Air Vanuatu Announces Repatriation Flights Schedule

07 August 2020

The national airline announced today its international flight schedule to support the Government’s second repatriation phase of Vanuatu nationals and permanent residents, commencing Wednesday, 12^th August 2020.

“We are pleased to work with the Government of Vanuatu and other relevant agencies such as NDMO, the Vanuatu Public Health, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and diplomatic partners to offer these much needed flights,” says Joseph Laloyer, Air Vanuatu Acting Chief Executive Officer.

“Our first repatriation flight will commence on Wednesday, 12^th August 2020 and we hope to maintain the same schedule throughout the month of August. We are expecting around 2000 repatriatees from New Zealand, over 200 from Australia, 100 from Fiji and 20 from New Caledonia. RSE workers account for most returning citizens in New Zealand and Australia.”

Ni-Vanuatu citizens and permanent residents are encouraged to register with their nearest Vanuatu High Commissions and consulates overseas. Only registered customers will be able to purchase tickets with Air Vanuatu and allowed for travel.

Regional Consular Offices contacts

New Zealand        Mrs. Sanianna Aga Trief [email protected]

Australia               H.E Samson Vilvil Fare [email protected]

Fiji                        H.E Nikenike Vurobaravu [email protected]

New Caledonia    Consul Serge Alain Mahe [email protected]

International Schedule

** Subject to Government and Regulatory Approval **

Airfare

As announced by the Vanuatu Government, each returning passenger is required to purchase his or her own airfares.

Brisbane – from AUS$500/pp one way

Auckland – from NZD$600/pp one way

Noumea – from 29,555XP/pp one way

Nadi – from FJD$765/pp one way

Once purchased, tickets are non-refundable in case of cancellation or No-Show.

Changes are not permitted. Business class seats are not available for sale.

Customers can purchase tickets through our regional sales offices in Sydney, Auckland, Noumea and Port-Vila. Tickets are not available for sale online.

Ticket sales will be closed 72 hours before departure as the airline is required to provide the passenger manifest to Vanuatu Public Health and NDMO for approval in order to arrange appropriate quarantine facilities prior to arrival in Port-Vila.

Note - Passengers holding existing tickets with Air Vanuatu must purchase “new” tickets to be included on the repatriation flights. Any tickets currently held as credit will be valid for future travel until December 2022. For more information, please refer to Air Vanuatu’s covid-19 commercial policy.

Air Vanuatu’s “Yumi Ready” Health & Safety Protocols

As instructed by Vanuatu Public Health and NDMO, each passenger will automatically enter the mandatory 14-day quarantine period in a Government designated location upon arrival in Port-Vila.

Approved returning passengers must complete the Passenger Health Declaration Form at check-in and go through temperature screenings at the airport overseas.

Each individual is required to wear a face mask prior to boarding any international Air Vanuatu flights. Passengers who do not have face masks will be provided with one by our airport team. Hand-sanitizers are also available.

Onboard social distancing is not recommended by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) or Vanuatu Public Health, therefore it will not be applicable on any Air Vanuatu international flights.

Inflight service will be reduced and meal service suspended to minimize any interaction between the crew and passengers. Passengers will be provided with a bottle of water and light refreshments. The use of restrooms will be restricted throughout the flight.

Condolences to late H.E Johnson Marakipule NAVITI

Preparation are underway to return the body of the late High Commissioner in New Zealand, His Excellency Johnson Marakipule Naviti.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors, the Management and Staff at Air Vanuatu, we extend our sincere condolences and sympathy to Mrs. Naviti and family. Late Johnson was a former Chairman of Air Vanuatu, serving from 2015 to 2016, and we are very saddened by his loss,” says Sam Firi, Air Vanuatu Chairman of the Board of Directors.