passengers during flights; and we have implemented deep cleaning and sanitization of aircraft, in accordance with guidance and instructions from the Civil Aviation Authority of Vanuatu and the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

We will make further announcements in the near future.

Media contact
Paul PIO
Manager Marketing & Communications
Phone: +678 7120111
Email: ppio@airvanuatu.vu