Air Vanuatu - liquidation, Where to now?

Air Vanuatu has entered liquidation, resulting in the immediate grounding of all flights. This follows financial difficulties faced by the airline, leaving many travellers stranded and seeking alternative arrangements.

Customers

• Do Not Travel to the Airport: If you are due to fly with Air Vanuatu, please DO NOT TRAVEL TO THE AIRPORT unless you have arranged an alternative flight with another airline. Air Vanuatu is unfortunately not able to arrange alternative flights for passengers at this stage.
• Alternative Arrangements: If you have a booking sold by another airline that includes travel on an Air Vanuatu flight, please contact the relevant airline or travel agent to confirm if there is any impact on your travel plans.
• Further Information: Customers are advised to monitor the Civil Aviation Authority Vanuatu website for further information: https://caav.vu/. For additional assistance, please contact the Liquidators by email at AirVanuatu@au.ey.com.

If you have been directly affected by this event and need medical assistance, please call our 24-hour emergency assistance team immediately on +61 2 9333 3999. We further urge you to pay close attention to the local media and emergency services, including the DFAT Smart Traveller website.

Am I Still Covered For Claims Related To This Event?

According to our Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), we do not cover claims arising from the refusal, failure, or inability of any travel service provider, including airlines, to provide services due to financial default. Specifically, our policy states: 

"The refusal, failure or inability of any person, company or organisation, including but not limited to any airline, other transportation provider, hotel, car rental agency, tour or cruise operator, travel wholesaler, booking agent or other provider of travel or tourism-related services, facilities or accommodation, to provide services, facilities or accommodation, by reason of their own financial default or the financial default of any person, company or organisation with whom or with which they deal." This applies regardless of when the policy was purchased.

If you wish to cancel or amend your pre-booked travel arrangements as a result of this event, we recommend you contact your travel agent or travel provider regarding the best option in altering your trip.