Kiwi tourists stranded in Vanuatu forced to pay hefty fees for charter flights following airline closure

Following the sudden grounding of Air Vanuatu’s regional services, New Zealanders found themselves stranded in Vanuatu with limited options for flights back home. Travel agents had sold tickets for routes that had not been operating for weeks, leaving tourists in a state of confusion and frustration.

One stranded Kiwi, Gavin, and his wife had to charter a flight to Australia at a cost of almost $1800 each to get home. They were among the lucky few who were able to secure a flight out of the island. However, many others were left with no clear way to return home due to the lack of available flights.

Michelle Billett, a travel agency director, managed to negotiate a chartered flight from Solomon Airlines to Brisbane for herself and other stranded passengers. The process involved arranging new landing rights and security clearances, highlighting the challenges faced by those trying to leave Vanuatu.

The collapse of Air Vanuatu not only affected travelers but also had a significant impact on the local hospitality industry. Accommodation providers like Turtle Bay Lodge saw a sudden drop in occupancy due to the lack of incoming flights.

As travelers scrambled to find alternative ways to leave the island, questions were raised about the responsibility of travel agents in such situations. The Travel Agents’ Association of New Zealand assured that they were working with affected travelers to identify their options and provide assistance.

With uncertainty looming over the future of air travel in Vanuatu, both locals and tourists faced challenges in navigating the limited flight options available. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade advised stranded travelers to reach out to their airlines, travel agents, and insurance providers for assistance and updates on their travel arrangements.