A massive earthquake has struck the Pacific island nation of Vanuatu, causing widespread destruction and prompting airlines to cancel or divert flights to the capital, Port Vila.
Flights Disrupted: Airlines Play It Safe
Several major airlines, including Qantas, Jetstar, and Virgin Australia, have taken precautions to ensure passenger safety.
Qantas diverted a flight from Brisbane to Noumea, the capital of New Caledonia, and then back to Brisbane, rather than risk landing in Port Vila.
“We’re monitoring the situation closely and will provide an update as soon as possible,” Qantas told passengers on its website.
Budget airline Jetstar cancelled a Sydney-Port Vila return flight for Wednesday, citing reports of possible damage to the airport’s infrastructure. Virgin Australia, meanwhile, has “paused” flights to the island for Tuesday and Wednesday, citing safety concerns.
Fiji Airways Turns Back, Solomon Airlines Still Flying
Fiji Airways took a more cautious approach, turning a flight to Port Vila around when it was unable to contact the airport. The airline is investigating reports of earthquake damage to the terminal and runway. Solomon Airlines, however, appears to be still offering flights to Vanuatu for Wednesday, according to its online platform.
Airport Shut Down: No Flights Landing
Online flight tracker Flightradar showed no flights landing in Port Vila, including those of domestic carrier Air Vanuatu, after the 7.3-magnitude quake struck at 12:47 pm local time. The quake’s impact has been severe, with buildings flattened, landslides triggered, and bridges pulled down.
As the situation unfolds, it’s clear that safety is the top priority for airlines operating in the region. We’ll continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available.
