26 Jan 2016

Virgin Australia flights to continue flying to Vanuatu

7:57 am on 26 January 2016

Virgin Australia says it will continue to operate flights to Vanuatu's Bauerfield International Airport.

Virgin Australia, Gold Coast.

Photo: RNZ / Alexander Robertson

Air New Zealand and Qantas have suspended their services to the airport in the capital Port Vila after a survey carried out by local aviation authorities highlighted the need for major repairs and upgrades to the runway.

However Virgin Australia says its safety experts conducted a full review at the weekend and decided it was safe for their aircraft to operate.

Virgin says it is working closely with local authorities and the Australian Civil Aviation Authority to ensure the condition of the runway remains safe at all times.

It says it will continue to monitor the condition of the runway and will immediately cease flights between Australia and Port Vila if necessary.